Prayer Diary

Prayer Diary – April 2024 

Mon Apr 1st – On Monday of Easter Week we remember those encounters with the Risen Christ such as on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24). We pray for those who are despondent, that they may be open to possibility, to hearing the stories of others, to voicing their own, to walking with our Lord, to receiving hope. We pray locally for the people of Meade Hill Road that they may have a sense of the wonder and diversity of God’s creation.

Tue Apr 2nd – World Autism Awareness Day – We pray for greater acceptance, understanding and support of people who are neuro-divergent, and for a celebration of skills and gifts offered by people who are neuro-divergent. Locally we pray for the people of Melton Road, that they find the welcome and support of a caring neighbourhood.

Wed Apr 3rd – As Jesus accepted the hospitality of strangers, we give thanks and pray for those willing to give and those willing to receive hospitality. We pray that we learn to become more generous and hospitable to others. Locally we pray for the people of Middleton Road, that they may sense God’s presence with them, whatever they are facing.

Thu Apr 4th – We mark International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. Explosive ordnance contamination threatens lives, curtails freedom of movement, limits access to arable land, disenfranchises communities and above all instils fear and insecurity. It spreads terror, and longstanding contamination internalizes this terror. We pray for the most affected - the most vulnerable populations. Locally we remember the people of Midfield Court and pray for their safety, health and well-being.

Fri Apr 5th – International Day of Conscience. Within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights it states that "disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of humankind…’.  We pray for greater acknowledgement that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and are endowed with reason and conscience and we pray that we learn to act towards one another in a spirit of humanity, dignity, respect, compassion and justice. Locally we pray for the people of Moorland Avenue, for a neighbourhood of understanding, hospitality and care.

Sat Apr 6th – On this International Day of Sport for the Promotion of Development and Peace we give thanks for the many ways in which sports bodies work to this end and pray for all those, using their skills, effort, time and commitment to promote sport in this way. Locally we pray particularly for the people of Moorside Road, that they may feel the joy of belonging and being valued.

Sun Apr 7th – 2nd Sunday of Easter. Acts 4:32-35; Ps 133; 1John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-end. O Christ, tirelessly you seek out those who are looking for you and think that you are far away; teach us, at every moment, to place our spirits in your hands. While we are still looking for you, already you have found us. However poor our prayer, You hear us far more than we can imagine or believe. Brother Roger, Taize

Mon Apr 8th – World Health Day (7th April) we recognise that around the world, the right to health of millions is increasingly coming under threat. Diseases and disasters loom large as causes of death and disability. We pray for all individuals and organisations, governments and community leaders working to strengthen the right to health of people around the world. Locally we pray for the people of Moss Bank, that they may experience the love and kindness of others today.

Tue Apr 9th – We remember the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and pray for those carrying the scars of such horrific events. We pray that the world may be alert to situations of fear and intimidation, land and power grabbing around the world, which could lead to further genocides; we pray that world leaders stand in resistance to such inhumanity. We pray locally for the people of Mosslee Avenue, that they may feel the richness of a community of respect, care and inclusivity.

Wed Apr 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 Moxley Road, that they may be conscious of the love and beauty around them.

Thu Apr 11th – 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. We give thanks for the people of Nada Road and ask that they may sense the joy and richness of God’s creation.

Fri Apr 12th – On this International Day of Human Space Flight we celebrate the courage, the spirit of wonder, the scientific and engineering skills of humankind. We give thanks for all the benefits gained as a result of space exploration and for international cooperation, but we pray for the place of humility in such work also and a recognition of our creator God, our responsibility as guardians of our world and habitat. Locally, we pray for the people of Neesa Well Women Drop in Project, that they may have peace and joy in their hearts.

Sat Apr 13th – Looking to World Chagas Disease Day (14th), marked for the first time in 2020, we recognise that Chagas disease, also known as "silent or silenced disease", affects mainly poor people without access to health care . People become infected through contact with Triatomine bugs typically live in the wall or roof cracks of poorly constructed homes. The disease progresses slowly and often shows an asymptomatic clinical course. Without treatment, Chagas disease can lead to severe cardiac and digestive alterations and become fatal. We pray for greater awareness of the disease, essential to improve the rates of early treatment and cure, together with the interruption of its transmission. Locally we pray for the people of Newcroft Drive, giving thanks for the ways in which they enrich the lives of the local community.

Sun Apr 14th – 3rd Sunday of Easter.   Acts 3:12-19; Ps 4; 1John 3:1-7; Luke 24: 36b- 48. Jesus, Risen Lord, you change and transfigure our heart just as it is. You do not even ask us to uproot the weeds; You take care of that. With our own wounds, the thorns that hurt us, you light a fire – and a way forward opens in us to welcome your Spirit and the Spirit of praise that brings healing. So that what is most resistant in us, our failures, Our refusals and our inner abysses, may be transfigured Into energies of love and reconciliation, All that you ask of us is that we welcome you And rejoice in the miracle of your forgiveness. Brother Roger, Taize.

Mon Apr 15th – As we look to Spanish Language Day and English Language Day (both -23rd) we pray for Spanish and English language speakers around the world and give thanks for the ways in which these languages contribute to the learning, cooperation, and cross-fertilisation of ideas. We give thanks for the rich diversity of accent and dialect and we give thanks for the ways in which speakers and writers of these languages enrich our world of culture, learning, story and ideas. Locally we pray for the people of Newington Avenue, that they may feel the safety and generosity of a kind neighbourhood.

Tue Apr 16th – 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 Newland Street and for the ways in which they help to create a community that feels safe, confident and supportive.

Wed Apr 17th – We pray for all fighting to undo the harms of bad or unfair situations. We pray for all who have been caught up in the horrendous scandals of our own country such as those of Windrush, infected blood, Grenfell, Post office. We pray for those who have understandably lost faith in our legal system and the willingness and ability to right wrongs. We pray for those who have dedicated so much of their life fighting for justice and compensation for those so badly hurt by such miscarriages of justice. Locally we pray for all the churches and places of faith in and around Crumpsall. We pray for good ecumenical relationships and good relationships between people of different faiths. We pray for the people of Newlands Greater Manchester Jewish Housing Association, that they may feel the comfort and presence of God.

Thu Apr 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 North Manchester General Hospital, that they may sense the beauty and bounty of God’s creation.

Fri Apr 19th – Looking to International Mother Earth Day (22nd) we acknowledge the many problems faced by our planet: Climate change, man-made changes to nature as well as crimes that disrupt biodiversity, such as deforestation, land-use change, intensified agriculture and livestock production or the growing illegal wildlife trade, all accelerating the speed of destruction of the planet. We pray for greater commitment to ensuring healthier ecosystems and in turn a healthier planet - and its people. We pray that world leaders and industries support all who are working to restore our damaged ecosystems and thus help to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent mass extinction. We pray that we may increase our own commitment to playing our part. We pray for the people of Northurst Drive for their health and well-being.

Sat Apr 20th – On Chinese Language Day we pray for all Chinese language speakers across the world. We pray for those unable to speak, learn, read in their native language and for those struggling to cope with the languages of new home lands. We give thanks and pray for the many translators and interpreters, who enable greater understanding between peoples and nations, and who enable greater accessibility of much thought and wisdom, and of many stories from Chinese writers and philosophers down the ages. We pray locally for the people of Northwards Housing, that they may have a sense of God in whatever situation they find themselves in.

Sun Apr 21st – 4th Sunday of Easter. Acts 4:5-12; Ps 23; 1John 3:16-end; John 10:11-18. Risen Lord, At times we are like strangers on this earth, Disconcerted by all the violence and harsh oppositions. Like a gentle breeze, you breathe upon us the Spirit of peace. Transfigure the deserts of our doubts And so prepare us to be the bearers of reconciliation Wherever you place us, Until a hope of peace arises in our world. Brother Roger, Taize.

Mon Apr 22nd – Looking back to World Creativity and Innovation Day (21st) we pray for all involved in creativity and innovation, recognising that Creativity drives our ideas and emotions, as well as our ability to connect, to question and to be understood. We pray for a greater awareness of the many roles played by creativity and innovation: in expression of our identities, in livelihoods, careers, and economic opportunities for millions of people around the world, especially women, youth, and vulnerable groups. We pray that in our own country and around the world we remain open to celebrating and encouraging creativity and innovation. Locally we pray for childminders and nurseries, that they may experience the warmth and security of a welcoming and inclusive neighbourhood

Tue Apr 23rd – World Book and Copyright Day is a celebration to promote the enjoyment of books and reading, recognizing the scope of books - a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures. We pray for the three major sectors of the book industry - publishers, booksellers and libraries.

23 April is a symbolic date in world literature. It is the date on which several prominent authors, William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. We give thanks for authors and all who encourage a love of reading and enable access to books. We pray for a greater commitment to and support for our libraries and for all who work to keep them open and accessible to all. Locally we pray for outreach and community residential services, that they may find the support, joy and strength they need in their lives.

Wed Apr 24th – On this  International Day for Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, we recognise the founding principles such as consultation, inclusion and solidarity and pray for such in the local, national and international arenas. We pray for all that makes for peace and builds up our common bond. We pray for all who work tirelessly for peace and justice.  We pray locally for the people of Park Road, that they may feel heard, hopeful and valued.

Thu Apr 25th – We pray for all who work in ICT, and all who are working hard to encourage greater inclusivity and parity in the industry. We give thanks for international cooperation and collaboration in the industry. We pray for the people of Parkhill Avenue, that they may know the generosity and compassion of their community.

Fri Apr 26th – During World Immunisation Week, we reflect on the blessings of health and the communal efforts to safeguard it. We are grateful for the medical strides made to prevent illness and for all who work diligently to promote wellbeing across all generations. May understanding, empathy, and respect guide conversations about healthcare. We pray for those seeking reassurance and truth, and for a global spirit of cooperation and shared knowledge in the pursuit of widespread health. In our local community, we ask for strength, unity, and a sense of belonging for the residents of Parsonage Street, that they may support one another in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment.

Sat Apr 27th – We remember World Malaria Day (25th) and pray for all suffering from this disease and all working to improve the care and treatment of such. We pray for all whose health is compromised by environmental factors such as poor housing, polluted air, damp and mould, poverty, poor sanitation and lack of clean water. We pray locally for the people of Pelham Place, that they may see something of God’s love in their lives and in their environment.

Sun Apr 28th – 5th of Easter.   Acts 8:26-end; Ps 22: 25-end; 1John 4:7-end; John 15:1-8. Christ Jesus, You wish for us to be where you are. And you give us what we scarcely dared hope for: Your unshakeable trust in us. By your trust, you untie the knots That hold us captive and you make us more human. Brother Roger, Taize .

Mon Apr 29th – We look back to International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day (26th). An explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 spread a radioactive cloud over Europe. Nearly 8.4 million people in the three countries were exposed to the radiation. We pray for continued international cooperation in the field of nuclear safety and development assistance to the Chernobyl-affected communities. We pray for all those working in the nuclear power industry and other such dangerous industries, where safety and security is vital. From our own parish we pray for pharmacies, physiotherapists and  others providing for our healthcare needs, for their own health, wellbeing and joy.

Tue Apr 30th – Looking back to the World Day for Health and Safety at Work (28th) we pray for all those who are responsible for health and safety in the  work place and for all responsible for providing the necessary funding, structures and support. We bring to mind the many public buildings such as schools and libraries affected by inadequate building materials and poor maintenance and pray for all those people whose lives, health and safety have been compromised. We pray for all working hard to address such issues and find solutions. Locally we pray for the people of Plymtree Close, that they may have a sense of love and joy in God’s creation around them.