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.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT) - “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
For times of refreshment – praise God for those times when one can recharge in an individual way. Uphold those who are in need of this but work, family or other pressures prevent them currently.
Autumn – a season of new opportunities – each new academic year is a stimulation to reassess what we are doing and what we should be doing – sometimes we need to do more, sometimes less, sometimes different activities. Praise God that He wants to lead us into this new season, which is not new to Him!
Church Leaders and their teams – give thanks for those who serve us faithfully and insightfully in our church communities. May we seek to uphold and encourage them rather than seeking to find faults.
IIP AwayDay in August – where the team celebrated the progress since last summer, put in place initial plans for the coming months and was seriously challenged by Nehemiah 1 and 2 – what is breaking our heart for Ipswich and what do we sense God is calling us to do in response?
For Christian charities locally – give thanks for the diversity of Christian led work that is going on around Ipswich. Lift up the charities you are familiar with as despite many being in good heart there are people and financial resourcing challenges, and the ongoing need to keep in step with God’s plans for the current season to share Jesus and His love.
Those who work in the Education system – pray for more stability in teaching this coming term. Uphold new teachers starting life in different schools as well as many pupils beginning new school experiences. May there be a focus on preparation for life as well as knowledge accumulation. Note there is Prayer Weekend for schools coming up on 8th – 10th September (see this link for more details).
Together For Ipswich – may this cross church group continue to provide a steer under God for new initiatives to bless Ipswich and know groups of churches taking a lead in those they sense God is calling them to prioritise. Pray for the right information to be passed on efficiently and clearly.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the way you look after us in every season of life and direct us (when we are willing) to fulfil your wonderful purposes – sharing your Gospel and your love with others. This Autumn may we be about your business in our daily work, family life, volunteering or retirement – supporting others we are serving alongside and thrilling to be in our current season of service. For your holy Name’s sake. Amen.