Please use this prayer focus as you are led by God’s Spirit, in personal prayer times, in church prayer times, passing it on via church communications/Facebook groups etc.
John 12:32-33 (Amplified) – Jesus said – “…when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews].” 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Daily opportunities to serve our Father – this could be in a simple but significant conversation about our faith, or a chance to show His love practically for a neighbour or colleague. Pray we will have our eyes open so that we can be Kingdom builders each day!
Justice related workers – give thanks for all those who seek to ensure justice, especially for the vulnerable and those without resources. Pray that they will keep their integrity in all circumstances – judges, juries, court staff, police witnesses etc.
For local cross church organisations – such as Together For Ipswich, Christians Against Poverty, Route to Freedom. Pray for increased working together for God’s Kingdom by those from multiple Christian communities.
For those who do not yet know Jesus’ saving of their lives – pray that they will have their hearts gently prised open so they can see Jesus’ love for them and allow Him to forgive, cleanse and reside with them. Ask that we will be ready to be part of the answer to our heart cries for them.
Council and Utility workers – be thankful for Borough and County councillors who seek to serve our communities, council workers who seek to make our environment a safer and better place to live, those who keep our energy sources flowing and enable telecommunications. Pray they will think long term as well as short term as they plan activities, seeing that truly important work is prioritised.
Non Office workers – give thanks for all those who work in small, medium and large industries in Ipswich and the benefit they bring to the town. Pray for renewed energy, focus and integrity in all they do.
Dear Father, thank you that you delight in us serving you well, in the small and the big things of life. As we do this your Kingdom is built a little more and Ipswich is blessed as a result. Give us your “one church” perspective that we need as a collection of church communities so that we serve and share the Gospel in an integrated way. This helps your love to be made known so that more people can respond to it in their hearts.
In particular this month we ask that Justice workers would hold their integrity dear and see justice done alongside repentance; that council and utility workers would think ahead and do their best for the long term; and that industry workers would feel valued and seek you for energy and focus to benefit the town well.
We ask all these things so that You will be glorified and draw more people to yourself. Amen