We pray for justice as well as peace in Ukraine. Over 21,000 alleged Russian war crimes are being investigated by the Ukrainian Prosecutor General. God, we lament all the terrible things that happen in the name of war. We pray for peace that brings an end to such injustices.
We give thanks for the support of big businesses for keeping the UK’s net zero target. Groups representing thousands of UK businesses have called on Conservative leadership candidates to uphold the commitment to reach net zero by 2050. God, thank you that support for this policy remains high in the population and in civil society. We pray that it would be upheld and met.
We give thanks for the return of 26 royal antiquities that were looted from Benin by French soldiers in the 19th century. These treasures are now on a ‘royal tour’ across the country. God, we commend the decision to return these stolen items of historic and cultural significance to Benin. We pray that others would follow.
We pray for public safety as Europe struggles with a heatwave of temperatures over 40C. The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning, and wildfires have raged in several countries. God, we pray that people would be safe in this weather. Shake us out of our complacent response to a warming planet.
We pray for the spread of new variants of COVID-19 to stop. 1 in 20 people in the UK currently has the virus, which is constantly evolving. God, help scientists working to understand the virus and those in charge of public health to take the right steps. Remind us to think of those who are still vulnerable as the virus spreads.
We pray for Mali, where the military junta recently suspended UN peacekeeping operations. The junta seized power in 2020, and is struggling to rein in an Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands and displaced millions across West Africa. God, we pray for peace and stable government in Mali. Help all partners work together effectively towards peace.
As Parliament breaks for the summer recess today, we pray for MPs, Lords and ministers. Parliament will return on 5 September, on which day the new Prime Minister will be announced. God, we pray that government would function well despite the recess and the leadership election. We pray for all parliamentarians, that this time would be spent fruitfully.
