We pray for an end to human trafficking and a more humane approach to migration, after 53 people died in an abandoned truck in Texas last week. God, we deeply lament the deaths of these people as they sought to find a place of safety and opportunity. We pray for a world in which such dangerous journeys would be unnecessary.
We pray for improvements in policing across the UK, as six forces are currently judged to be failing and in need of special help. This is a record number to be in this state at once. God, we pray for policing that makes our communities safe and enables them to thrive.
We give thanks for Chagos Islands FC, which has allowed Chagossians in the UK to celebrate their identity. The entire population was evicted from the islands in the late 60s and early 70s, with many settling in the UK. God, we thank you for the power of arts, culture and sport to keep identities alive. We pray for the dispute over the islands to be resolved justly.
We give thanks for a ruling that diplomatic immunity does not apply in cases of modern slavery. The UK supreme court has described exploitation of migrant domestic workers by foreign diplomats as a ‘significant problem’. God, we thank you that these workers are now protected from abuse in law.
We pray for Sri Lanka, as the ongoing economic crisis is having devastating effects on people’s lives. Rising prices and shortages are making essential goods, such as food, gas and medicine, harder to obtain. God, we pray that people’s suffering would come to an end. Help us find the best ways to support Sri Lanka at this time.
We pray for Sydney, as hundreds of homes have been flooded and thousands told to evacuate after days of torrential rain. This is the fourth flood emergency in 16 months in Sydney. God, we pray that people would be safe and homes and infrastructure protected from damage. Move us to respond to a changing and volatile climate.
We pray for those in poverty around the world. The UN has warned that the global cost-of-living crisis is pushing an additional 71 million people into extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries. God, we think of those who suffer most at times of economic crisis. We pray for an increase in global solidarity so that relief goes where it is most needed.
We pray for those applying for disability benefits facing five-month processing delays. Around 327,000 people are waiting for a Pip application to be processed, causing hardship as they wait for vital support. God, we pray that the backlog would clear and these people would receive the support they need.
