Prayer Diary
May
Wednesday 1st - Philip and James, apostles. We pray that, like the apostles, we may listen and hear the words of Jesus, that we may learn from his teaching and follow his way. May we in our lives show love in action, compassion in our words and welcome in our hearts.
We pray locally for the people of Cross Rd, that they may have a sense of the wonder and diversity of God’s creation.
Thursday 2nd – On World Tuna Day we acknowledge that the fish are threatened by overwhelming demand and pray for care, wisdom and sustainability in our fishing industry, maintenance of our ports and coastal areas and in our tourism industry.
Locally we pray for the people of Crossland Rd, that they find the welcome and support of a caring neighbourhood.
Friday 3rd – In 2024, World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.
Journalists encounter significant challenges in seeking and disseminating information on contemporary issues, such as supply-chains problems, climate migration, extractive industries, illegal mining, pollution, poaching, animal trafficking, deforestation, or climate change. Ensuring the visibility of these issues is crucial for promoting peace and democratic values worldwide. We give thanks for their courage and dedication, and pray for them and their families, remembering always those who have lost their lives in their pursuit of truth.
Locally we pray for the people of Cricket Grove, that they may sense God’s presence with them, whatever they are facing.
Saturday 4th – Looking to World Portuguese Language Day (5th ) we recognise that the Portuguese language is one of the most widespread in the world, with more than 265 million speakers spread through all continents. It is also the most widely spoken language in the southern hemisphere and a major language of international communication. We pray for Portuguese speakers across the world, especially for those who feel unheard.
Locally we remember the people of Cundiff Rd and pray for their safety, health and well-being.
Sunday 5th – 6th of Easter. Acts 10:44-end; Ps 98; 1John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17
This day, Lord, we ask that you strengthen us and bless us,
That you uplift us and guide us.
This day, Lord, we ask that you hear our cry and comfort us,
That you enable us to see joy and hope.
This day, Lord, we ask that you accept our prayer in mercy and favour,
That you support us in our unbelief.
Monday 6th – We pray for all able to enjoy this Spring bank holiday and neighbourhood events organised. We pray for all organising or taking part in our annual Fun Run, that it will be successful in financial and community terms and will offer fun and companionship.
Locally we pray particularly for the people of Darley Ave, that they may feel the joy of belonging and being valued.
Tuesday 7th – We look to the International Day for Plant Health (12th) and we acknowledge our dependency on them for 80 percent of the food we eat and 98 percent of the oxygen we breathe. International travel and trade associated with the introduction and spread of plant pests may be one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss. We lament how this threatens the delicate web of life that sustains our planet. We pray for all those protecting plant health, promoting environmentally friendly practices such as integrated pest management and helping prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests across borders. We give thanks for the beauty and diversity of nature and pray that we learn to achieve a healthier, more sustainable balance.
Locally we pray for the people of Dagnall Ave, for a neighbourhood of understanding, hospitality and care.
Wednesday 8th – 8–9 May is a time of remembrance and reconciliation for those who lost their lives during the Second World War and to pay tribute to all victims of the Second World War.
From this historic event the United Nations was created, designed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. It called upon the Member States to unite their efforts in dealing with new challenges and threats, with the United Nations playing a central role, and to make every effort to settle all disputes by peaceful means and in such a manner that international peace and security are not endangered. We pray for the UN and for all who work for peace and justice around the world.
Locally we pray for the people of Daresbury Rd, that they may experience the love and kindness of others today.
Thursday 9th – On Ascension Day we pray for a reign of peace and love upon the earth, a deepening fellowship between nations and peoples: for a time when no one will be exploited and no one neglected.
Your Kingdom come in us, as it is in heaven.
We pray locally for the people of Dovecote Mews, that they may feel the richness of a community of respect, care and inclusivity.
Friday 10th - We pray for all involved in education, giving thanks for the care, skills, creativity, inspiration, fun, joy and compassion of so many who teach. We pray for teachers across the world, especially those who have few resources or little support. We pray for all working to improve access to education for all.
We give thanks for all who live in Cundiff Rd, and pray that they may be conscious of the love and beauty around them.
Saturday 11th - On World Migratory Bird Day we acknowledge the many threats faced by birds: flight routes, endangered habitats, inhospitable environments, cruelty, effects of climate change. We pray for all involved in bird conservation. We give thanks for the ways in which wild birds enrich our world and bring us joy, beauty and learning.
We give thanks for the people of East Meade and ask that they may sense the joy and richness of God’s creation.
Sunday 12th – Sunday after Ascension Day . Acts 1:15-17, 21-end; Ps 1; 1John 5: 9-13; John 17:6-19
Holy Spirit of God, we watch for you, we wait for you,
We look for you, we long for you.
Come Holy Spirit, renew us, refresh us, restore us and inspire us,
that we may live and work to your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who with you, O Spirit, are with the Father, one God for ever. Amen
Monday 13th – We pray for all involved in medicine, medical and social care. We pray for those working with skills, patience, compassion and dedication, despite a sense of being undervalued, under-supported, under-paid and overworked. We pray for the many nurses and others in health professions who have left their work in the UK, due to insecurity of pay, conditions or of the right to remain with family joining them.
Locally we pray for the people of Edward Ave, giving thanks for the ways in which they enrich the lives of the local community.
Tuesday 14th – Matthias the Apostle We pray for Christians in our local community, for good ecumenical relationships and good, respectful relationships with people of other faiths and people of no faith. We pray for people living in areas where there is danger in professing Christianity and other faiths.
Locally, we pray for the people of Edge Lane, that they may have peace and joy in their hearts.
Wednesday 15th – On this International Day of Families we celebrate and pray for families across the world of all shapes and sizes. We give thanks for the support they can access in many countries and pray for those who are struggling, that they may find the support they need.
Locally we pray for the people of Eleanor Rd, that they may feel the safety and generosity of a kind neighbourhood.
Thursday 16th - On this International Day of Living Together in Peace we recognise the need for accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognize, respect and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way. We pray for all who work hard to help us locally, nationally and globally to live in peace. We pray for all who suffer when we fail in this. We pray for all who stand up to injustice and work for a fairer, better, more caring and inclusive world.
Locally we pray for the people of Emery Ave and for the ways in which they help to create a community that feels safe, confident and supportive.
Friday 17th – Held every year on 21 May, UNESCO leads the celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development . We give thanks for the richness of the world’s cultures, and pray for those enabling intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development. We note that 89% of all current conflicts in the world occur in countries with low intercultural dialogue.
According to UNESCO data, the cultural and creative sector is one of the most powerful engines of development worldwide. It accounts for more than 48 million jobs globally –almost half of which are held by women – representing 6.2% of all existing employment and 3.1% of global GDP. It is also the sector that employs and provides opportunities for the largest number of young people under the age of 30. However, the cultural and creative sector still does not have the place it deserves in public policies, international cooperation and education. We pray for an improvement in this situation.
Locally we pray for the people of Dagnall Ave, that they may feel the comfort and presence of God.
Saturday 18th – We give thanks for musicians and singers, for composers and conductors, for instrument makers, tuners and repairers, for all involved in the music business. We give thanks for the ways in which lives across the world are enriched by music. We pray for all who use their musical skills to enhance the lives and cohesion of communities, to reach across boundaries, to challenge, inspire and delight.
Locally we pray for the people of Fairhaven Ave, that they may sense the beauty and bounty of God’s creation.
Sunday 19th – Day of Pentecost. Whit Sunday. Acts 2:1-21; Ps 104:26-end; Rom 8:22-27; John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15
Come. Holy Spirit, come upon us,
Come around us, come within us;
Come to lead us, come to guide us;
That we may work in your power,
And rest in your presence:
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Father,
One God for ever. Amen.
Monday 20th –On World Bee Day we recognise that we all depend on the survival of bees, and that they and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities. Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. We give thanks for the pollinators that contribute directly to food security, and conserving biodiversity. We pray for all our wildlife and for all those who work so hard and with such dedication to ensure their conservation. We give thanks for the many ways in which our lives and environment are enriched by bees and other insects, flowers and animals.
We pray locally for the people of Finney Dr, that they may have a sense of God in whatever situation they find themselves in.
Tuesday 21st – On International Tea Day we pray for the millions of families in developing countries where tea production and processing constitutes a main source of livelihoods and is the main means of subsistence for millions of poor families, who live in a number of least developed countries. Often a main source of income and export revenues for some of the poorest countries and, providing much needed jobs, tea can play a significant role in rural development, poverty reduction and food security in developing countries, being one of the most important cash crops. We pray for all involved in the production, processing and retail of tea: for fair work conditions and pay.
We pray for the people of Fielden Ave, for their health and well-being.
Wednesday 22nd – International Day for Biological Diversity. As the global community is called to re-examine our relationship to the natural world, one thing is certain: despite all our technological advances we are completely dependent on healthy and vibrant ecosystems for our water, food, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter and energy, just to name a few. This involves respecting, protecting, and repairing our biological wealth. We pray for those communities feeling bulldozed into decisions they feel undermine their commitment to the community, culture and environment. We pray for those whose cultures and ways of life are threatened through the demands of big business, tourism, power, wealth and greed.
Locally we pray for the people of Fitton Ave, that they may experience the warmth and security of a welcoming and inclusive neighbourhood
Thursday 23rd - The Day of the Full Moon. ‘At this time of strife, the Buddha’s teachings of tolerance, compassion, and service to humanity are a source of solace and strength. As we navigate the path to a better future, let us seize the spirit of Vesak’ - UN Secretary-General António Guterres
As the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world we pray for people of faith across the globe, for better understanding, willingness to work alongside each other and to work for a better world that honours and respects all peoples and our shared planet.
Locally we pray for the people of Floyd Ave, that they may find the support, joy and strength they need in their lives.
Friday 24th – Yesterday marked the International Day to end Obstetric fistula, one of the most serious and tragic childbirth injuries. A hole between the birth canal and bladder and/or rectum, it is caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment. It leaves women with incontinence problems, and often leads to chronic medical problems, depression, social isolation and deepening poverty. This problem is preventable with the correct medical assistance. We pray for all affected by this and those involved in the care and treatment of women suffering difficulties arising in pregnancy and childbirth. We pray for the achievement of health, gender equality and human rights for all.
We pray locally for the people of Darlbeck Walk, that they may feel heard, hopeful and valued.
Saturday 25th – (25-31st)In this Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of non-self-governing territories we pray that the political, economic, social and educational advancement of the peoples is ensured. We pray for robust democratic political institutions. We pray for those peoples feeling threatened or intimidated by the power of invasive or neighbouring authorities. We pray for the Holy Land and for just and peaceful solutions to the conflict, intimidation and violence suffered by so many and by the horrors of the current war and violations of basic human rights.
We pray for the people of Godbert Ave, that they may know the generosity and compassion of their community.
Sunday 26th – Trinity Sunday. Isa 6:1-8; Ps 29; Rom 8:12-17; John 3:1-17
The Trinity protecting me;
The Father be over me,
The Saviour be under me,
The Spirit be within me.
The Holy Three enfolding me,
Ever more about me.
Holy God, strong and mighty,
You give us life, love, yourself;
Help us to give our lives, our love, ourselves to you.
Monday 27th – We pray for all working in legal aid and justice systems across the world, that they may uphold truth, ensure justice through the law and treat people with respect and dignity. We pray for all who have been badly treated through oppressive laws, poor access to legal support or miscarriages of justice. We pray for all working to fight injustice and improve access to legal aid.
We pray locally for the people of Gresford Close, that they may see something of God’s love in their lives and in their environment.
Tuesday 28th – We pray for all working in the entertainment industry: for actors, dancers, musicians, poets, cartoonists, comics, and circus performers. We give thanks for their skills and the ways in which they enhance our lives. We pray locally for the people of Grange Rd, that they may feel the security and dignity of a warm, inclusive community.
Wednesday 29th – On this International Day of UN Peacekeepers we pray for all involved in diplomacy, making and strengthening peace and justice. Rising global tensions, more complex conflict, and a proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, impede their work and threaten their safety.
The theme of the 75th anniversary “Peace begins with me” recognizes the service and sacrifice of peacekeepers, past and present, including more than 4200 who have given their lives under the UN flag. It also pays tribute to the resilience of the communities they serve, who continue to strive for peace despite many obstacles. We pray that we may recognise the part we can play, that together, we can be a strong force for change.
From our own parish we pray for the people of Grindley Ave, for their health and welcoming, for their wellbeing and joy.
Thursday 30th – We give thanks for our parks and gardens and for all who work to maintain them. We pray for all who use and love them and for all who fight to preserve them for local access and enrichment.
Locally we pray for the people of Groby Rd, that they may have a sense of love and joy in God’s creation around them.
Friday 31st - We pray for all struggling with mental illness and all who work to support, care for and treat those who are ill. We pray for greater understanding and acceptance in society at large, whilst giving thanks for the improvements we do see.
We pray locally for the people of Darley Ave, for their friends, family and colleagues, that they may enrich each other’s lives and feel both joy and hope in their lives.
Lectionary readings:
Sun May 5th – 6th of Easter. Acts 10:44-end; Ps 98; 1John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17
Sun May 12th – Sunday after Ascension Day . Acts 1:15-17, 21-end; Ps 1; 1John 5: 9-13; John 17:6-19
Sun May 19th – Day of Pentecost. Whit Sunday. Acts 2:1-21; Ps 104:26-end; Rom 8:22-27; John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15
Sun May 26th – Trinity Sunday. Isa 6:1-8; Ps 29; Rom 8:12-17; John 3:1-17