Prayer - JANUARY - JUNE 2020 - The Salvation Army
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Prayer
JANUARY – JUNE 2020Prayer
Network
The Hayes, Swanwick
24 – 26 January 2020
Encounter
Prayer
Gathering
‘Boldness in Prayer and Mission’
Guest speakers include:
Richard Gamble: CEO The wall of answered prayer
Lyndall Bywater: Writer and speaker on all things prayer
Rev Clive McKie: Taketime Founder
Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe: Assistant Secretary for Mission
Colonels Lee and Debbie Graves: (CS & TSLD)
Worship leaders: Joel and Jo Thomas (Cheltenham Corps)
‘Early Bird’ discount (pay before 31st October): £165 per person
After 1st November full price applies: £180 per person
Deposit of £35 secures a place
Application form available at corps / SA Website — salvationarmy.org.uk/prayer-network
THQ Prayer Network Office / Territorial Events web pages
The Salvation Army is a Registered Charity No 214779, and in Scotland SC009359
2Greetings, Prayer Matters readers,
Welcome to this 2020 Prayer Matters and a very Happy New year to
you all!
I am delighted to share with you this first January–June edition. The
discerning amongst you will notice that this is a six-month period
rather than the usual four. This year we are trialling the bi-annual
production in order, amongst other things, to reduce our print and
postage costs. We are interested in your feedback, so please do let us
know what you think.
This edition includes our Lent prayer focus. This slightly extended
prayer focus has been written by Lyndall Bywater specifically to link
in with the exciting Vision and Commitment focus for this year of
‘Infinitely More’. I know that you pray tirelessly for the needs of others,
and so I pray that each of you will find much to enrich your own
spiritual life as you share in the Lent reflections.
From 24–26 January we have our annual Encounter Prayer Gathering
at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick. The theme this year
is ‘Boldness in Prayer and Mission’ and we have a great line-up of
speakers. Please pray for the speakers and delegates, that God will
bless, challenge and inspire us as we encounter him in worship,
teaching and prayer. It is not too late to book a place, but you will need
to do so very quickly now to avoid disappointment.
As ever, my grateful thanks and acknowledgments go to all our
contributors who provide us with a diverse balance of Scripture and
mission-focused prayers. Thank you too to Stephanie Chagas-Bijl
(Resource Hub, THQ) who collates and edits Prayer Matters.
Last but by no means least, in closing I say thank you to you, our
subscribers. It is indeed a wonderful thing to partner with you through
Prayer Matters. I thank God that he continues to raise up prayer in The
Salvation Army through you and I pray that God will equip and bless
you richly in this vital Kingdom-building ministry of prayer.
God bless you all!
Captain Pauline Milner,
SA Prayer Co–ordinator
3Bible quotations from the New International Version (2011) unless otherwise stated.
JANUARY
‘INFINITELY MORE’ FOCUS
P STEPHANIE CHAGAS-BIJL (RESOURCE HUB - THQ)
f WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY – INFINITELY MORE
This year’s Vision and Commitment theme acknowledges that God
is ‘Infinitely More’ than we could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20 NLT).
Lord, at the start of this year, help us to discover more of your infinite
love and power at work in our lives. Amen.
f THURSDAY 2 JANUARY – GREATER LOVE
Lord, forgive us for the times in which we limit your power. We ask
forgiveness of each other for the times our fears, disappointments
or traditions have stopped you from doing new things in our
communities. Help us to dream bigger dreams and pray bigger prayers
for those who haven’t yet discovered your limitless love. Amen.
f FRIDAY 3 JANUARY – EVERLASTING LOVE
Father God, help us to look back in thankfulness, choosing to
acknowledge your long, everlasting love in our lives. We know that the
world needs mature Christians – people who are doing the hard work
and the heart work of discipleship. Amen.
f SATURDAY 4 JANUARY – SPACIOUS LOVE
Lord, we thank you because your love is radically inclusive. Help us to
be honest about the prejudices which may cause us to exclude people
or think them less important. You call us to love our neighbours,
making our own hearts spacious. Give us courage, as your Church, to
make that truth known to the world. Amen.
f SUNDAY 5 JANUARY – DEEP LOVE
Loving Jesus, you went to the cross – the darkest experience any
human has ever had – because you longed for all of creation to come
to life, to ‘infinitely more’ life. Help us sing songs in our dungeons
of pain, because we know that your deep love has not forgotten us.
Amen.
4‘ALL THINGS NEW’ FOCUS
P CAROL HARRIS (NORTHAMPTON CORPS)
f MONDAY 6 JANUARY – ‘PUT ON YOUR NEW NATURE,
CREATED TO BE LIKE GOD – TRULY RIGHTEOUS AND HOLY’
(EPHESIANS 4:24 NLT).
Father, as we go into this new week we look to you for strength
and guidance. As we bow before you, please clothe us with your
nature so that our lives radiate your love and goodness wherever
we are. Amen.
f TUESDAY 7 JANUARY – ‘HE PUT A NEW SONG IN MY
MOUTH’ (PSALM 40:3).
We lift our hearts in praise to you, Father, as we thank you that
each day brings new challenges and new opportunities. Please
help us open our eyes to see you in the world and in the people
around us. Amen.
f WEDNESDAY 8 JANUARY – ‘IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, THE
NEW CREATION HAS COME’ (2 CORINTHIANS 5:17).
Lord, please remind us today that we are your new creation and
your ambassadors. What a responsibility! May we become the
special people that you created us to be so that you can use us
however you want. Amen.
f THURSDAY 9 JANUARY – ‘SEE, I AM DOING A NEW
THING!’ (ISAIAH 43:19).
Father, it’s easy to see the new things you are doing when
everything is going well and according to plan. In those times
when we can’t see what is happening, help us to hold on to the
vision, in faith, and believe that you are true to your promises.
Amen.
f FRIDAY 10 JANUARY – ‘I WILL GIVE YOU A NEW HEART
AND PUT A NEW SPIRIT IN YOU’ (EZEKIEL 36:26).
Lord, we are so glad to know that you are continually working in
our lives. Please take away any hardness in our hearts and make
us willing to be led by your Spirit within us. Thank you for your
patience with us. Amen.
5f SATURDAY 11 JANUARY – ‘HIS COMPASSIONS NEVER
FAIL. THEY ARE NEW EVERY MORNING’
(LAMENTATIONS 3:22–23).
Lord, thank you that your love is new each morning. When we close
our eyes to sleep, you watch over us; when we wake, your love enfolds
us and takes us into the new day. What a miracle!
f SUNDAY 12 JANUARY – ‘I AM MAKING EVERYTHING NEW’
(REVELATION 21:5).
Father, you are the beginning and the end. We trust you with all of
our lives here on earth until that day when you call us home. Let
that certainty give us peace for each day in a world that is constantly
changing around us. Amen.
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
P STEVEN BRACKFIELD (PROCUREMENT UNIT – THQ)
(Prayers adapted from ineeds.org.uk)
f MONDAY 13 JANUARY – LIVELIHOOD TRAINING
Dear Holy Spirit, bless those who seek to transform the lives of people
who live on the land through practical skill and education. We pray
that their livestock will become a rich source of income to help feed
their families and provide for their futures. Amen.
f TUESDAY 14 JANUARY – RELEASING AND
REHABILITATING SLAVES
Dear Lord, thank you for those who seek to bless men and women
who have been treated so poorly as slaves. Let them show your love,
grace and compassion in the same measure that Jesus did with those
he encountered. May they live out the realisation that they are now
sons and daughters of the living God. Amen.
f WEDNESDAY 15 JANUARY – TEACHERS’ SALARIES
Lord, you are a practical God, who enables us to walk by faith, knowing
that you are more than capable of meeting our daily needs. We thank
you for the skills and calling that you have put in teachers around the
world. Give them the insight to dispense the living waters of your word
in their classes today. Amen.
6f THURSDAY 16 JANUARY – SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN
Lord, we thank you that it is your greatest desire to bring the fullness of
your life to the whole of your creation. We thank you for the work that
is carried out with children and the transformation this brings to their
lives as they are supported financially and spiritually. Amen.
f FRIDAY 17 JANUARY – FUNDRAISING
Lord, in a world where there never seems enough money to go
around, we thank you for always making a way. Grant financial funds
to support your work across the world. Amen.
f SATURDAY 18 JANUARY – CHURCH PLANTING
Heavenly Father, bless missionaries across the globe. Open their eyes
to see with your heart the needs of the people they serve. Give them
the humility that Jesus had, so that your love flows out of everything
they do. Amen.
f SUNDAY 19 JANUARY – SAFETY IN OPPRESSIVE
ENVIRONMENTS
Lord, you call your people to work in impossible political regimes,
but where you have called them there is already a blessing. Grant
continued protection over the work they do in your name. Break
impossible chains, releasing your aroma, justice and favour into
regimes where you are not openly honoured. Amen.
HOPE TOGETHER FOCUS
P MAJOR GILLIAN MILLER (PRAYER NETWORK – THQ)
` CONTEXT
The call to prayer has come from Hope Together for all Christians
to pray on the 20th day of each month at 20:20 for 20 minutes. We
are asked to pray that God will open hearts to respond to the love of
Jesus.
f MONDAY 20 JANUARY
Loving Father God, today I join with my Christian brothers and sisters
to pray that the gift of evangelism will be released to equip the people
of God to be witnesses for Jesus. I pray for my faith to be bolder so I
can speak to people who do not yet know about his love for them. Give
me opportunities to share your love. Amen.
7f TUESDAY 21 JANUARY – CALLING
Lord Jesus, I stand in awe of your glory and majesty. Thank you for
calling my name and leading me in the paths of truth. I praise you
because I know you and trust you with my life. Keep on calling me and
equipping me to build your Kingdom. Amen.
f WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY – CONNECTING
Thank you, Father, for the way prayer connects me to you. Through
prayer I can intercede for the world and know you are with me. I can
cry out for those who need healing, freedom and love. Through prayer
I can sit quietly and say nothing, yet feel so close to you. Thank you for
connecting with me. Amen.
f THURSDAY 23 JANUARY – RELEASING
Loving Lord, release me from doubts about my own inadequacies
and allow me the freedom to know who I really am in you. Break all
the chains that are holding me back from knowing I am loved and
cherished. Free me from insecurity and give me the joy of knowing
that I am your child. Amen.
PRAYER AND MISSION FOCUS
P MAJOR GILLIAN MILLER (PRAYER NETWORK – THQ)
f FRIDAY 24 JANUARY – BOLDNESS IN PRAYER AND
MISSION
Father God, we pray your blessing and power on all delegates travelling
to the territorial Prayer Gathering today in Swanwick. Through your
Holy Spirit we want to see deeper spiritual growth, bolder believing
prayer and a greater understanding of what it means to be missional.
Amen.
f SATURDAY 25 JANUARY – DYNAMIC KINGDOM–BUILDING
PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you that wherever we are we can pray believing,
powerful prayers in your name. The cry of our hearts is that more
people will come to know Jesus and enjoy the wonders of faith, love
and forgiveness. In the power of your Spirit, use my prayers to be a
building block for the Kingdom. Amen.
8f SUNDAY 26 JANUARY – WORSHIP
Father God, I bow before you in humility and honour you with my
whole being. Accept the worship of my heart. I offer you my mind to
be filled with Scripture, blessing, hope and joy. I give you my body
with all its imperfections, weaknesses and disease. Renew my strength
and lift me up as on wings of eagles. Amen.
ONE ARMY FOCUS
P COMMISSIONER ROBERT STREET (ONE ARMY WRITER
AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER)
` SETTING THE SCENE
The One Army teaching resources, centred on Jesus, are
presented in books, leaflets, DVDs, on the www.salvationarmy.
org/onearmy/resources webpage and through social media. The
teaching, available in more than 30 languages, is clear, direct and
uncomplicated, yet has both depth and challenge. The prayers
shared here are from those printed in the books. (Available from
SP&S Ltd.)
f MONDAY 27 JANUARY – ONE ARMY IN CALLING
(1 PETER 2:9,10)
The Salvation Army wasn’t planned. It happened because William and
Catherine Booth felt the call to follow where Jesus led them. That same
call – to be and do what God directs – is still with the Army today. Pray
for a readiness to say ‘yes’ to God without placing your own conditions
on his call.
f TUESDAY 28 JANUARY – ONE ARMY IN COVENANT
(LUKE 22:20)
A covenant with God is more than a contract or agreement. It involves
the total giving of ourselves to the God who, in Jesus, covenanted the
wholehearted giving of himself to us and our salvation. Pray that your
personal response to the love of Christ will honour his covenant and
the salvation he has provided.
9f WEDNESDAY 29 JANUARY – ONE ARMY IN CHRIST
(GALATIANS 3:28)
In John’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of the ‘oneness’ of God the Father, Son
and Holy Spirit. In the same way that they are ‘in’ one another, Jesus
prays that we will be ‘in them’ (John 17:20,21). To be ‘in Christ’ is to be
together in relationship with God, part of an eternal fellowship. Pray
that God will unite us all in true fellowship.
f THURSDAY 30 JANUARY – ONE ARMY IN TRUTH
(JOHN 8:32)
It is possible to deny, exaggerate, ignore, supress, misrepresent and
hide the truth. But we can never destroy it. Truth will always be truth,
because God – who is Truth – will always be God. Thank God for the
eternal standard of truth found in Jesus. Thank him that we are not left
without guidance, direction or help as we seek to live in truth.
f FRIDAY 31 JANUARY – ONE ARMY IN PURPOSE
(MATTHEW 6:10)
We are not only meant to hear and receive the message of God’s
unrelenting grace, we are also meant to share and show it, helping
others to understand, receive and enjoy it too. God’s transforming
grace is for everyone. Thank God for the gift of his grace. Ask him to
guide us into sharing it with others.
10FEBRUARY
f SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY – ONE ARMY IN PRAYER
(LUKE 22:42)
Relationship with God is at the heart of prayer. There are many ways
to pray, including listening to God and seeking guidance. When we
discover that saying ‘Your will be done’ is the most complete prayer
of all, we will have found the basis for all our other prayers. Take
some time to sit quietly in God’s presence and wait for him.
f SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY – ONE ARMY IN FELLOWSHIP
(EPHESIANS 4:3–6)
The blessings of sharing the same faith, purpose, hope, salvation
and Lord, create a harmony and sense of unity that is a powerful
witness to a divided and troubled world. Christian fellowship is
also an incredible privilege. Pray that God will give you a fresh
understanding of the vastness of his Church and the importance of
each person playing a supportive and unifying part.
f MONDAY 3 FEBRUARY – ONE ARMY IN SERVICE
(LUKE 22:27)
Some people – and religions – find the concept of being a servant
difficult to understand. Jesus didn’t. He described himself as being
‘among you as one who serves’. The authority he gives us is, above
all, the authority to serve. Pray that the servant heart of Jesus will be
yours too.
f TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY – ONE ARMY IN FAITH
(JOHN 3:16)
Faith – like love – is about quality and depth of life. Faith breeds
faithfulness and faithfulness breeds faith. It is by trusting God – and
only by trusting – that we discover him to be true. And faithful.
Reflect in prayer on the difference faith in God makes to your life –
and what further difference it could make.
f WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY – ONE ARMY IN HOLINESS
(EPHESIANS 3:15–19)
Jesus showed that a holy life need not be distant or separate
from others. He mixed freely within communities, engaging,
encouraging, touching, healing and renewing those who came
11to him. He gave and received love, showing that the holy God
was approachable, accepting of others and ready to develop
relationships. Pray that the presence of Christ in your life will truly
mean that he ministers to others through you.
f THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY – ONE ARMY IN HOPE
(1 TIMOTHY 1:1–2)
Despair comes in many forms. The helplessness and hopelessness
felt by those fleeing from wars, persecution, injustice and terror
leaves them vulnerable and dependant. For the unloved or
overlooked, hope seems illusive. Help is essential. It doesn’t always
come. Ask God to give you an understanding and love for those
who most need us.
f FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY – ONE ARMY IN LOVE
(MARK 12:28–31)
Jesus said that the greatest command is to love God and each other.
It isn’t to worship, serve or praise him. There is unrivalled power in
God’s love. It is stronger than death, more powerful than evil and –
like God – is eternal. It lives on. It is indestructible, because God is
love. Consider that, more than anything else, God wants our love.
Then confirm your love for him – heart, mind, strength and soul.
DIVISIONAL PRAYER FOCUS
(EAST MIDLANDS)
P CAPTAIN JANET SEBBAGE (CORPS OFFICER AND
DIVISIONAL PRAYER CO–ORDINATOR)
` SETTING THE SCENE
The East Midlands Division spreads across cities, towns and villages of
Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire. The divisional team
enables mission and serves the East Midlands Division to the glory of God:
‘We are a family and at the heart of this family is a passion for mission.’
f SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY (1 TIMOTHY 1:12)
Mablethorpe Corps, only about 20 years old, was always run
locally. It is now overseen by the corps officer at Louth and a corps
12programme development leader has been employed to expand the
mission. Pray for more youth activities and an embracing of new
opportunities. Pray that the community in this coastal town will be
captured by the Holy Spirit.
f SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY (1 TIMOTHY 1:17)
The team at William Booth Complex, Sneinton, have felt a call to
intercession over modern slavery in Nottingham. Regular prayer
meetings are held with other churches in the area. Pray that people
experience Christ’s freedom and know they belong to a wider
family.
f MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY (1 TIMOTHY 4:10)
In the city of Chesterfield, The Salvation Army worships and
delivers mission without its own premises. Pray that one day the
corps will have its own building as it continues to grow. Pray for the
new innovations ‘Monday Market Ministry’ (bookstall) seeking to
raise people’s awareness of The Salvation Army as a church and for
the monthly fellowship meals at a local bistro.
f TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY (1 TIMOTHY 4:14)
Nottingham Aspley Corps was paused some time ago, with only
a nursery and after–school provision. In 2018 a corps mission
development leader was employed. In recent months community
events, Messy Church, open days and weekly Bible study have
been taking place. Sunday afternoon worship meetings will soon
begin. Pray for the leader and for direction as new opportunities for
ministry are pursued.
f WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY (1 TIMOTHY 4:16)
Pray for the ongoing children’s activities at Ripley, Derbyshire; for
the weekly kids club, toddler group and monthly Messy Church and
the focus of setting up a youth club. Close by, Somercotes Corps
is seeking God’s plan through Sunday worship, friends and family
meetings and coffee mornings.
f THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY (1 TIMOTHY 6:12)
Nottingham Meadows Outreach Project was originally a Fresh
Expression and works in partnership with the local Church of
England fellowship. Pray for continued partnership and increased
effectiveness in their community outreach and ‘Kingdom fruit’ from
the ‘Introduction to Christianity’ course.
13f FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY (PHILIPPIANS 2:5–11)
Pray for all officers and leaders in the division. In 2018 a ‘faith goal’
was set of ‘20 by 2020’ applicants for officership and territorial
envoyship. Thank God for Kingdom victories so far. ‘Master, speak:
and make me ready, when thy voice is truly heard…’ (SASB 775)
SELF–DENIAL FOCUS
P MAJOR GILLIAN MILLER (PRAYER NETWORK – THQ)
f SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY
Lord, I pray that through your power at work in me I can overcome
the temptation to give in to my weakness and put my energy into
exercising self–denial. Give me the strength to follow this through
for the sake of those who will benefit from my actions. In Jesus’
name. Amen.
f SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Father God, I offer to you all I that I am and all that I have. Lead me
to know what I can do without, so that someone else can have a
little of what I take for granted every day. Amen. Pause now and
consider what you can do without for a week.
f MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY
Lord, we walk in the footsteps of giants of the faith who willingly
sacrificed the little they had to follow you. As I give up whatever it
may be during this time, help me to see beyond my small sacrifice
to the bigger picture of being part of a Church which practises self–
denial for the sake of having more resources to build your Kingdom
on earth. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
f TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY
Loving Father, help me to see what is stopping me from having a
deeper relationship with you. Help me to deny myself of something
I spend time on and use that time to connect with you. Forgive me
for my selfishness in wanting to do things my way. As I wait on you,
I feel refreshed and uplifted and say thank you, Lord. Amen.
14INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS FOCUS
P LIEUT–COLONEL JAYNE ROBERTS (EXECUTIVE OFFICER
OF THE INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS)
P ` SETTING THE SCENE
In March the International Staff Songsters (ISS) will celebrate 40
years of singing to the glory of God in a ministry that has taken them
throughout the territory and around the world. ISS members are
representative of all Salvation Army singing groups whose music
enriches worship and proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ. Reflect
on the gift of music and give thanks for composers, musical leaders and
musicians who dedicate their talents to God.
f WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY
In Job 38:7 we read that when God created the earth ‘the morning
stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy’. There was
singing at the dawn of creation, and today we thank God for the
gift of singing that enables us to express our love and praise to him.
How wonderful to have a voice to join with others in celebrating the
greatness of God!
f THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY
The phrase ‘To the Chief Musician’ appears 55 times in the book of
Psalms. 1 Chronicles 25 lists the musicians appointed by David who
played a vital role in leading and organising worship. Remember
leaders who have taught and nurtured other people musically and
spiritually. Give thanks to the Lord for all who currently serve as
music leaders throughout the territory.
f FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY
‘Life seems to go on without effort when I am filled with music,’
wrote George Eliot, capturing the power of music to transform and
energise. In Ephesians 5:19 Paul encourages us to ‘Sing and make
music from your heart to the Lord’. May this spiritual principle
enrich us as we continue our journey of faith.
f SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY
The Bible contains songs for all occasions, including psalms of
praise and lament, and others celebrating victories, births and
coronations. The song of Moses in Exodus 15 gives thanks to God
who parted the waters so that the Israelites could safely cross the
15Red Sea: ‘The Lord is my strength and defence; he has become my
salvation.’ What is the song in your heart today?
f SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY
‘Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge’ (Psalm
119:54) is an appropriate word for Salvationist musicians throughout
the world. Music and song inspired by God is an expression of a
living faith in Jesus Christ. In April the ISS will lead worship and
bring the gospel to thousands of people during an Easter tour in
the USA and Canada. Pray for the group, that their listeners will
experience God’s love and grace.
f MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY
Psalm 40 is the personal testimony of David following a time of
despair when he cried out to God for help. A king in great distress
was not too proud to seek help from the Lord and not too important
to wait patiently! God rescued him, and gave him new songs to
sing. Father God, we thank you for people who are writing new
songs which help us to worship you and experience your gracious
presence. Amen.
f TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY
‘As long as we live there is never enough singing,’ said Martin
Luther. People who enjoy being part of a singing group would
probably agree with him. The experts tell us that singing is very
good for us physically and beneficial to our mental health. Whatever
our musical ability, let us keep singing – and rejoice that God whom
we worship sings over us, his people (Zephaniah 3:17).
16A PRAYER JOURNEY
FOR LENT
LIVING LIMITLESS LOVE
P LYNDALL BYWATER (PRAYER NETWORK – THQ)
` SETTING THE SCENE
‘Paul boils it all down for the believers in Corinth. Religious
people often spend their time practising rituals, projecting
dogma, and going through routines that might look like
Christianity on the outside but that lack the essential ingredient
that brings all of it together – love! It is a loving God who
birthed creation and now pursues a broken people in the most
spectacular way. That same love must guide believers, so faith
doesn’t appear to be meaningless noise.’ (Note on 1 Corinthians
13 The Voice)
This prayer journey is all about the limitless love of God. Based on
1 Corinthians 13:4-7, it is designed to help us reflect on that love:
what it’s like, how we can experience it more deeply, how it can
transform our relationships and how it can ignite mission in our
corps. Each day has a thought, a question, a prayer request or a
prayer, and we hope you will find time to reflect, pray and listen
to God as you work your way through. Every Saturday there is a
local mission prayer focus written by guest writers, according to
the theme of the week. May this dive into limitless love refresh
your walk with God and your heart for his world.
WEEK 1: LOVE TAKES TIME
f WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY – KNOWING
LIMITLESS LOVE
‘And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may
have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how
wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to
know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled
to the measure of all the fullness of God’ (Ephesians 3:17–19).
Lord, as we embark on this Lenten journey, we make Paul’s prayer
our own: by your power, may we know your limitless love. Amen.
17
17f THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY – LIFE–LONG LOVE
‘You have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since
my youth’ (Psalm 71:5).
Father God, you have been a constant companion on my road
through life, lighting my way and holding my hand. You have
walked with me through good times and bad and you have
been unfailingly patient with me. Today I say ‘thank you’, and
take time to remember those moments when I’ve experienced
your limitless love. Amen.
f FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY – TAKING TIME, MAKING
TIME
‘Love is patient’ (1 Corinthians 13:4). Relationships take time.
Is there a friendship you’ve been neglecting because of
busyness or avoiding because of unresolved conflict?
Why not get in touch with the person today and make time
to meet up. Pray that God will guide your conversation; that
he’ll help you make peace where there’s tension, and find new
rhythms that make your friendship sustainable in the midst of
busy lives.
f SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY – STRAWBERRY FIELD:
BUILDING COMMUNITY TOGETHER
‘I’m Captain Louise Brown, the Fresh Expressions leader
at Strawberry Field, a unique project bringing together
a ‘steps to work’ programme for young people, a visitor
experience and a fresh expression of Salvation Army
church. I see love shown in so many ways: by the young
people we work with and by the volunteers who give their
time so generously and patiently.
Pray that God will continue to move by the power of his
Spirit to build connections and community, so that many
more lives will be transformed over the coming years.’
18MARCH
f SUNDAY 1 MARCH – IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL
‘Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season;
correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful
instruction’ (2 Timothy 4:2). Mission takes time.
Pray today for the outreach activities your corps or centre is
involved in, that the limitless love of Christ will be the motive
and the energy behind all that happens, giving you patience to
keep on sharing the good news of Jesus in every season.
WEEK 2: LOVE IS KIND
f MONDAY 2 MARCH – ENCOUNTERING KINDNESS
‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you
with unfailing kindness’ (Jeremiah 31:3). When we think of
God as mighty, holy and just, it is easy to forget that he is also
unfailingly kind. No matter what you may think of yourself
today, the Father of all compassion longs to draw you into his
arms and wrap you in tender love.
How might today look and feel different if you go into it
remembering that God is kind?
f TUESDAY 3 MARCH – LIVING KINDNESS
‘Love is kind’ (1 Corinthians 13:4).
Loving God, forgive me for those times when I am unkind. I
confess that my need to protect myself and my desire to have
my own way often make me mean and ungracious. Teach me
your ways, Lord, for I would be one who is kind. Help me make
kindness a habit, a way of being that comes naturally to me in all
my dealings. Amen.
f WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH – BEING KIND TO YOURSELF
‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self–control’ (Galatians
5:22–23 ESV).
We often think about being kind to others, but how kind are we
to ourselves? God is gentle with us in our weakness, but are we
19gentle with ourselves, or do we beat ourselves up when we
don’t do as well as we’d like? How can you be kinder to yourself
today?
f THURSDAY 5 MARCH – REKINDLING KINDNESS
‘Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear
of the Almighty’ (Job 6:14). Is there someone you’re finding it
hard to be kind to at the moment? Prayer is the place where love
comes to life again, so take time to pray for that person today.
Think about what they’re facing and what they might need.
Pray kind prayers for them, and ask God to overwhelm them
with his limitless love.
f FRIDAY 6 MARCH – ACTS OF KINDNESS
‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people… clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience’
(Colossians 3:12). Kindness isn’t just an attitude, it’s an action.
What can you do today to show kindness to your family, friends,
work colleagues or the strangers you meet? As you go about
your day, look out for opportunities for random acts of kindness:
a smile, a kind word or something practical that will brighten
someone’s day.
f SATURDAY 7 MARCH – CROYDON CITADEL:
GOD’S LOVE AT WORK
‘I’m Gill McCredie, a cadet at William Booth College. I was
blessed to spend my summer placement at Croydon Citadel
Corps where I saw God’s love at work through volunteers and
staff who come alongside vulnerable people, treating them
with care and dignity, and helping empower them to be all
they can be.
Pray for Croydon Citadel as they explore new opportunities
for mission; and for me, that I continue to build on my
learning in order to show God’s love by feeding the hungry,
clothing the naked and loving the unloved.’
20f SUNDAY 8 MARCH – KNOWN FOR KINDNESS
‘Do you realise that all the wealth of his extravagant kindness
is meant to melt your heart and lead you into repentance?’
(Romans 2:4 TPT).
Pray for your corps or centre, that kindness will be a hallmark
of your life together. Pray that all those who come into your
building or take part in your activities will find a warm,
compassionate welcome that helps them open their hearts to the
kindness of God.
WEEK 3: LOVE FORGIVES
f MONDAY 9 MARCH – RADICALLY FORGIVEN
‘Love… is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs’
(1 Corinthians 13:4–5). Human love tends to be conditional. It
changes over time and it can fade away altogether if it is regularly
spurned or taken for granted. The love of God is unconditional,
unchanging and endlessly forgiving.
Have you taken that knowledge to heart? Spend time today
reflecting on the truth that God keeps no record of your wrongs.
f TUESDAY 10 MARCH – FORGIVEN AND FREE
‘You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins
underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea’
(Micah 7:19).
Do you know someone who feels like they can never put the
mistakes of the past behind them? Pray for them, as you reflect
on this beautiful picture of God casting sins into the sea, that
they will come to know the deep release of absolute forgiveness.
f WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH – GRACE INSTEAD OF
BITTERNESS
‘See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter
root grows up…’ (Hebrews 12:15). Forgiving people takes trust: trust
that God will heal the wounds they’ve caused us; trust that he will
work justice; trust that he will help us move forward and not get
stuck in bitterness.
Ask God to help you trust him and take a step along the road of
forgiveness.
21f THURSDAY 12 MARCH – FORGIVENESS INSTEAD
OF POLARISATION
‘Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk.
Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as
quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you’ (Ephesians
4:31–32 MSG).
Forgive us, Lord, when we criticise instead of seeking to
understand. Help us to grow in grace, not resenting others for
holding different opinions or having different priorities from us.
May your Church be an example of loving unity in a polarised
world. Amen.
f FRIDAY 13 MARCH – CONVICTED, NOT CONDEMNED
‘Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means our
sins are now forgiven’ (Ephesians 1:7 CEV). There’s a difference
between conviction and condemnation. Condemnation is that
overwhelming sense that you’ve messed everything up, and it
doesn’t come from God, whereas conviction is the Holy Spirit
pin–pointing something specific you’ve done wrong.
Is he showing you something today? If so, confess it to God and
receive the forgiveness Jesus bought for you.
f SATURDAY 14 MARCH – LIMERICK: LIVING JESUS’
WAY
‘I’m Major Imogen Stewart and I’m Involved in pioneering
the work of The Salvation Army in Limerick. St Mary’s Park
is the most deprived estate in the Republic of Ireland, with
a high record of drugs, crime and gang family warfare.
It is so important that the people who live here see that
the Church is not cruel or authoritarian, that forgiveness
is freely available and that love is all about change and
transformation.’
Pray that we will be able to demonstrate the new way of
living that Jesus taught: love, respect and tolerance to the
whosoever, without judging or discrimination.
22f SUNDAY 15 MARCH – PEACEMAKERS
‘In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not
counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the
message of reconciliation’ (2 Corinthians 5:19 ESV).
Father God, may our corps and centres be communities
which build bridges instead of walls, working for peace and
reconciliation. Help us reach out to those who have been left
feeling condemned and ostracised by past experiences of
church. Amen.
WEEK 4: LOVE DELIGHTS IN TRUTH
f MONDAY 16 MARCH – TRUTH IN MIND
‘Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever
is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable… think about
such things’ (Philippians 4:8).
Loving God, teach me how to fix my thoughts on truth. When
worry and negativity dominate my thinking, help me to change
my perspective, focusing instead on the many good things you
have given me. May the truth of your love for me fill my mind
completely. Amen.
f TUESDAY 17 MARCH – THE LIGHT OF TRUTH
‘Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth’ (1
Corinthians 13:6). Where do you see evil at work in your local
community? What form does it take? Whose lives are most
affected by it? What would need to happen for it to be stopped?
Turn those thoughts into prayers, asking God to shine light into
the darkness, exposing evil, rescuing its victims and bringing its
perpetrators to justice and redemption.
f WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH – TRUTH SETS US FREE
‘Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’
(John 8:32). Love delights in truth because truth brings freedom.
Knowing the truth of how God sees us really does set us free.
Is there a lie about yourself which you find difficult to shake off?
Ask God to point you to a Bible verse which affirms the truth he
wants you to believe. Why not memorise it?
23f THURSDAY 19 MARCH – TRUTH IN THE MEDIA
‘Walk straight, act right, tell the truth’ (Psalm 15:2 MSG).
Pray today for all those working in the media – TV, radio, print
and online – that they will value truth in all they do. Pray for
investigative journalists working to uncover lies and injustice.
Pray for those reporting on politics, for wisdom to know how to
commentate without bias. Pray that love, truth and respect will
always characterise the way stories are reported.
f FRIDAY 20 MARCH – TRUTHFUL CONFRONTATION
‘But instead we will remain strong and always sincere in our love
as we express the truth’ (Ephesians 4:15 TPT).
Is there someone you need to speak some uncomfortable truths
to? Take some time to pray about the conversation you need to
have: that you’ll know how to speak love as well as truth; that
you’ll resist the temptation to try and score points; that the love
between you will be strengthened.
f SATURDAY 21 MARCH – SHIREMOOR: TRUTH
BRINGING NEW LIFE
‘I am Faith, and my husband Keith and I are officers at
Shiremoor in the North East Division. We recently asked
God to show us his will for how we should reach out to the
housing estate where we’re based. In response to this, the
doors burst open – 250 people joined us for a community
fun day. Just eight weeks later, over 100 people joined
us for Messy Church and four new families are regularly
worshipping on a Sunday!
Please pray that we will continue to see lives won, and that
people will go deeper in their relationship with Jesus.’
f SUNDAY 22 MARCH – TRUTHFUL COMMUNITIES
‘Now that you’ve cleaned up your lives by following the truth,
love one another as if your lives depended on it’ (1 Peter 1:22
MSG). In a world where truth is often sacrificed for the sake
of popularity and power, communities of loving integrity are
desperately needed.
24Pray that your corps or centre will be a community where
honesty matters as much as good reputation, humility as much
as influence and compassion as much as success.
WEEK 5: LOVE IS A SAFE PLACE
f MONDAY 23 MARCH – A SAFE PLACE ALONG THE
WAY
‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever–present help in trouble’
(Psalm 46:1). Have you ever found yourself saying: ‘If God really
loved me, this wouldn’t be happening’? God is a refuge, his love
is a safe place, but it’s a mobile sanctuary which travels with
us through every season. God’s love is ever–present in every
situation.
What does it mean to you to know that God’s love is right there
with you today?
f TUESDAY 24 MARCH – A SAFE PLACE OF
FREEDOM
‘Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the
best for others’ (1 Corinthians 13:7 TPT).
Pray today for parents who are struggling to find the balance
between protective love and releasing love – between keeping
their children safe and giving them freedom to take risks. Pray
that God will calm their fears and give them courage to believe
the best, releasing their children into all he has for them.
f WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH – A SAFE PLACE OF
RESPECT
‘Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek
its own honour’ (1 Corinthians 13:5 TPT).
Gracious God, forgive me when I fail to be a safe place for
people; when I belittle or disrespect them instead of honouring
them. I want to be a living example of sheltering love. Help me to
see people for who they are, to value them and to treat them with
dignity.
25f THURSDAY 26 MARCH – A SAFE PLACE OF
HEALING
‘You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in
their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the
heat’ (Isaiah 25:4).
Pray for those you know who have experienced violence,
abuse or trauma and who don’t feel safe anywhere, that God
will help them find safety in his limitless love, calming their
fears, lifting their shame, healing their wounds and giving
them new hope.
f FRIDAY 27 MARCH – SAFETY AND SECURITY
‘The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace’
(Numbers 6:26). Give thanks today for the various emergency
services – police, fire, ambulance, lifeboats, coastguards and
mountain rescue – whose diligence makes our communities
safer places to live.
Pray they’ll have the stamina to work long hours in difficult
conditions and the wisdom to know how to handle potentially
life–threatening situations. Pray they’ll know that God smiles
on them as they do their work.
f SATURDAY 28 MARCH – ANTI–TRAFFICKING:
FROM SLAVERY TO SAFETY
‘I am Major Kathy Betteridge, the Territorial Director for
Anti–Trafficking and Modern Slavery. Please pray for those
we work with, as they leave places of danger and come to
places of safety, that they will have hope, even when they
struggle to believe they will ever escape from slavery.
Pray that, in their recovery, they will come to know God’s
love and freedom. Pray for our staff and volunteers, that
their care, their words and their actions will help many
more people find the way to a better life and to a deep
experience of God’s rescuing, restoring, overshadowing
love.’
26f SUNDAY 29 MARCH – A SAFE PLACE OF WELCOME
‘The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one
born among you, and you shall love him as yourself’ (Leviticus
19:34 NKJV).
Pray for projects aimed at making your local community
a safer, more welcoming place for people who have
arrived there from other countries, whether as refugees or
immigrants. Pray that your corps will find ways to partner
with other churches, charities and agencies in this vitally
important work.
WEEK 6: LOVE KEEPS ON GOING
f MONDAY 30 MARCH – LOVE NEVER LETS GO
‘Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes
all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things
[remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things
[without weakening]’ (1 Corinthians 13:7 AMP).
Spend time meditating on this beautiful paraphrase.
How have you seen this love at work in your own life? Which
of the four promises do you most need to hold on to at the
moment?
f TUESDAY 31 MARCH – LOVE NEVER RUNS OUT
‘Love knows no limit to its endurance… It is, in fact, the one
thing that still stands when all else has fallen’ (1 Corinthians
13:7,8 JBP).
Pray today for communities around the world which are
affected by war or natural disaster, that God’s enduring love
will come to life amidst the brokenness. Give thanks for every
glimmer of love: for every person rescued, for every act of
generosity, for every moment of solidarity.
27APRIL
f WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL – LOVE NEVER GIVES UP
‘Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up’
(1 Corinthians 13:7 TPT). Are you grieving over something that
feels like failure – something you’d put a lot of hope in, and now
it seems to have come to nothing?
Take courage today in the knowledge that God hasn’t been
defeated and he hasn’t given up. Keep trusting in his love – the
love that can even bring new life out of death.
f THURSDAY 2 APRIL – LOVE DOES ITS BEST
‘Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful and trusting’ (1
Corinthians 13:7 CEV).
Holy Spirit, search me. Show me the truth about my relationships
with family and friends. Where have I offered support, but only
on my own terms? Where have I fallen short of loyalty? Where
have I lost hope? Where have I become too scared to trust? Ignite
your endless, limitless love in me again. Amen.
f FRIDAY 3 APRIL – LOVE KEEPS MOVING FORWARD
‘(Love) never looks back, but keeps going to the end’ (1
Corinthians 13:7 MSG). As we come to the end of this ‘Living
Limitless Love’ prayer focus, what have you learnt about the way
God loves you and the way you love others?
Give thanks for the journey so far, and put aside any sense of
failure or inadequacy. God’s love doesn’t dwell on the past; it
propels us into the future.
f SATURDAY 4 APRIL – COMPELLED BY LOVE
‘Love will never become obsolete’ (1 Corinthians 13:8 Voice).
Faithful God, whose limitless love brought The Salvation Army
into being, inspired its Founders and has kindled a fire in the
hearts of its members for many generations, ignite in us again
today the love that only you can give. May your unquenchable
love be our motive and our mission, our strength and our song.
Amen.
28HOLY WEEK FOCUS
P MAJOR GILLIAN MILLER (PRAYER NETWORK – THQ)
f SUNDAY 5 APRIL: PALM SUNDAY (JOHN 12:12–19) –
PALMS, PRAISES AND PROPHECY
King Jesus, we join in waving palm branches and shouting praises
as we remember your journey into Jerusalem. You are worthy of our
adoration. We know that riding on a humble donkey was the fulfilment
of prophecy. Thank you, Lord, for being obedient to your Father’s will.
Amen.
f MONDAY 6 APRIL (JOHN 2:13–17) – PASSOVER, PROFIT
AND PURITY
Lord, we humbly ask you to cleanse us from all our sin. We know we
are often like those merchants who made profit in the Temple courts
at the time of Passover. Purify my heart today, I pray. Cleanse my soul
and breathe holiness into my life. Amen.
f TUESDAY 7 APRIL (MATTHEW 26:14–16) – BETRAYAL
Judas had walked closely with Jesus for three years, yet he still
betrayed him and received a monetary reward for agreeing to hand
over his Master to the authorities. As we consider Judas’s part in
this Holy Week, pause and remember these words: ‘Forgive us our
trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us’. This assures us
that Jesus forgave Judas and he forgives you and me.
f WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL – HOLY REST
Dear Jesus, help me to see the importance of resting in order to focus
on the important decisions I need to make. As you faced the horror of
what was to come, you found time to be quiet, to seek peace, strength
and courage. Thank you for this example of holy rest. Amen.
f THURSDAY 9 APRIL (JOHN 13:1–38) – MARKED OUT TO
LOVE
In the narrative of this Last Supper we have the beautiful commission
to love one another. O Lord, when I think about your love for me, I am
overwhelmed. Give me that same love for others that you have for me
– that perfect, limitless love. Amen.
f FRIDAY 10 APRIL: GOOD FRIDAY (JOHN 18:28 – 19:37)
Lord Jesus, today we remember again the events of your crucifixion.
We try to imagine your agony as the nails pierced your hands and feet.
29Jesus, your suffering on the cross horrifies us and yet you willingly
surrendered yourself to die for the sins of the world – for my sins.
Thank you. Amen.
f SATURDAY 11 APRIL (JOHN 19:40) – IN THE TOMB
Jesus’ body lay in the tomb on the Sabbath day, prepared for burial.
The disciples knew their Lord was gone from them as they had seen
his body wrapped in linen, lying in the tomb. Lord, just like your
disciples on that day, we can feel very far from you because we think
you have left us. Thank you for your promise that you will never leave
us or forsake us and we are never left on our own. Amen.
f SUNDAY 12 APRIL: EASTER SUNDAY (JOHN 20:19–37) –
RESURRECTION SUNDAY
Today is the greatest day in history, the day when death was
conquered and we celebrate that Jesus is alive! Imagine what it must
have been like when the women found an empty tomb. Scripture tells
us that ‘the other disciple… saw and believed’ (v8). As we look on the
empty cross and see the empty tomb, we rejoice today that we too
believe and can say with confidence, ‘Hallelujah! Christ is alive!’
DIVISIONAL PRAYER FOCUS (CENTRAL SOUTH)
P MAJOR INGRID DIAPER–CLAUSEN (DME AND PRAYER
CO–ORDINATOR)
f MONDAY 13 APRIL
The Ridgeway National Trail starts just outside the boundaries of the
division and meanders through ancient places like Avebury. Pray
today for friends and family who seem ‘outside’ our fellowships. Lord,
as you led the apostles, lead us to come alongside those we come into
contact with daily. Give us courage to speak to them concerning you.
Amen.
f TUESDAY 14 APRIL
As people continue their journey through the Ridgeway, they cross
over the M4 motorway. There are several motorways crossing the
division with many vehicles travelling through them, and thousands
of people commuting many miles to work. Lord, you are an all–
present God. Please be with everyone who will be travelling today and
keep them safe in their journey. Amen.
30f WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL
Just over half way on the journey through the Ridgeway are the
Chiltern Hills. Red kite birds have become a common feature of this
area. Lord, renew your people in the division, and as they trust in you
may they find their strength renewed and may they rise on wings like
eagles (or red kites!). Amen.
f THURSDAY 16 APRIL
The Ridgeway through the Chilterns has many beautiful houses,
homes to those who live in them. Lord, as we thank you for the house
we live in, we pray for the many people who have no place to call
home, especially at this time of year when the temperature may be
so cold. We pray for our corps and centres who open their doors to
help those experiencing homelessness. Please provide and protect the
workers and the clients. Amen.
f FRIDAY 17 APRIL
Whiteleaf Cross is a cross–shaped chalk hill carving on Whiteleaf Hill.
You can’t see the cross unless you walk down to the main road, on the
east side of the hamlet of houses. So often the cross of Christ seems
hidden from view. People live their lives not realising that Jesus died
for them. Lord, help us today to be living testimonies of your love to
this world. Amen.
f SATURDAY 18 APRIL
The Ridgeway through the Chiltern Hills has a natural beauty. Many
people flock to this part of the division to escape the hustle and bustle
of city life. Today might be a day when you have a chance to rest from
work. Lord, today we pray that you will help us to rest. Please give your
people peace, renewal and healing. Amen.
f SUNDAY 19 APRIL
At end of the Ridgeway journey is Ivinghoe Beacon, a prominent hill.
Peter, John and James also climbed a mountain with Jesus. There
they experienced an amazing moment when Jesus’ appearance
changed and they saw Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah (Matthew
17:1–9). Today, people will meet together for worship. Lord, as we
meet together, fall afresh upon our people. May we be empowered as
we go back from the mountain top to the valley of this coming week.
Amen.
31SCRIPTURE FOCUS – PSALM 121
P TERRITORIAL ENVOY ANDREW HOWE (PERTH CORPS)
` CONTEXT
It is inevitable that we will journey through days of trial and
darkness. God hasn’t promised us otherwise, yet he has promised
that he would never leave us and that he walks beside us every
step. Meditate on Psalm 121 as you journey in prayer these next few
days and allow God to reveal himself to you.
f MONDAY 20 APRIL – PSALM 121:1
As you begin the journey, reflect on where you are in life. Are you in
an exciting place? A place of rest or a place of distress? As you make
your ascent today, allow yourself to lift your eyes to the glorious
presence of Creator God, the source of help.
f TUESDAY 21 APRIL – PSALM 121:2
Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we can’t help
ourselves. As you journey today, allow yourself to come to a place of
surrender. Lord, I surrender my desire to control the journey. I give it
over to you, the maker of Heaven and earth and the One who helps
me. Amen.
f WEDNESDAY 22 APRIL – PSALM 121:3–4
Have you ever been on a hike up a hill with the summit as your goal?
Be encouraged; although your goals in life may sometimes seem far
away, God still walks alongside you. He won’t let you stumble. His
constant presence and protection will see you to your mountain top.
f THURSDAY 23 APRIL – PSALM 121:5–6
Sometimes life feels as if it is throwing things at you from all
directions. Take encouragement that God your protector shields you
from all harm. Put on with confidence his armour and march on (see
Ephesians 6:13–17).
f FRIDAY 24 APRIL – PSALM 121:7–8
When our journey begins to turn in a brighter direction, it is tempting
to want to take hold of the reins again. Let us not fall into the trap of
moving on in our own strength. Lord, I rely on your protection and
guidance. I give you the reins. Amen.
32f SATURDAY 25 APRIL
On this final day of the journey, simply rest and meditate:
‘I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there? My help
comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you
stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he
who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself
watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective
shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The
Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord
keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.’
(Psalm 121 NLT)
STREET CRIME FOCUS
P CAPTAIN LEE RAGGETT (STRATFORD CORPS)
` SETTING THE SCENE
In the summer of 2019 The Salvation Army in Stratford opened the
only on–street weapon surrender bin in the borough, outside the
corps building, in partnership with other local entities. With a lot of
drug problems and gangs, the buzz of the air ambulance overhead
in the area of East London is not uncommon, nor is the news that
another person has lost their life due to knife crime. Captain Lee
Raggett shares words based on Lamentations 1, which often speak
to her as she walks the streets in prayer.
f THURSDAY 26 APRIL
‘Look around, you who pass by and go about your business. Is there
any sorrow as great as mine? Any pain as great as that which has
been forced on me? (Lamentations 1:12 Voice). Stratford moans: ‘…look
what my people are doing to each other!’ Which areas of conflict has
God placed on your heart to pray for? Lord, help us to wake up and
see the sin, shame and trauma and declare: enough! May this be the
generation that ends the cycle of violence, pain and death. Amen.
f FRIDAY 27 APRIL
‘Pity, my eyes won’t stop their crying; I can’t stop. There is no one
nearby to comfort me or revive my spirit’ (Lamentations 1:16 Voice).
I see the ones who turn their heads and look away. I hear the death
33chants and cries in houses as I pass. I hear the agony of mothers
weeping and fathers dropping to their knees. Lord, help us to write a
new story. May we learn to look at the evil in the world and act with
love. Amen.
f SATURDAY 28 APRIL
It was a phone call every parent dreads. There was disconnect as I
heard that my 12–year–old had been threatened, a broken compass
point held to his skin as he was robbed. ‘If you scream, we will shank
you!’ they said. God, may our young people grow up to love you and
love their neighbour as themselves. May they feel safe as they walk
the streets. May they know they are never alone and that you are with
them. Not hidden. Not forgotten. Not hopeless. Amen.
f SUNDAY 29 APRIL
‘Quietly, Zion spreads out her hands, pleading for comfort’
(Lamentations 1:17 Voice). Father, may the ones whose lives have been
ripped to pieces by blades feel a supernatural comfort. We dare to ask
that they would know they are not alone. We ask for comfort whilst
blood lies newly spattered on our streets. Lord, help our unbelief.
Amen.
f MONDAY 30 APRIL
After the most recent fatal stabbing in Stratford, a homeless man from
the night shelter asked why the voices of evil were louder than the
other voices around our young people. In 2018–2019, 43,516 knife
crime events were reported in England and Wales. Lord, this isn’t a
‘young people’ problem, it’s our problem. Help us to be role models
for people who have none. May the generations to come receive good
leadership and wise guidance to have the ability to choose what is
right and fair. Amen.
MAY
f FRIDAY 1 MAY
‘Death is everywhere in the homes; the sword makes women childless
in the streets’ (Lamentations 1:20 Voice). As I write this, there is
another death. Lord, another young person lay dying on our streets
tonight. Hear our prayer for all who witnessed and tried to breathe life
into him. Would you create healing spaces for parents, siblings and
friends whose lives have been ripped apart today. Amen.
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