We pray for more action on plastic waste, as the Great Big Plastic Count found that UK households throw away nearly 100 billion pieces of plastic each year. Just 12% of single-use packaging used in homes is sent for recycling in the UK. God, we pray for urgent action to remove the amount of plastic pollution in our world.
We give thanks for a deal signed to reopen Ukrainian Black Sea ports for grain exports. It was feared that a blockade by Russian ships would cause an international food crisis, with some 20 million tonnes of grain stuck in silos. God, we give thanks for this act of diplomacy. We pray that it would be honoured, and that it would successfully reach those in need.
We give thanks for Paraorchestra, an ensemble of professional disabled and non-disabled musicians. The group are working to overcome a range of challenges faced by disabled artists, giving them a platform to perform. God, we give thanks for those who challenge barriers to participation. We pray that the music industry would be more accessible for those with disabilities.
We pray for the public inquiry into the UK’s response to COVID-19, which opened last week. The process may take several years, and aims to help the UK better prepare for future pandemics. God, help the inquiry to learn the lessons so that government may respond appropriately. Where injustice has occurred, we pray that it would be brought to light.
We pray that those arriving in the UK after crossing the Channel would be treated fairly by Border Force staff. A report has revealed details of ‘system failure’ at processing sites that put vulnerable people at risk. God, we mourn the lack of care shown upon arrival to this country after an arduous journey. We pray for our institutions to demonstrate a more compassionate welcome
We pray for greater reliability and trustworthiness of news on social media. Ofcom has found that Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are now the most popular sources of news among teenagers, who are unlikely to use traditional media. God, we pray that the stories we see would be accurate, wherever we find them. Help us to see the world truthfully
We pray for those who are homeless in times of extreme weather. Heatwaves and other weather events can be dangerous for those without access to shelter, water, or money. God, help us to remember those in our communities who are at risk but often forgotten. We pray that local authorities and public spaces would find ways to make provision.
