We believe that our prayer life is very important. On this page you will find resources for prayer, and you can also send us a prayer request, if there is anything you would like us to pray for (all prayer requests are treated as confidential, and are seen only by the Ministers, Elders and prayer team members).
If you would like to join the prayer team, please speak to Ana.
We give thanks for community responses to the cost of living crisis, such as a neighbourhood in London cooking together once a week to bring oven costs down. God, thank you for the power of community and mutual support, and we pray that we’d see this in more places across the country. We pray for […]
This Sunday we celebrate Health Sunday (19th). Join us in giving thanks and praying for UCZ’s two hospitals and seven clinics and pray for Gina Siatwinda Oliver, UCZ Health Secretary, as she works to make sure that all are supplied, equipped and staffed. Please continue to pray for the victims of floods in Zambia, and […]
on World Day of Prayer, we pray for Taiwan, which has prepared this year’s service resources. God, we pray for the people and government of Taiwan, as well as for greater Christian unity globally, as denominations come together to pray to mark World Day of Prayer. We give thanks for the work of Furnishing Futures, […]
During this Youth Week (6th to 12th), pray for our young people, especially those who have just received their Grade 12 (secondary school leaving) exam results. Pray for them in the next stage of their lives. Pray for our youth leading worship on Youth Sunday (12th). Pray for the victims of floods here and for […]
God of peace and justice, With sorrow and lament, we hold the situation in Ukraine before you, a year on from the Russian invasion. We long for an end to the conflict and the bloodshed and suffering. We remember people in Ukraine living in fear of death and destruction. We pray for all who […]
We are praying this week especially for the Women’s Christian Fellowship, our mothers in Christ, giving thanks for their ministries in evangelism, pastoral care, leading worship and care for bereaved families. Pray for grace to persevere in hard times and to be one in Christ.
We pray for finances in education, with reports of some school buildings close to collapsing. God, we pray for more funding to be directed towards schools, so that the health and education of young people is not affected by poor infrastructure. We give thanks for the creation of a new degree aiming to encourage creative […]
As we pray on Ash Wednesday, “create in us a clean heart”, pray that we shall have a closer walk with Jesus this Lent. At St John’s, pray for the membership classes going on through Lent, for the class leaders and for the people seeking church membership.
We pray for the 7.7 million people in South Sudan facing acute malnutrition or starvation in the 5th year of severe food insecurity. God, we pray for more international aid to be sent to South Sudan, and for the hungry to be filled with good things. We give thanks that wood burners in new and […]
We pray for Eswatini, where the death of a pro-democracy activist has caused international alarm. God, we pray for all those hurt by the death of Thulani Maseko and for greater freedoms of speech and expression for the people of Eswatini. We give thanks for the new environmental plan to ensure that everyone in the […]
Please pray for people suffering from food shortage and for the victims of floods. At St John’s, give thanks that people have been trained in the new Child Protection Policy, and pray for our Burial Assistant in their ministry.
on Holocaust Memorial Day, We pray for all those who were affected by the Holocaust, as well as all instances of genocide in the years since. God, we pray for your justice to be done, and for a world in which all are seen as they are, made in your image. We keep Afghanistan in […]
At St John’s, please pray for the Men’s Christian Fellowship, for their pastoral and evangelistic work and for their Bible Study and worship together each week.
We pray for the people of Ukraine, many of whom are suffering this winter without heat and fearful for their safety. God, we pray that this conflict may be brought to an end soon and that the people of Ukraine are able to live in security within their own borders. We give thanks for new […]
At St John’s, please pray for the Girl’s Brigade, following their motto to seek, serve and follow Christ. Pray for the girls and for the officers, and give thanks for their dedication and discipline.
We pray for indigenous communities likely to be cut off by flooding in Australia. God, we pray for these isolated communities as they endure huge challenges and for all those in Australia who are experiencing damage to their homes or property due to flooding. We give thanks for the news that the ozone layer is […]
Give thanks for the week of prayer and fasting we have just had, dedicating ourselves to this year’s theme “understanding the times and what to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). Pray that at St John’s we shall, by prayer, know what to do in our witness and service to the people of Mtendere. Pray […]
We pray for farmers in the Republic of Congo who are being forced off their land by an oil company for carbon offsetting. God, we pray that Total Energies will restore the farmers’ land, and for clean energy sources which do not damage livelihoods. We give thanks for the protests against gender inequality in Afghanistan, […]
We pray for the political crisis in Peru, where instability has increased in recent months. God, we pray for the restoration of security in the political system in Peru, and for a politics defined by listening, kindness and truthfulness. We give thanks for the discovery of a successful treatment for T-cell leukaemia, thought to be […]
We prayer for all people of this world at this special time : And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, […]
We pray for homes and businesses in England at risk of flooding, a number which is likely to double in the next 30 years with increased rainfall. God, we pray for increased investment into adaptation for these properties and for the risk of rainwater flooding to be reduced. at the end of 16 Days of […]
As COP27 comes to a close, we Pray for ongoing commitment to climate justice at all levels. God, we pray that all who have played a part in COP27 will carry the urgent calling to take action for climate justice into their communities, and use their power for change. We give thanks for the release […]
As we observe Mission Sunday on 27th November, our theme is “Our role in the church’s mission”. Pray that we equip and support church members to witness and serve in our neighbourhood. Pray especially for our community development and social justice group at St John’s, for Mukupa Chanda the convenor, and their work in these hard […]
We pray for Bangladesh, where a cyclone has killed 24 people and caused 1 million to evacuate. God, we pray for those who have lost loved ones or property due to the cyclone, and for financial and material aid to be made available to those who need it. We give thanks for greater measures against […]
We pray for the new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. God, we pray that he would act with compassion and with the needs of the country in mind. Would you provide clear wisdom and discernment as he makes difficult decisions about this country and its future. We give thanks that 100 British universities have pledged to […]
We give thanks for the work of the campaign ‘Right to Roam’, aiming to increase access to rural England, with only 8% of the countryside currently accessible to the public. God, we pray that this campaign would enable greater access to your beautiful creation, so that more are able to enjoy it. We pray for […]
We pray for the almost 3000 prisoners who remain in captivity in England and Wales under the abolished indefinite sentencing scheme. God, we pray for transformation in the prison system, and for your protection on those who have been damaged by their experiences. We give thanks for the discovery that wax worms are able to […]
We pray for rising malaria cases in Pakistan following the floods. The UN reported 44,000 malaria cases last week in Southern Pakistan. God, in the wake of these terrible floods, we pray for the spread of waterborne diseases to reduce and for the provision of financial and physical aid to the overstretched health services of […]
We pray that today’s government announcements will bring direct support for the poorest households in the cost of living crisis. God, we pray that the government will use the tools at their disposal to ensure everyone has enough to live this winter and beyond. We Give Thanks for the successful trials of the drug tofersen […]
We pray for efforts to insulate homes in the UK, as experts call for a boost energy efficiency to address high energy costs. God, we pray for those with the skills to improve energy efficiency, and for policies which increase the rollout of support across the UK. We give Thanks for efforts to restore biodiversity, […]
Join us in prayer for the bereaved after 25 members of the UCZ Women’s Christian Fellowship (WCF) were killed in a road accident on Monday in Northern Province; they were returning from a WCF conference. Our national church is in mourning. Pray for the Women’s Christian Fellowship group at St John’s in their sadness and for their continuing […]
We pray for survivors of human trafficking and torture who are scheduled to be deported to Rwanda by the UK government. A charity have found that 14 people scheduled to be on the flight have shown evidence of torture. God, we pray that the flight would be stopped and more care shown in the way […]
We pray for an approach to housebuilding that meets both imperatives of the housing crisis and climate change. The government’s current housing strategy could consume all of England’s carbon budget, unless action is taken to reduce the ecological impacts of housing. God, help us to build houses for all that respect our common home of […]
Please pray for work to prevent a measles epidemic; some children in Lusaka area have recently died from measles. At St John’s, please pray for our Boys’ Brigade Section, that officers and boys will be “sure and stedfast” in following Jesus. Give thanks for the BB band’s contribution to our worship.
Pray for Rev Dyson Goma, a minister in our Chelston Consistory, as he begins work as the new Synod Communication Secretary. At St John’s, pray for our Men’s Christian Fellowship group, giving thanks for their commitment and enthusiasm and praying for their outreach and pastoral ministry.
We pray for those forced into or at risk of homelessness from the cost of living crisis. Data shows the number of households at threat of homelessness in private tenancies has increased nearly threefold in the last two years. God, we pray for all who are struggling to keep up with rent and bill payments. […]
Please pray for our young people preparing for the beginning of the final term of the school year; pray especially for pupils preparing for their final exams in December. At St John’s, please pray for the Church Leadership group at their weekly meeting, holding the life of our big congregation together.
We pray for people impacted by the rising cost of living. A new report released this week shared that families are at risk of a £1600+ gap in their finances due to lack of adequate support. God, we pray for the safety of the poorest families in our communities in these challenging times, and for […]
We Pray for Kenya, where climate change is killing twenty-times more elephants than poaching. Droughts are leading to severe water loss, killing elephants and endangering pregnancies and newborns. God, we confess the ways that human-induced climate change threatens the life of your creation. We pray for decisive action to change the future for this species. […]
We pray for the NHS, which is facing a summer crisis. Covid, ambulance services, staff shortages, the social care crisis and overcrowded A&E departments are just some of the issues stretching the health service to its limits. God, we pray that these issues would be resolved so that the NHS can continue to treat patients. […]
We pray for more action on plastic waste, as the Great Big Plastic Count found that UK households throw away nearly 100 billion pieces of plastic each year. Just 12% of single-use packaging used in homes is sent for recycling in the UK. God, we pray for urgent action to remove the amount of plastic […]
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 […]
We pray for a just solution to the Northern Ireland Protocol crisis. The issue has brought the UK government into conflict with the EU and threatens the balance of power and peace in Northern Ireland. God, we uphold the importance of peace. We pray that all parties can find a satisfactory solution to the problem. […]
We pray for those living in countries where their sexuality is outlawed. Same-sex relations are illegal in 70 nations today, including 11 where homosexuality is potentially punishable by death. God, we pray protection for those living in secrecy and fear, and for these repressive laws to be removed.ray […]
Please pray for the young people of St John’s congregation – for the youth steward, the Youth Christian Fellowship, the youth choirs and the youth drama group. Praise God that we have so many youth active in our congregation. Pray for the drama “Where is God?” presented by the United Church of Zambia at Lusaka Playhouse on […]
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 […]
We pray that upcoming environmental tipping points in the UK would be averted. Catastrophic loss of wildlife, fisheries collapse and dead, polluted rivers are fast approaching, according to the Office for Environmental Protection. God, we pray that the government would understand the urgency of these crises, and act swiftly to avoid them. We give thanks […]
We pray for the hundreds of Afghans in hiding for fear they might be killed by the Taliban for working with the British. Government schemes to resettle those with connections to Britain have been criticised for not delivering on their promises. God, we pray that those in danger would be kept safe and brought to […]
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 […]
We pray for insect biodiversity, as climate change and intensive agriculture have halved the number of insects in some parts of the world. Insects have important roles in ecosystems, such as pollination and pest control. God, help us to treasure all life. We pray that we would find solutions to rebalance our damaged ecosystems. We […]
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Each Sunday during morning worship we pause to light our peace candle and pray for Ukraine. Our peace candle burns beside the cross which we have draped with the colours of the Ukraine flag to remember all those who have died. Holy One. Prince of Peace, Abiding Spirit, our hearts ache for Ukraine and her […]
John Bank’s encouraging and joyful spirit blessed us especially during our Zoom worship services, joining in from Somerset. Please continue to hold Melanie and their family in prayer.
There has been a case of cholera in Mtendere. It is the first case in Zambia for years. Pray that the public health and personal hygiene measures will prevent the spread of cholera in our area. Our Lusaka Presbytery bishop, Rev Lordwell Siame, has launched national fundraising to build new radio and TV studios for […]
We pray for the UK’s response to economic changes brought about by the combined effects of COVID-19 and leaving the European Union. The Office for National Statistics reports that 41% of businesses across all industries with over 10 employees are struggling with labour shortages. God, we pray for the emergence of a just economy that […]
We pray for the effects of climate change in Africa. Across the continent, extreme weather change has been deadly. God, we pray that communities will have the resources they need to build resilience, and for urgent action to tackle increased global temperature rise. We pray for those on furlough. As the scheme ends, over 1.6 […]
A Prayer of Adoration from Revd Ng’oma of the United Church of Zambia
We pray for the NHS. NHS providers have said that severe cuts may have to take place unless more funding is provided. God, we pray for better funding, for patients facing a delay in treatment, and for strength for all those working in the NHS. We pray for global action to prevent biodiversity loss. Nearly […]
At the URC General Assembly worship on 11 July 2020, the Lord’s Prayer was shared on Zoom and recorded. As you listen, may the prayer remind you of our place in the United Reformed Church, and in the church universal. URC Assembly Lord’s Prayer link.
The following prayer was written by Diana Paulding from the context of the participants of the URC’s educational visit to Israel and Palestine in 2019. Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, we bring to you prayers for the land of your birth and ministry, as individuals and as part of the body of the Church. As […]
This is God’s garden, he wants us to care. He also has asked, ‘Could we manage to share?’ God’s words plant a seed in our mind And he really wants us to try and be kind. Jesus was sent to help us all out. We can help all God’s creatures if we speak out. The […]
We pray for small businesses. According to new research, more than 900,000 small business are at risk of going under. We pray for those who are in a precarious financial situation due to lost business during lockdown, and pray for adequate and ongoing financial support to ensure security for small business owners and workers. We […]
We pray for those relying on the £20/week uplift to Universal Credit. After a vote in Parliament last week, the majority of MPs abstained from committing to making the uplift permanent. We pray for those for whom this money is a lifeline, and that it will become permanent to begin to redress some of the […]
22 January 2021 marked the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), the first international treaty to comprehensively ban nuclear weapons. We congratulate, celebrate and appreciate the countries that have ratified and signed the Treaty, as well as all who have worked for nuclear disarmament and abolition for many […]
The World Watch List highlights the persecution of Christians worldwide. Persecution continues to rise. Christians killed for their faith has risen by 60% to 4,761. Christians have suffered discrimination over access to Covid-19 relief. 74 countries — one more than last year – showed extreme, very high or high levels of persecution, affecting at least […]
Today we pray for people suffering from HIV and AIDS. On this year’s World AIDS Day, we remember those who have lost their lives from AIDS-related illnesses and the 38 million who have the virus globally. We pray for continuing advancements in treatment and for increased awareness of the continuing prevalence of HIV.
Today we pray for people relying on food banks. […]
Today, we give thanks for those advocating for a green economic recovery from coronavirus. Campaigners are fighting for a sustainable route out of the pandemic and seeking to rebuild our economy in a way that works for everyone. We thank you for the dedication of campaigners. You can read more about this issue here. Stay […]
Prayer concerns from the Council for World Mission (CWM) CWM highlights the Corvid 19 epidemic that affects all its member churches. Often this is against a background of inequality, lack of health care, social deprivation and overwhelming loss. Please hold our partner churches and agencies in prayer. There is particular concern about: the measles epidemic […]
Sea Sunday is usually held in the summer months. It’s a day we learn about and remember all the seafarers working on the seas. ‘Owing to borders closing during the pandemic, some 200,000 container ship crew members are stranded at sea. Many of them have now been at sea for over a year,’ reports The […]
Sometimes our prayers seem general and distant. Here are a few specific prayer concerns arising in this challenging time and suggested by the Joint Public Issues Team of which the URC is a member church. Fruit pickers. Unions warn that women picking strawberries in Spain for UK supermarkets are experiencing deteriorating work conditions and lack […]
The following statement and prayer comes from Karen Campbell, the United Reformed Church’s Secretary for Global and Intercultural Ministries, and the Moderators of the URC General Assembly, Derek Estill and Revd Nigel Uden. “I have come that you might have life in all its fullness.” Jesus Christ said this more than 2,000 years ago. But […]
Loving God, though we may be separated in body, we are one in spirit, set apart but drawn together to magnify your name. Thank you for your grace in Jesus, helping us to live in the fullness of life that you desire for all. May your will be done on earth as in heaven, helping […]
Spreading Love & Hope… Our Ministers provided Daily Devotions and then Weekly Devotions from March 2020 through February 2021. These collections of prayers, poems, photos and music links are for use at home during these trying times. We’ve kept this archive so that you can browse through all the Home Devotions that were sent out. […]
