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 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 […]
Our church will be open for prayers for Ukraine on: Sunday 15 May 3:00-4:00 This is also Nakba Day and prayers will be said for displaced Palestinians and the Palestinian diaspora. This (almost) weekly prayer vigil will also be held on: Sunday 22 May 3:00-4:00 at St Thomas’s Church These prayer hours are open to […]
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 […]
On this World Earth Day, we pray for businesses, governments and citizens together to #InvestInOurPlanet. God, help our climate action to be global and local in its nature. May we act boldly, innovate broadly and implement equitably, in order to preserve and protect our health, our families and our livelihoods. We give thanks for […]
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 refugees who are vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking. Women and children fleeing war are being targeted as they travel and on social media-based matching sites for refugees. God, we pray that conflict zones would not be fertile ground for human trafficking. Protect those who are already vulnerable from further harm. […]
Please pray for the Palm Sunday service in Mtendere, in the open air, when nine church denominations, including St John’s, worship together and then march to the local hospital with gifts. Praise God for this powerful united witness and Christian love in action.
On this International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery, we pray for an end to racial injustice. God of reconciliation, help us to face the legacies of this history with humility and repentance. May we stand united against racism and together build societies based on dignity, equality and solidarity. […]
Two years on from the WHO’s declaration that COVID-19 was a pandemic, we pray for a more just distribution of vaccines. The People’s Vaccine Alliance are calling for governments and pharmaceutical companies to remove the obstacles in the way of vaccine equity. God, forgive us for how easily we forget our brothers and sisters around […]
We pray for victims of domestic abuse. A study has found that 27% of women worldwide aged 15 to 49 have experienced violence by a male partner in their lifetime, with the true figure likely even higher. God, we grieve this terrible sin. We pray that support and justice for survivors would improve, and that […]
Please pray for the Community Development and Social Justice group at St John’s in their ministry, so much need after the pandemic, helping people in Mtendere to have money-earning employment. Give thanks for sufficient rains this season, and pray for fairness and justice for all the people.
Give thanks for the welcome for Rev Harriet Kapeya in our Consistory, and pray for her new ministry with us. Pray for the Sunday School at St John’s, for the children and the teachers, giving thanks that numbers are restored after the Covid […]
We pray for under-18s missing out on treatment for drug and alcohol dependency. Data shows that the number able to get help has fallen to its lowest on record owing to Covid, staff shortages and funding cuts. God, we pray for these children, loved by you and bearing your image. We pray that all would […]
We invite you to take a quiet moment and join us in prayer. Stay & Pray daily for global concerns #StayAndPray, an initiative of The Joint Public Issues Team of which the URC is a member. Find out more about JPIT and sign up here. Daily Devotions from the United Reformed Church Authors from throughout […]
We pray for the fight against dementia. A study has found that the number of people living with dementia globally could triple by 2050 due to population growth and an ageing population. God, we pray for breakthroughs in tackling dementia, so that this forecast would not become reality. We give thanks for breakthroughs in understanding […]
Every day, we are being encouraged to lift up our eyes and pray for others around the world as part of #StayAndPray, an initiative of The Joint Public Issues Team of which the URC is an active member. Find out more about JPIT and sign up here. […]
Merry Christmas! Christ is born anew into our hearts and our world. C
Wishing you peace and hope this Christmas. Lord God, you are light in our darkness. You are purpose in our wandering. You are revealed in the angel’s greeting. You are known in the acceptance of Mary. You are felt in the care of Joseph. You are received in the following of the shepherds. You are […]
We pray for those who have been accepted for resettlement in the UK from Syria through government schemes and are still waiting for transfer. According to the UN, over 2000 refugees are still awaiting transfer through the UK Resettlement Scheme from as far back as 2015. God, we pray that their applications would be processed […]
We pray for the preservation of bees. Declining bee populations exposed to pesticides may require generations to recover, which will have a significant detrimental effect on entire ecosystems and on humans. God, we pray for appropriate policy and practice in farming that considers environmental impact We pray for children in care and care leavers, who […]
We pray for southern Madagascar. As rains become more erratic, drought has become the norm and harvests have failed, causing widespread starvation. God, we pray for the basic needs of food and water for the people of Madagascar. As stories like this become more and more common, we pray that we would not be desensitized, […]
We pray for the state of emergency at the Poland-Belarus border. Poland alleges that Belarus is actively spurring migrants to enter the EU through its border, causing military tension with migrants trapped in the middle. God, we pray for peaceful resolution in this situation, and that vulnerable people would not be used in this way. […]
We pray for migrants camped on the streets of Tripoli. Thousands of people fleeing poverty, war and famine have reached Libya’s capital in the hope of moving on to safe refuge, but are living in overcrowded and unsafe detention centres. God, we pray that they would find a place of safety and provision for need. […]
We pray for India as it struggles with power outages. A crippling coal shortage has led to supply disruptions and power cuts lasting up to 14 hours a day, leading ministers to consider stockpiling reserves. God, we pray for sustainable solutions to crises such as these, where people would be able to access the resources […]
What can churches be praying for during COP26? We have a huge opportunity as Christians in the UK to make our voices heard during COP26. Please join other Christians in praying together for these negotiations as guided by the Eco-Church November prayer diary. You can also find a prayer for COP26 written and read by […]
We pray for efforts to end world hunger. The 2021 Global Hunger Index has described the UN sustainable development goal of zero hunger by 2030 as ‘tragically distant’, with 37 countries having ‘serious’, ‘alarming’, or ‘extremely alarming’ levels of hunger. God, we cry out to you for those in need, and pray for a world […]
We pray for new parents, who are still struggling to access health and family support services after Covid. 93% of new parents said they had not been able to access baby and toddler groups, and 75% said they had not been able to find affordable childcare. God, we pray that every child would get the […]
We pray for children’s mental health. A new survey has shown that nearly 40% of 6-16 year-olds and half of 17-23 year-olds felt that their mental health had worsened since the first lockdown. God, we pray that every child would have the support they need to live a life of fullness and flourishing. We pray […]
We pray for those facing the threat of eviction. Out of 555 cases observed by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism in July and August, 270 ended in a possession order, with 88 of those cases mentioning the impact of Covid on their finances. God, we pray for provision for those struggling with debts and overdue […]
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 […]
We pray for racial equality. A recent report shows that Black people are more likely to be subjected to prolonged Taser use in the UK, alongside other inequalities in law enforcement. God, we pray for safe, just, and equitable law enforcement in the UK and elsewhere We pray for people who will be affected by […]
We pray for people struggling with gambling addiction. The pandemic has led to the sharpest ever rise in women seeking help for gambling addictions, new figures show. God, we pray for people who are struggling with gambling addiction, that they might be successful in seeking the support they need. We pray for protestors in Afghanistan. […]
We continue to pray for all those affected by wildfires. Fires have spread quickly across parts of Europe and North Africa as temperatures rise. God we pray for safety for those affected, and for those fighting fires. May you bring your peace and healing We pray for everyone facing bailiff action because of debt. At […]
In this desperate time of violence in Afghanistan, we can feel powerless. But we believe in the power of prayer. This prayer comes from Christian Aid, written by Ramani Leathard, Christian Aid’s Head of Region for South East Asia and Afghanistan. Pray for Afghanistan O God of mercy and of peace, We hold before you […]
The World Council of Churches invites its member churches around the world, and all people of faith, to pray for the people of Afghanistan. “People who have already suffered for decades from armed conflict, displacement, oppression, corruption and bad governance have once again been cast into fear and uncertainty as a result of the dramatic […]
We pray for Belarus. Last week the trial of two leading opposition figures began after protests about a presidential election widely believed to have been rigged were broken up brutally by police earlier this year. God, we pray for justice to be done in the trials and for democratic liberty in Belarus and beyond. We […]
We pray for students who have missed school during the pandemic. A global education summit in London is aiming to raise enough money to get 88 million more children into school. God, we pray for educational recovery globally after disruption, and for a renewed commitment to international development from the UK Government to fund global […]
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.
We pray for asylum seekers. Last week, the Nationality and Borders Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons, a Bill which will make the asylum system in the UK more punitive if it becomes law. God, we pray for robust scrutiny of the Bill, and for a compassionate asylum system for those […]
We pray for women in Nepal. Health workers in the country fear a huge rise in maternal deaths as 90% of women have missed check-ups and many opt for home births amid fears of Covid-19. God, we pray for safety and security for women facing increased levels of maternal mortality. We pray for climate justice. […]
We pray for countries struggling with extreme heat. Last week, Lapland recorded its hottest temperature for more than a century, just as the Pacific Northwest emerges from a deadly heatwave. God, we pray for your creation, and that we might be successful and ambitious in limiting global warming. We pray for people struggling with substance […]
We pray for pregnant women seeking mental health care. It was revealed last week that thousands of pregnant women in England were denied vital mental health help during the pandemic. God, we pray for comfort and peace for those struggling with their mental health in the pandemic, and for increased support for perinatal mental health […]
We pray for women who have experienced pain as part of medical treatment. Last week, stories were shared in the media and online about women’s experience with excruciating pain when having IUDs fitted. God, we pray for those facing pain as part of routine medical procedures, and for greater understanding of women’s medical experiences. We […]
We pray for Myanmar. The country is facing rising Covid death rates, limited oxygen, and thousands displaced amid continuing political instability. God, we pray for healing, safety, and just governance for the people of Myanmar. We give thanks for those supporting and rehabilitating victims of torture. Today is International Day in Support of Victims of […]
We pray for those at the sharp end of cuts to the UK international development budget. Last week, an amendment which would have restored the budget did not go to a vote, amid reports of projects in Yemen and Syria being axed among many others. God, we pray for those finding lifelines cut across the […]
We pray for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Around 500,000 people have been left without clean drinking water in the country after a volcano erupted last week. God, we pray for safe water for those affected, and swift support from the international community for affected areas. We pray for the G7. Today, leaders from around […]
We pray for GPs. The pandemic has led to severe disruption to normal service for more than a year, leading to rising numbers of patients threatening to overwhelm GPs. God, we pray for healing for those who are unwell, and support for GPs facing rising workloads. We pray for the G7. Next week, the leaders […]
We pray for India. Amid an ongoing Covid-19 crisis, at least 26 people have died and dozens are missing after a barge sank off the country’s western coast during a cyclone. God, we pray that those who are injured, missing, or grieving might feel your love and comfort We pray for care home residents. Families […]
News from the URC: On behalf of the World Council of Churches (WCC), of which the URC is a member, the Revd Prof Dr Ioan Sauca, Acting General Secretary for the WCC, has expressed mounting concern and profound grief at the rising toll of people killed and injured in the escalating violence in Israel and […]
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 […]
We pray for Madagascar. The worst drought in 40 years on the island has left more than a million people facing a year of severe food shortages. God, we pray for provision for those who are struggling, and international support for nations facing extreme weather. We pray for Kabul. Last week, explosions caused by a […]
We pray for the UK’s international development funding commitments. Following an announcement confirming the cut in funding in 2021-2, 200 charities have described the cut as a ‘tragic blow’ to the world’s most marginalised people. God, we pray that our dealings with other countries would show your love for the marginalised and compassion for all. […]
We pray for countries relying on the Covax scheme for vaccines. The global vaccine-sharing initiative has so far delivered just one in five AstraZeneca doses it estimated would arrive in countries by May. God, we pray for a just vaccine programme which places the needs of the most vulnerable globally at its heart. We give […]
We pray for India. The country has been reporting over 150,000 new Covid cases per day, in a second wave one doctor has called a ‘Covid tsunami’. God, we pray for healing for those who are suffering, comfort for those who are mourning, and a just vaccine programme globally. We give thanks for health workers. […]
We pray for Mozambique. Escalating violence has meant 700,000 people have been displaced from a region of the country. God, we pray for a just peace in Mozambique, and an end to instability in the region. We give thanks for schools reopening. that students will be in a more consistent learning environment. God, we give […]
We pray for everyone affected by Covid-19. Whether through bereavement, income loss, illness, or isolation, the effects of the pandemic have been wide-reaching and devastating. God, we pray for your healing, for people and for the world, after this year of illness. We give thanks for indigenous leaders tackling climate change. A recent UN report […]
We pray for refugees in camps across the globe. Last week, hundreds of people went missing and at least fifteen confirmed dead after a fire tore through a camp for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. God, we pray for your comfort for those who are grieving or injured, and for welcoming and adequate accommodation for those […]
We pray for social care. Leading care organisations in England have warned of a potential ‘cliff edge’ in funding when emergency funding runs out in two weeks. God, we pray that your love and compassion might be shown through adequate funding for social care. We pray for those suffering from long Covid. Chronic pain and […]
We pray for women’s safety. After the disappearance of a woman, Sarah Everard, in South London last week, women have been sharing all-too-common experiences of feeling unsafe. God, we pray that your compassion and care might be shown to all women on the streets, and that thorough and wide reaching responses might be offered by […]
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 young people facing unemployment. An inquiry from the Welsh Senedd found last week that action was urgently needed to stop a ‘monumental spike in youth unemployment’ in the aftermath of lockdown. We pray for those young people who have been disproportionately affected by the negative economic effects of lockdown. We give thanks […]
A year has passed since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the spread of COVID-19 a global pandemic. World Council of Churches invites us to continue to pray, reflecting on both the lament and the hope expressed and experienced across the world during what has been a year of unprecedented suffering, but also a year […]
We pray for Sri Lanka. The UN high commissioner for human rights and civil rights groups has warned that the country could descend back into violence and human rights abuses unless international action is taken. We pray for those seeking justice for past atrocities and for a swift and just resolution to potential violence. We […]
We pray for those at risk of losing their home because of debt. Lenders and landlords have warned that as many as half a million renters are at risk of losing their home without financial help. We pray for measures to protect the most financially vulnerable in society as the budget is announced in the […]
We pray for people experiencing digital exclusion. A study has revealed that more than one in five people in the West Midlands do not use the internet, the highest rate in the UK, suggesting rising problems of isolation relating to digital exclusion. We pray for those feeling isolated and frustrated by technology during lockdowns. We […]
We pray for Myanmar. Myanmar is considering ‘next steps’ over a military coup which saw democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi deposed and detained. We pray for those caught up in violence, and pray for peace and for those politicians facing imprisonment. We give thanks for access to coronavirus vaccines. Earlier this week a Government […]
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 […]
We pray for animals losing their habitats due to climate change. We pray for all of God’s creatures and creation, and that robust measures would be put in place to slow the effects of climate disaster. We give thanks for international commitments on climate change. As President Biden returned the USA to the Paris Agreement […]
We pray for those facing food insecurity globally. Coronavirus, conflict and cuts to UN funding are increasing the risks of food insecurity and malnutrition in 2021, in particular in South Sudan. We pray for people who are facing hunger this year, and pray that there might be adequate resourcing for global programs to ensure nobody […]
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 […]
We pray for teachers and students. As the new term starts, schools have faced a lack of clarity over reopening which has made it more difficult to plan appropriate education for students and has left teachers and support staff without clear guidance. We pray that every child will be educated properly and safely, and that […]
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 […]
‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’ –Psalm 46.1 Here’s a suggestion of one way to put our covenant of discipleship into action. Thursdays at 8.00 pm we are all invited to express our gratitude to the National Health Service and all key workers. Evenings are dark and cold this […]
We pray for the UK’s new financial commitments in 2021. The recent Spending Review included the aid budget being slashed to just 0.5% of GNI and didn’t commit to a permanent £20 uplift in Universal Credit. We pray for budgetary commitments which prioritise creating a fairer society and a more just world. We pray for […]
We pray for the transformation which Jesus brings. This Christmas, we remember the coming of Jesus to our world, and the promise of hope which that brings with it. We pray that the trans-formative power of Jesus might be felt in all communities around the world today. We pray for those weighed down by debt […]
We pray for migrants. Friday 18th was UN International Migrants Day, which celebrates social cohesion and the new communities enriched by the contribution of migrants. We pray comfort for those leaving their homes for a better life and thank you for the communities enhanced by diversity. We give thanks and appreciation for teachers. Often caught […]
We pray for people fleeing conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. Especially those who are fleeing conflict between forces in the area and are caught up in fighting, while humanitarian organisations have not been able to easily access the region. We pray for those forced to leave their homes and for the safety of all in […]
We give thanks for biodiversity. World Soil Day, which celebrates the biodiversity encouraged by healthy soil and encourages sustainable management and are thankful for the variety of life supported by God’s creation We give thanks for vaccine development around the world especially the dedication of scientists in creating the vaccine, and pray for the success […]
Today we pray for children who have missed out on schooling during the pandemic. A new tutoring scheme aims to close the attainment gap as disadvantaged students have fallen behind, but may not have the necessary scope for all children who need it. We pray for a robust scheme to close the attainment gap and […]
Today we pray for the changing lock down situation across the UK. Each of the nations in the UK have announced changing rules and guidelines for Christmas, and England leaves national lock down today. We pray for the mental health of people struggling with regulations and a safe and peaceful Christmas season.
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 […]
Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. (Isaiah 40:1) Holy God, ever present, our hearts are once again heavy as we watch the disaster in Beirut unfold. We pray comfort for those who have lost loved ones and remember those who have lost their lives, commending their souls to your care. In the midst […]
God of Justice and Peace, We lift up the people of Nabuna Village and other communities in Fiji, finding their way responding to the flooding risks increased by climate change. We are sorry for where our behaviour has damaged your wondrous creation, and continues to damage the lives of those you love. We recognise that […]
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. […]
Inspired by John 4:5-49 – the woman at the well As the Corona virus spreads, we face the situation with faith and trust. We hope this prayer will help you in the days and weeks ahead. Ana & Tod Eternal God, we turn to you knowing you are the source of the living water for […]
Every church in Salisbury takes a turn to pray for Salisbury Street Pastors. This week is our turn! Prayer points: Salisbury Street Pastors helping, caring and listening in our night-time street community Friday and Saturday 10 pm to 4 am. the trained volunteers and the local coordinator the people who are out and about, especially […]
