 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Mariam was abused as a young girl. As a teen, she took twelve pills a day to treat her depression. She was an atheist, believing that no god would allow her to suffer so much. The betrayal by her father and abuse by another man left Mariam hating men. Without hope, she tried suicide five times. But Jesus rescued Mariam! To listen to the amazing story of how she experienced Christ’s presence in wonderful ways and how he led her in a ministry to Muslim women and girls, click the ‘More’ button.
Praise: God for His saving grace to Mariam and others in the Islamic Republic of Iran. (Psalm 18:48)
More: soundcloud.com/voice-of-the-martyrs-aus/iran-rescued-by-jesus |
|
|
Yahya Jammeh, the Gambia’s brutal former dictator, may soon lose his vast mansion in Maryland, in a much anticipated step by the US Department of Justice. He paid US$3.5 million for it in 2010 with funds stolen from the Gambian people. In 2017 he fled to Equatorial Guinea. In the short time since Jammeh was ousted from office, the country has shown progress in many critical areas. There are encouraging signs that the repression and violation of basic rights that marked Jammeh’s time in office are slowly being changed by a commitment to democratic norms, good governance, and the rule of law.
Praise: God that Jammeh will pay for his crimes, and pray that the Gambia will continue to recover. (Proverbs 29:14, 15a)
More: www.transparency.org/en/blog/gambia-jammeh-maryland-house-forfeiture |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
It can be difficult to know where to start when praying for a crisis as large as coronavirus. So Tearfund have created a simple helpful prayer guide for intercessors to use individually, with a group or with the church. To download this perceptive resource for praying for situations close to home and around the world click the ‘More’ button.
Pray: for wide circulation and use of this resource. (Psalm 145:18)
More: www.tearfund.org/~/media/files/main_site/about_you/pray/coronavirus-prayer-guide.pdf?la=en |
|
|
A year ago Boris Johnson promised to tackle the social care crisis. Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said the PM must honour this pledge, or thousands of elderly people will continue to suffer needlessly and the social care sector will never recover from the hammer blow caused by the pandemic. A huge petition, signed by 110,000 people, was handed in, to put pressure on him to deliver on his promise to provide the decent level of care the elderly deserve. Also the UK Home Care Association, which represents those providing home help, said that unless he acts the vulnerable will continue to receive rationed, underfunded services that are started too late to prevent independence deteriorating. When Mr Johnson became Prime Minister, he said his job was to protect people from the fear of having to sell their home to pay for care costs.
Pray: for Boris to honour his pledge to ‘fix the crisis in social care once and for all’ and produce a workable plan to eliminate sky-high care bills for variable standards of care. (Proverbs 29:7a)
More: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8539119/Boris-Johnson-warned-elderly-suffering-unless-tackles-social-care-crisis.html |
|
|
Wheels for the World restore and distribute refurbished wheelchairs to disabled people in developing countries, giving them independence and demonstrating the love of God. They send old wheelchairs to a workshop in one of their partner prisons for refurbishment. Prisoners find satisfaction in this work which helps restore their self-worth and dignity. Wheelchairs come back from the prison fully restored and are loaded into containers for shipping abroad. While in prison Chris was trained to repair wheelchairs and gained useful skills to help him find a career when released. One of the wheelchairs Chris refurbished to ‘good as new’ was shipped to Miriam in Uganda. She had paralysis in her legs and no physiotherapy or rehabilitation services available to her. She spent most of her time in bed and isolated. Now she can help her mother sell produce on their market stall, and can independently go out and make friends.
Pray: for more wheelchairs to be made available for Wheels for the World, and more prisons to participate in this scheme. (James 1:17)
More: www.throughtheroof.org/2017/08/31/what-is-wheels-for-the-world/ |
|
|
Eight million children were sent home from school in March. A majority of them struggled to continue learning during lockdown. Of the 52% who struggled, three-quarters of their parents said lack of motivation was the reason. There were also wide disparities in what families were able to do. Although under one in ten parents complained about lack of devices to work on, this rate doubled for single parents. Also nearly a third of working parents said the requirement to homeschool their children had been negatively affecting their job. See A-level and GCSE results are expected to be higher this summer with exam boards basing their grades on previous exam results, the previous year’s distribution of grades in the school, how schools ranked their pupils, and their teachers’ predictions. However there is a risk that some pupils could be discriminated against. Back-up exams will be available for all subjects in the autumn.
Pray: for educators to implement strategies that reduce gaps in pupils’ education and prepare them for next year’s curriculums and courses. (Proverbs 11:25)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-53492283 |
|
|
Harry Dunn died in hospital after his motorbike was involved in a crash outside RAF Croughton, but the driver of the car that hit him was able to claim diplomatic immunity and return to the USA rather than face a court case in the United Kingdom. On 22 July the UK and the US agreed to amend an ‘anomaly’ that allowed the suspect, Anne Sacoolas, to claim diplomatic immunity because she was the wife of a diplomat. She was able to use a ‘secret agreement’ between the two countries even though she has been accused of killing by dangerous driving. Mr Dunn’s mother said the change, which is not thought to be retrospective, was a ‘huge step in the right direction’.
Pray: for Dominic Raab to ensure Mrs Sacoolas returns to the UK, and for the Dunns to see justice done. (Jeremiah 21:12b)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-53500449 |
|
|
Faith and non-religious belief groups’ positive contribution to social cohesion deserves greater recognition and should have more influence on cohesion policy in the United Kingdom, according to a report commissioned by the British Academy and the Faith and Belief Forum. The report draws on practical case studies from across the UK, including an interfaith programme by the West London Synagogue to promote positive Jewish-Muslim relations locally, a mosque that teaches English to speakers of other languages, a Catholic homelessness charity, and a Christian initiative to tackle knife crime. Faith is too often thought of as concerning ‘others’ and subtly racialised as the preserve of ethnic minorities in a secular society. Although faith and belief can be a source of division, many faith groups play a key role in uniting groups, and their contributions need to be valued and recognised.
Pray: for more support to faith groups promoting peace and unity in the face of rapid political, social, economic and technological changes. (Psalm 85:10)
More: faithbeliefforum.org/faith-groups-role-in-social-cohesion-undervalued-says-new-report-commissioned-by-the-british-academy-and-the-faith-belief-forum/ |
|
|
On 22 July transport secretary Grant Shapps said that the United Kingdom wants a Brexit free trade deal with the EU, but is prepared for a no deal. A spokesman for Boris Johnson said later that day that Britain remains committed to agreeing the outlines of a balanced trade agreement with the EU, but significant differences between the two sides remain. Talks on a future relationship, which are now in their fifth round, have all but stalled. Some companies fear that there will be disruption at the end of the year if the two fail to secure a trade deal. Mr Johnson’s spokesman said, ‘We will make sure that we’re prepared for all possible scenarios.’
Pray: for a free trade agreement that guarantees political and economic independence. (Leviticus 20:23a)
More: rt.com/newsline/495494-uk-prepared-eu-trade/ |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Some churches have faced the lockdown challenge by simply meeting the needs of their existing congregations. This could be a missed opportunity to discover what it might look like to ‘go and make disciples’ in the 21st century and beyond. Let us not forget that many revivals started outside the church and were later embraced by the church. This pandemic has introduced the many of the older generation to Skype, FaceTime and Zoom, which has helped those who live alone at home or in care to feel less isolated. The church in this new season still has a fundamental Christian mission to build relationships, to worship together, pray together and serve together. Each church must seek God to discover what He is asking of them. God is giving His church an opportunity electronically to ‘throw out a new net – where there are many fish’, and we can give thanks for the increase in online views of church services during lockdown.
Pray: for church leaders as they adjust to new practices in church life and find ways to engage with those seeking answers in our complex world. (Jeremiah 29:13)
More: mcusercontent.com/ffd99da83edd4244458b59317/files/aedc868a-b532-4f79-9259-f2fbcbed1583/Canopy_92_English.pdf |
|
|
EU leaders have agreed on a 750 billion euro coronavirus relief package, both in loans and grants. A major accomplishment: for the first time all 27 members agreed to share the financial burden to rescue some of its members. However this is just the first step on a long road to recovery. The fine print is thorny. Any individual member state can delay disbursement of funds to another member by questioning the recipient’s spending plans. For example, this would allow a country to put a temporary hold on funds for another if the Hague has a bone to pick about overspending. Not a veto, but it could delay the release of much-needed funds and pit countries against each other. Also money will not be released until 2022. So if Italy and Spain continue borrowing to pay for their domestic rescue plans, they will owe much more a year from now and be in a worse financial position to respond to any second coronavirus wave.
Pray: for the success of this package to save the EU from crisis. (Jeremiah 29:11)
More: us12.campaign-archive.com/?e=2b376728db&u=7404e6dcdc8018f49c82e941d&id=d61e6828d3 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
In Central America, people will struggle to eat in today’s lockdown; unable to provide for themselves and their families with food banks closed due to pandemic lockdowns. Pray for God to support those who are providing aid to families in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and other vulnerable countries. India has a social stigma around the ‘unclean’ disease, so individuals returning from isolation are treated as outcasts. To avoid being labelled and discriminated against people hide the illness, avoid tests and delay hospitalisation, with fatal consequences. Pray for this ‘unclean pandemic caste’ to be helped and healed not shunned. Africa’s virus is spreading rapidly. Rural areas in Tanzania have no food, and people like the cattle people in Kajiado (who depend on livestock markets) suffer because all markets are closed. Meanwhile, some Caribbean islands are now reopening for tourism with strict public health protocols. Pray for safe ‘sun, sea, sand and social distancing.’
Pray: for God to work through science and societies to heal the nations. (Deuteronomy 32:39)
More: |
|
|
The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam that all Muslims must perform at least once in their lifetime if they are able. On the Hajj Muslims seek the forgiveness of sins and to deepen their allegiance to Allah. In Luke 7, Jesus said to a sinful woman, ‘Your sins are forgiven: your faith has saved you; go in peace’. Jesus has the authority and power to forgive all of our sins through his atoning sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection. 1.8 billion Muslims in the world today reject Jesus as a Saviour. Instead, they go on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia in order to earn forgiveness of sins from Allah. A phrase used in most Arabic conversations is ‘al-ḥamdu li-llāh’ – literally, ‘Praise be to God’. Pray for people to truly know God and praise Him when they use this phrase. See also
Pray: for many Christians to pray for Muslim pilgrims to discover Christ on this year’s Hajj and receive an unblemished conscience and eternal redemption through His blood sacrifice for them. (Hebrews 9:15)
More: prayforap.com/hajj.html |
|
|
Yemen, currently home to the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, has millions of people extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. Even before the pandemic, 80% of Yemen’s population needed aid. The spread of coronavirus is difficult to track with very little testing. Sometimes the only way to assess the severity of an outbreak is by how busy the gravediggers are. In parts of Yemen gravediggers are overwhelmed. Coronavirus has caused a reduction in funding for aid programmes. The UN has been forced to close nutrition, hygiene and sanitation programmes (see). Doctors in Syria are preparing for ‘an explosion’ of coronavirus in large overcrowded settlements. Only 64% of hospitals are functioning due to shortages of trained staff. 70% of health workers have fled Syria. Awareness of coronavirus danger is extremely low in some areas, so food and medicine are prioritised for people in poverty, not soap and hygiene. See
Pray: for God to bring relief to vulnerable communities fleeing conflict and instability and caught in war zones which are now facing the deadly coronavirus threat. (Ezra 9:8b)
More: www.dec.org.uk/latest-updates |
|
|
A humanitarian crisis is deepening in South Asia as new figures reveal that over 9.6 million people have been affected by monsoon floods, devastating large areas of India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Pray for the millions of people marooned in their homes, with crops destroyed by the worst floods in recent years. This year’s monsoon has come at the height of a deadly global pandemic. Tragically, already 550 people have lost their lives. Close to one third of Bangladesh has already been flooded, with forecasts of worse flooding in the coming days. Pray for God’s comfort to be over those living in fear of worsening weather and deadly pandemic enemy. Pray for those mourning the death of friends and family killed by landslides, drowning and sickness. Pray also for the aid agencies and the various ministries of disaster management to have clear communication strategies to work in united support of the vulnerable.
Pray: for God in His mercy to help all the community volunteers providing tarpaulin shelters, dry food, and hygiene kits, and installing pumps for safe water. (Psalm 10:12)
More: reliefweb.int/report/bangladesh/south-asia-floods-96-million-people-swamped-humanitarian-crisis-deepens |
|
|
2019 saw Felix Tshisekedi elected president in disputed elections marred by violence. Ethnic tensions between Lendu and Mema saw 1,000+ deaths and another 1,300+ abducted or kidnapped, while the Ebola crisis took more lives. 2019 is being violently repeated in 2020. On 22 July authorities started cracking down on peaceful critics, journalists, and political party members using pandemic emergency measures as a pretext to curb political protests(see). Since 13 July hundreds have been demonstrating for the dissolution of parliament. This has been organised by the Catholic Church (see). Authorities are attempting to contain several health crises: coronavirus, the largest measles outbreak in the world, and two Ebola epidemics (see). Also rural violence is escalating: a Christian worker writes, ‘The route from Aru to Bunia is still not safe. If people want to reach Bunia they are accompanied by soldiers. But those who were killed last time were accompanied by soldiers who were also killed.’
Pray: for the ministry of health to have the resources needed to contain epidemics. Pray also for the Church as it stands up against government corruption, and for peace for fearful communities living with violence. (John 14:27)
More: www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2020/06/drc-justice-now-udps/ |
|
|
Imagine you’re a Christian family in a Hindu village. It’s very likely neighbours are socially boycotting you. Even when there isn’t a lockdown, you’re not allowed to buy from the local shop or draw water from the local well. You get food and daily necessities from nearby Christians or go to villages where the opposition isn’t so strong. But now your village is in lockdown. You’ve lost your income. Aid is being distributed to the local shop or the local village committee and they won’t give you the food, not even when you have a food ration coupon. The chances are that police won’t listen to Christian complaints and even accuse you of trying to convert Hindus or even ‘Don’t follow Jesus. Just do what everybody else does.’ Please pray for God to soften the hearts of those denying essential food and aid to Christians.
Pray: for mission agencies safely to reach those most in need, at the right time. (1 Samuel 2:8a)
More: www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/last-in-line-india/ |
|
|
Iran intends to build a military base in the Indian Ocean to protect fishing and commercial vessels from piracy and ‘foreign ships’ (referring to the US-led multinational naval task force currently protecting Gulf shipping from Iranian interference). A new agreement will give China access to Iranian ports. China is reportedly planning to build a new military base near Iran’s Chabahar port to enable the Chinese navy to monitor the activities of the US navy, which protects shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important economic waterways. Any expansion in Iranian and Chinese military activity in the region would impact on the jointly-administered US / UK base on the island of Diego Garcia, one of the most important US military assets in the region. Tehran also plans to sign a $400 billion trade deal with China, which includes closer military cooperation between them to counter ‘Washington’s dominance’.
Pray: for calming trade and military dialogue to reduce a dangerous development. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
More: www.gatestoneinstitute.org/16252/iran-china-military-alliance |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
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.
|
