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.”
Psalm 46:10 (NIV) – “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
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.
Global week of prayer from 6th – 13thSeptember – Note that as part of this there is a National Day of Prayer for Schools - 9th September - Please see this letterfor all the relevant details. Note also the Prayer Breakfast for the church in Ipswich– 12thSeptember.
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 – Uphold new teachers as well as many pupils beginning new school or college experiences. May there be a focus on preparation for life as well as knowledge accumulation.
Together For Ipswich (TFI) – may this cross church group continue to listen to God, the church and the local civic authorities such as the Health Board and the local Council so that it can encourage connections and appropriate activities. Pray that TFI will continue to pass on useful information to all the relevant people.
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 prayer, 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.