We pray that children around the world would be protected from measles by vaccination. The WHO warns that at least 73 million have missed out on their vaccine during Covid, with a series of outbreaks in the last 12 months. God, protect those who are currently vulnerable. We pray that health programmes would be able to catch up for all who have missed routine vaccinations.
We give thanks for the evacuation of a number of people from the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol. Hundreds of civilians have been sheltering underground for weeks, with little access to food, water and oxygen. God, we thank you that they can now find safety and medical care. We pray for an end to the assault on Mariupol and the war as a whole.
We give thanks for record viewing figures for women’s sport in 2022. It is hoped that increased visibility of women’s sport can inspire more women and girls to take part. God, we thank you for broadcasters and officials committed to highlighting women’s sport. We pray that watching and playing sport would be more accessible for all.
We pray for Darfur, as violence has broken out again between rival groups in recent months. Over 200 people were killed in clashes last week. God, we pray for citizens trapped amidst the violence. Send your peace over Sudan
We pray ahead of the opening of a new parliamentary session and the Queen’s Speech. This speech sets out the government’s plans for the next year. We pray for the government, parliament, and judiciary. Equip and inspire them to fulfil their roles with competence and compassion, for the sake of those that they represent.
We pray for those who have been affected by the UK foreign aid cut from 0.7% to 0.5% of gross national income. Spending on Syria received the harshest cuts, endangering programmes for education, health, maternal health and refugees. God, we lament that we have neglected to care for our global neighbours. We pray that funds would be found to plug these gaps.
We pray for solutions for coping with rising temperatures that do not further imperil the planet. India has ramped up coal production to record levels amid an extreme heatwave, to keep power and air conditioning working. God, as the climate changes, help us to both mitigate the threat and adapt to extreme weather in ways that protect people and planet.
