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.
Zechariah 1:3 (NIV) – “Therefore, tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Return to me,” declares the Lord, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 (The Voice) – “16 Celebrate always, 17 pray constantly, and 18 give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.)”
Prayer mobilisations – such as the Big Weekend of Prayer for schools in September. It is so helpful to have people from churches across the area lifting up key areas of life, seeking God’s Will to be done for His Glory. Note the national call to a week of prayer this month - https://www.nationalweekofprayer.uk/.
Health/care workers and facilities – although we may not always think we are being looked after appropriately we should be so grateful to God for the provision of our surgeries and clinics, dentists, opticians, hospitals, district nurses and care workers. Pray that they will let our Father energise them day by day to do His work of healing and care.
Those who serve faithfully in church or outside church – it is good to celebrate those who have humbly served God in any way in church or outside the church. We need such people who do not focus on themselves but others.
For Church leaders and workers – as they are in the middle of a busy Autumn season. Pray they keep seeking God’s priorities and perspective so they the do/say what He wants and thus not allow themselves to get overloaded and potentially burnt out.
Next “Crown Him, Ipswich!” cross church prayer time – 7.30pm on 22nd October at the shared 24/7 Prayer Space in Holy Trinity Church Hall, Back Hamlet. Another wonderful opportunity to pray for Ipswich as a whole Christian community. We will be praying for a range of Christian and secular concerns using prayer stations.
Local Police – pray for those Police or Police support personnel who we know. Uphold all our local Police and their support teams – may they know God’s blessing, His insight to assist in criminal arrests and detention, be inspired to give truly helpful advice on crime prevention, and be available on the streets and easily contactable/approachable.
Office and Home Workers – may all workers know that they are doing worthwhile activities which are appreciated even if this is not often shown as it should be. Pray they will let God inspire and energise them, giving them the perspective they need each day. This is needed all the more as people move around through the week and have less regular office location.
Halloween – remember that Christians should be declaring Psalm 43:3 “Send forth your light and your truth” in the face of the darkness and untruth that is prevalent at this time. The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4)!
Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of prayer, the ability to come to the throne of Grace because of what you have done. May we love to be near your throne and ask for your Will to be done in your Church, through the Health system, through our local Police, through our office and home workers. May we thrill to praise You for the work you do through your people within and outside your Church, and encourage such people to keep on humbly serving, spreading your light and truth. Glorify Your Name in all these requests and it is in Your Name that we ask. Amen.