Prayer Focus

From https://www.baptisttimes.co.uk/Articles/674231/We_request_fervent.aspx 

Baptists across Israel and the Palestinian Territories request fervent prayer for just peace, reports the European Baptist Federation.

This includes the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel with 17 Baptist churches and the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land representing 13 Baptist churches in the Palestinian Territories, including a Baptist church in Gaza.

Together as a Baptist family that is one in Christ Jesus, let us mourn with all whose loved ones have been killed or are held captive. Let us follow paths of peacemaking that unequivocally reject terrorism or any acts that target civilians, include dehumanising language, or limit human rights on the basis of ethnicity or faith.

Let us generously provide help and support with the compassion of Christ.

Let us stand together with our Baptist family and all who are suffering, and in the midst of complexity and violence, hear again the words of the prophet Micah “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly” in pursuit of restorative justice and peace for all people.

Our Baptist leaders in the region have shared the following calls to prayer.

• Pray for a quick end to the conflict and the prevention of escalation into a larger war in the region.

• Pray for the God of all comfort to be with those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.

• Pray for those who have been wounded during the conflict and for those providing medical assistance to them.

• Pray for the safety and liberation of hostages, and pray for mediators to facilitate their release.

• Pray for wisdom and discernment for the leaders, that they may make decisions that lead to lasting peace and alleviate suffering.

• Pray that Christians from around the world will unite in prayer for peace, demonstrating the love of Christ to all peoples.

• Pray for safety of local followers of Jesus and that they will be shielded from extremism and hatred, especially young people.

• Pray for God to utilise our churches as effective witnesses during this challenging time, through the power of the Holy Spirit, including the Baptist church in Gaza and its ongoing ministry.

• Pray that Christians around the world will give generously as our Baptist family across this area seeks to holistically minister in this critical time of suffering.

• Pray for peace, hope, and security for the entire region, and that the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays so that Israelis and Palestinians will experience life lived in peace and freedom with one another. 

A prayer guide created by the EBF and the Baptist World Alliance, calling the global Baptist family to prayer, can be accessed here. 

From https://care.org.uk/ 

1. Pray about attempts to leg­al­ise assisted sui­cide in the UK

"Draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)

God of justice, please frustrate plans to introduce assisted suicide and grant strategic wisdom to politicians and others to maintain important safeguards and provide palliative, practical and pastoral care. Amen.

2. Pray for coun­tries where euthanas­ia is legal

"I have given you the choice between life and death…Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!" Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT)

Eternal father, we intercede for the lives of vulnerable people in Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and parts of the United States where laws already exist permitting assisted suicide. For Jesus' sake, Amen.

3. Pray for pal­li­at­ive and hos­pice care

"Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!" Psalm 90:17 (ESV)

Lord, please provide necessary finances, staff and volunteers to the hundreds of UK hospices that offer individual holistic care for people approaching the end of life within a peaceful, compassionate atmosphere. Amen.

4. Remem­ber people with disabilities

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 31:8 (NIV)

Lord, we pray about the ongoing debate to help those with life-limiting and terminal conditions as well as adults and children with serious disabilities who may feel under pressure to end their lives. May they be increasingly heard, appreciated and supported by us all in the debate around assisted suicide legislation. Amen.

5. Pray for nurses, doc­tors and oth­ers who care for ter­min­ally ill patients

"Now may the God of peace…equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him." Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)

Gracious God, thank You for the dedication and skills of those working in palliative medicine, therapy, respite care, bereavement support and other services for patients and families. Amen.

6. Pray for the roy­al col­leges and oth­er med­ic­al experts

"Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe." Proverbs 28:26 (NLT)

Merciful Lord, as political and public pressure mounts, please raise up respected medical experts to campaign against permitting assisted suicide and persuade the professional Colleges to maintain their stance against it. Amen.

7. Ask God to bring peace to those near the end of their lives

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

Loving Saviour, please draw near to those who are dying. Grant that they may have the opportunity and desire to make their peace with You and be filled with Your love. Amen.