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 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 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 […]
We have received many Christmas Greetings from our friends around the country and we share God’s love with everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who struggle in our world in so many ways. God uses our hands, feet, eyes, ears, minds and hearts to be his presence […]
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 […]
Everyone in our church has had the opportunity to receive a Star-word, a watch word for 2021, to guide us through the New Year: Hope, Faith, Reliable, Learn , Commit, Vision, Hope, Grace, Receive, kindness, Reflect, Flexible, Adapt, Father, Graceful, Courage, Read, We, Adventurous, Breakthrough , Encounter, Perseverance These personal Star Words have been used […]
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 […]
We invite you to take a quiet moment and join us as we reflect on our faith and delve deeper into the Bible. Ana & Tod Home Devotions from our Ministers Spreading Love & Hope… Devotional newsletters have been sent out regularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 stay-at-home period. They include prayers, reflections, Bible […]
