 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
When Sara was 14, she left home and joined the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Attracted to the group’s Marxist ideology and in search of acceptance, Sara joined FARC to bring about a Colombian revolution. Years later she was urged by fellow guerrillas to denounce her family, who had become Christians; they knew the gospel ran counter to their violent ideology. But Sara left FARC, rejoined her family, got married, and now places her trust in Christ. Because God saved her from a violent life, she feels compelled to share His Word with others who have given their lives to the guerrilla group. She and her husband now distribute Bibles to youth. Their ministry has not gone unnoticed, as FARC leaders have threatened them many times.
Praise: God for saving Sara from a violent life and enabling her to share God’s Word with others. May He continue to protect and use her. (Colossians 3:15)
More: etools.vomusa.org/a/vombm/viewasweb/vom_bulk_email_202006_08_web.html |
|
|
An old video has appeared on social media of Premier League football star Angel Gomes being prayed for to be healed of pain from football-related injuries four years ago. When Gomes was 16 and captain of the England national under-17 team, he visited TB Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations for a service. The video shows a controversial prophet praying for healing which resulted in Gomes jogging, shaking his legs and squatting showing he was healed of pain. This week Gomes received questions about the 2016 video and replied saying he was from a Christian family and was going through some pain issues. ‘From the outside looking in it looks crazy, but I was just practising my faith.’ He added that he didn’t really need to explain himself but a lot of people were asking him what the video was about, I was just practising my faith’.
Praise: God for Christians in sports who declare their faith to their fans. (Romans 1:16)
More: premierchristian.news/en/news/article/i-was-just-practicing-my-faith-manchester-united-footballer-defends-prayer-video |
|
|
About 1.3m children in England will be able to claim free school meal vouchers in the summer holidays, after a campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United forward, 22, welcomed the six-week voucher for eligible children, saying, ‘Look at what we can do when we come together’. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the move was a ‘welcome u-turn’. Boris Johnson praised Mr Rashford’s ‘contribution to the debate around poverty’. During the lockdown the government has been providing vouchers to families whose children qualify for free meals, but had insisted this would not continue outside term time. However, following an open letter by Rashford, who had needed free school meals himself, and a petition signed by 266,000, this decision was reversed.
Praise: God for Marcus Rashford’s willingness to speak out on behalf of others, and for the Government’s willingness to admit that it had got it wrong. (Proverbs 19:20)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53065806 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
In May the CofE’s General Synod was cancelled, but now an informal Zoom Synod will convene for a virtual meeting on 11 July. The term of the current General Synod has been extended for a year. Synod officers continue to explore options to enable them to transact business remotely if it is not possible to meet in person. July’s meeting will include a session to discuss the CoE’s coronavirus policies.
Pray: for God to give the virtual Synod meeting rich fellowship. May all scheduled church activities be Spirit-filled as the members conduct pastoral and business decisions. (John 17:23a)
More: premierchristian.news/en/news/article/virtual-meeting-of-the-general-synod-to-take-place-on-july-11 |
|
|
Brexit talks started in earnest on 15 June with an online meeting between Boris Johnson and EU leaders. There are only six months left to negotiate, sign and seal the UK’s future relationship with its biggest and closest trade partner, but the talks have all but stalled due to disagreements on fisheries. Politicians and business leaders in the UK and Europe are calling for negotiations to be prolonged in the light of the pandemic. The UK originally had until June to extend the transition period, but now a statement says that the EU and UK plan ‘to intensify the talks in July and create the most conducive conditions for concluding and ratifying a deal before the end of 2020: this should include, if possible, finding an early understanding on the principles underlying any agreement.’
Pray: for the UK to move forward in unity towards God’s purposes for the continent. (Matthew 17: 20b)
More: www.euronews.com/2020/06/15/brexit-boris-johnson-and-ursula-von-der-leyen-to-hold-high-level-talks-next-week |
|
|
England contains many diverse, multicultural cities, and the current uprisings spectacularly play out in them. The movement’s heart is about injustices that go back decades – and centuries – with global foundations. Many parts of the UK have deep issues with racism that have long needed to be challenged, talked about, rectified and healed. On 15 June Boris Johnson announced plans to create a cross-government commission to examine racial inequality and the disparities experienced by minority ethnic groups in education, health and the criminal justice system. He said he could not ignore the strength of feeling shown by tens of thousands of people who had demonstrated in London and other cities across the UK. He said, ‘It is no use just saying that we have made huge progress in tackling racism. There is much more that we need to do; and we will.’
Pray: for God to be present in all cross-governmental discussions around inequality in employment, health, academic and all other walks of life. (Jeremiah 22:3,4)
More: www.voice-online.co.uk/news/uk-news/2020/06/15/boris-johnson-to-launch-cross-government-commission-on-racism/ |
|
|
The Department of Education (DE) is considering two-week summer schools in late July for pupils going into years 5, 6 and 7. No school or organisation will be obliged to run one; they are entirely voluntary and subject to funding being available and the agreement of the executive teaching unions. Schools will be asked how many pupils they could take on a ratio of one teacher per seven pupils. Possible financial support may be available to schools already running their own summer schools (for current year 4, 5 and 6 pupils). Other proposals being considered are extra online lessons in literacy and numeracy for pupils going into year 7 who need extra support, and virtual learning if they have IT access.
Pray: for funding to be available for all pupils needing extra tuition, and for enough teachers and schools to be available to participate and make this viable. (Exodus 14:14)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-53057829 |
|
|
Scotland’s unemployment rate is now the highest in the UK, having risen by 30,000 to 127,000 between February and April as a result of the pandemic. Many people will be feeling a deep sense of anxiety about their livelihoods. The UK’s Scottish secretary Alister Jack said the impact of coronavirus was clearly seen in the latest figures, which are ‘expected to continue for some time’. There is no obvious reason why Scottish unemployment should have risen so much, although it could be the downturn in oil and gas consumption, or a bigger dependence on tourism jobs. The UK government is providing comprehensive coronavirus support packages to help people get through this unprecedented pandemic. We can pray for redundant young people and those already on company loans and universal credit.
Pray: for the Government, as it reopens the economy, to find ways to keep people working and adequately support those who have lost jobs. (Luke 6:38)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-53061072 |
|
|
A research team from Kings College London suggests social media news sites may need to do more to regulate misleading content as people who get their news from social media sources are more likely to break lockdown rules. Its report says, ‘Unregulated social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube may present a health risk to the UK because they are spreading conspiracy theories about coronavirus. One wonders how long this state of affairs can be allowed to persist.’ The study concludes, ‘Conspiracy beliefs act to inhibit health-protective behaviours, and social media act as a vector for such beliefs.’ In response, Facebook says it has removed a huge amount of misinformation from its sites, and directed 3.5 million visits to the official NHS and Government Covid-19 information sites.
Pray: for social media platforms to be highly regulated, to prevent the spread of any kind of misinformation. (Ephesians 4:25)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53085640 |
|
|
At the time of writing (18 June – midday) Somerset media have reported torrential rain, flash floods, thunder, and lightning strikes in the last 24 hours, with more on the way. Pray for the owners of flooded homes and businesses, for those desperately laying sandbags against further flash floods, and for those experiencing power cuts and hazardous driving conditions as storms spread across the country. Other parts of England had torrential rainfall, and some houses were set alight by lightning. A local chamber of commerce in Gloucestershire said it was ‘heart-wrenching’ to see that shops which had just reopened after lockdown were now flooded.
Pray: for all who have storm damage to receive support to recuperate and repair. (Psalm 10:14)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-53075473 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Parliamentary prayer breakfast leaders in Europe, MPs, and MEPs are to have a time of prayer between 7 and 8am BST on Friday 26 June. They intend to implore God from the parliaments of Europe to rebuild our societies on His strong foundation. They say, ‘Let us humble ourselves, and pray in the name of Jesus for our countries, Europe, and the world. From the Atlantic to the Urals, from the North Sea to the Mediterranean, may history say of us that “they remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer” (Psalm 78:35).’ If you feel a strong sense of urgency about the new present and the near future you may want to watch live and join together with Christians across Europe here
Pray: for the prayers of Christians to draw the future of Europe into God’s purposes. (Proverbs 3:6)
More: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQKqSz82TNU&feature=youtu.be |
|
|
The leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green party have struck a deal to form a coalition government in Ireland four months after a general election scrambled the political landscape. The proposed coalition, which still needs to be ratified by grassroots members, would bridge a century of rivalry between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil and inject urgency into Ireland’s response to the climate crisis. It will also need to steer new laws, including one for a €6.5bn (£5.8bn) coronavirus support package, through a fragmented parliament.
Pray: for all three parties to support plans to replace the caretaker administration. (Jeremiah 29:11)
More: www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/15/fine-gael-fianna-fail-and-greens-agree-deal-to-form-irish-coalition |
|
|
The world’s smallest state, in the heart of Rome and the papal domain, is losing credibility through numerous scandals, aggressive papal doctrinal positions, and sustained decline in vocations (of priests, monks and nuns), which are bringing many changes to Catholicism. Pray for the impact of charismatic renewal on Catholics worldwide: a large proportion of the Catholic missionary force is charismatic. At the same time, the Church is expanding in theological conservatism, Marian devotion (prayers to Mary), and folk religious practices.
Pray: for the millions of nominal Catholics to experience radical cultural and spiritual transformation that their pontiff insists is essential to faith. (John 16:13)
More: www.operationworld.org/jun15 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Intercessors for America (IFA) have asked for intercessors to take a few minutes to pray for America’s elected officials and then send a message to them to let them know that prayer is critical for America at this time. They want to encourage their leaders to seek God for answers to the chaos in the streets, the bitter divide between citizens, and the struggling economy. IFA want the nation to cry out to God in a wave of prayer, and are inviting intercessors far and wide to join them; saying, ‘We have the answer that many are seeking in our nation – it is God. Remember that this battle is spiritual at its root, and we must continue to press in to Him as well as take action. Thank you for being faithful to do just that.’
Pray: for a tsunami of prayer to gain momentum and bring positive change in the USA. (1 Samuel 2:1)
More: ifapray.org/ |
|
|
On 30 May, two days before ‘Global Coptic Day’, authorities demolished the only Coptic church in Koum al-Farag village, even though it served 3,000 Christians. The demolition was a punishment for the ‘crime’ of building rooms for Sunday school. When the extension work began, Muslims attacked the Christians by building a mosque next door (according to common law, churches are prevented from being formally recognised or displaying Christian symbols if a mosque is built next door). Police also imprisoned 14 Christians overnight. The nearest church is now ten miles away. Demolitions of churches are seldom reported in the West. Christians and priests are also randomly assaulted in Egypt’s streets – not by terrorists but by Muslim neighbours. See
Pray: for God to stir the UN to take action to end attacks against citizens for worshipping according to their beliefs, and to prevent acts of violence against sacred places. (Psalm 71:21)
More: www.gatestoneinstitute.org/16105/egypt-christians-persecuted |
|
|
‘If anything happens to my pastor, I will not fear. I will take charge of his work and serve the Lord!’ This brave declaration was made by Samaru Madkami, aged 14, from Odisha State. He had good reason to expect his pastor to die, as Christians in their area face hostility and violence from extremists in the Hindu majority. Samaru’s father, a church elder, had received death threats. But it was Samaru himself who was abducted and brutally murdered by the extremists, not long after he had made his courageous pledge. He went missing on 4 June and his body was found two days later. The gang who killed him also tried to seize a cousin of Samaru’s but, being older and stronger, he managed to get away. ‘Samaru was a passionate Christian’, said his pastor, recalling how the boy had energetically shared the Gospel with other young people and children in the village.
Pray: for the Prince of Peace to walk with those living in violent communities, and for the Comforter to hold the bereaved, injured and displaced. (Psalm 23:4)
More: mailchi.mp/barnabasfund/helpless-victims-of-anti-christian-violence-need-your-aid-813109 |
|
|
India’s home minister has offered 500 railway carriages for use as makeshift coronavirus hospital wards as New Delhi struggles to contain a spike in cases. Delhi has about 9,000 beds dedicated to Covid-19 patients among public and private hospitals, but a panel of experts has said that at least 15,000 beds will be needed by the end of June. The health ministry is reporting jumps in coronavirus infections nationwide. At least 55 journalists faced arrest, physical assaults, destruction of properties and threats for reporting on Covid-19 or exercising freedom of opinion during India’s lockdown. It did not take long for the state and political activists to allege the journalists’ reports were prejudicial to maintaining national harmony. India has become the riskiest place in the world for journalists.
Pray: for those in crowded areas to find ways to follow social distancing and hygiene rules. (Psalm 23:4)
More: www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/measures-beijing-coronavirus-cases-spike-live-200614233622226.html |
|
|
‘The incessant killing is more dangerous than coronavirus’, said a community leader in central Nigeria recently. His reaction is one of several testimonies – frequently harrowing to read, let alone to have experienced – which feature in an Inquiry into the scale of death and destruction caused by conflict occurring along the Christian-Muslim fault line running across the ‘Middle Belt’ of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. The inquiry, published on 15 June by the UK parliament, had been taking evidence since autumn 2018. Since the coronavirus pandemic, violence appears to have grown even as international media have been otherwise occupied. The report, Nigeria: Unfolding Genocide, said, ‘Violence has claimed the lives of thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands more, causing untold human and economic devastation and heightening existing ethno-religious tensions.’
Pray: for this parliamentary inquiry to lead to action that ends deadly attacks that have escalated in recent weeks. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
More: www.worldwatchmonitor.org/2020/06/incessant-killing-is-more-dangerous-than-coronavirus-report-on-nigeria-to-uk-parliament/ |
|
|
Libya, a major oil producer, has been mired in turmoil since 2011 when Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in a NATO-backed uprising. In the first week of June the warring sides began new ceasefire talks in Libya. On 14 June the Turkish foreign minister and his Russian counterpart decided to put off the talks during a phone call; however, they said that it was important to prevent another failed ceasefire. Pray that there will be constructive positive talks for a lasting ceasefire without any more postponements. Pray for a spirit of unity to flow through all communication between the Iranian foreign minister, Turkish president Erdogan, and Russian president Putin. Pray also for an end to the heavy clashes that erupted recently despite a unilateral ceasefire proposal by Egypt.
Pray: for the closure of remaining issues where Libya and Syria support opposing sides in long-standing conflicts. (Isaiah 57:2)
More: www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/turkey-russia-continue-work-libya-ceasefire-200615113948418.html |
|
|
Xiao, the wife of Qin Defu, an imprisoned pastor, writes, ‘I am begging for prayers for my family and me. Defu has been in jail over six months.’ At first she received short phone calls from him but she has now not heard from him for over 70 days. She said, ‘My reasoning makes me believe he is alive, and God is with him. However, not hearing from him is like an enemy. It hurts me so much that I suffer every day. I just want to receive one three-minute call from him, but this apparently has become an extravagant hope. Dear God, please let me follow behind You, pulling on the hem of Your clothes, I know my weakness, so I am begging for my brothers and sisters to pray for me and Qin Defu. God, please, out of charity, give us mercy. We are so lowly we cannot bear it.’
Pray: for God to comfort Xiao and Defu and other Christians in similar positions. May He keep them safe and give them justice. (Psalm 141:9)
More: www.chinaaid.org/2020/06/imprisoned-elders-wife-begs-for-prayer.html |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Please feel free to distribute Prayer Alert to anyone you feel will benefit from its ministry. All we ask is that you do not edit or change it in any way or charge for its use without contacting us first for written permission
|
|
|
|
Prayer Alert is produced in partnership with
The World Prayer Centre, Cornerstone House, 5 Ethel Street, Birmingham, B2 4BG, England.
The views expressed in Prayer Alert and on our website are those of the authors, organisations and websites named, and are not necessarily those of the Prayer Alert Editorial Team, the Prayer Alert Steering Group or the World Prayer Centre or any of its employees or trustees. While we try to ensure that the information we provide is correct, mistakes do occur and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of our material. If you do notice any mistakes then please let us know.
|
|
