We pray for those who rely on life-supporting machines as the cost of electricity rises. Many people with illnesses or disabilities are hit particularly hard by the cost of living crisis as they need to power medical equipment. God, we pray that no one would have to make the decision to limit their usage of life-saving equipment. Help those who are struggling to pay the bills.
We give thanks for the Grenfell Garden of Peace, a ‘guerrilla gardening’ project that became a place of joy and community after the Grenfell Tower fire. Grow2Know, the organisation behind the project, has had a display at the Chelsea Flower Show this week. God, we thank you for the power of nature, creativity, and community to bring people together.
We give thanks for big financial firms moving towards greater environmental responsibility. The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures is ensuring that firms face new requirements for biodiversity and nature-related investments. God, we thank you that the importance of nature is being increasingly recognised. We pray that finance would be mobilised to benefit and not harm the planet.
We pray for an end to gun violence in America and elsewhere. Nineteen children and two teachers were killed in an attack at a primary school in Texas last week. God, our hearts break at news of another tragic loss of life. May thoughts and prayers be turned into action and legislation that makes the world a safer place for all.
e We pray for seasonal migrant workers, who can be subjected to illegal fees and rights abuses in order to secure work. As many as 40,000 seasonal workers are expected to work on British farms this year. God, we pray that those travelling to work in the UK would be protected from exploitation and given dignity and fair pay in their pursuit of work.
We pray for the Democratic Republic of Congo, as fighting between the army and rebel groups has displaced thousands in the past week. The DRC already has 5.6m internally displaced persons, the highest number in Africa. God, we pray for an end to violence and think of those whose lives are disrupted as a result. We pray that they would find safety and welcome.
We pray for cleaners and other low-paid workers who face disrespect at work. Protests were held outside Downing Street after the revelation of how cleaning and custodial staff were treated rudely by members of the No.10 team in the Sue Gray report. God, we pray that all would be given due respect and dignity at work, regardless of their role or workplace
