As the G7 Summit finishes, we pray for world leaders to follow through on their climate financing promises. $100bn a year was promised to low-income countries in 2009, but is yet to be delivered. God, we pray that these rich countries would appreciate the scale of the challenge of climate change, and commit to helping others with fewer resources.
We pray that the traces of polio discovered in London would be kept under control. The risk to the general public is low, but its re-emergence is concerning after the UK was declared polio-free in 2003. God, we are grateful that this disease is rare and that nearly all are protected from it by vaccination. We pray that it would not spread.
We pray for an end to the use of plastic disposable sachets for everyday products. 855 billion plastic sachets are used every year, causing a massive environmental problem. God, we pray that businesses would not exploit the lack of regulation in some countries to pollute the planet with plastic. Help governments impose effective legislation that can stimulate change.
We pray for those trapped in ‘buy now, pay later’ payment schemes. Almost a third of users say repayments on the loans have become ‘unmanageable’, pushing them into a debt spiral. God, we pray for reform to stop these schemes from preying on those struggling amid the cost of living crisis. May those in debt receive the help they need.
We give thanks for the life of Dame Deborah James, who passed away on Tuesday. As well as raising over £7m for cancer research, Dame Deborah raised awareness of bowel cancer in younger people and spoke candidly about living and dying. God, we thank you for the impact Deborah made. We pray that her legacy would save many lives.
We give thanks for the Amani cycling team and the Migration Gravel Race, who are attempting to make cycling a more international and more inclusive sport. The race has given east African cyclists the chance to compete with the world’s best on home turf. God, we give thanks for efforts to widen access to those who are often excluded.
We pray for Japan as it struggles with its worst heatwave for almost 150 years. Every Northern Hemisphere continent has seen record heat this month, raising fears about what July and August may hold. God, we pray that the vulnerable would be protected from extreme heat. Help us as a planet to avert the catastrophic heating that is projected
As Hong Kong marks the 25th anniversary of its handover from the UK to China this month, we pray for the future of Hong Kong. We see the need for wisdom for all those in positions of influence so that there can be a way forward with peace and justice. God, we pray that the rule of law would prevail in Hong Kong, and that you would bless and protect your people there.
We pray that the UK would plug the holes in its strategy to reach net zero carbon emissions. The Climate Change Committee has warned that the government’s delivery of its plans are majorly failing. God, we long for the government to take this commitment seriously. We pray for the design of successful strategies to reach net zero.
