He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Isaiah 2:4

The devastating situation in the middle east makes it imperative that we pray for all the people involved, especially the vulnerable, the women and children, the elderly, the sick. We pray that the leaders of the nations will come to their senses and offer each other the hand of friendship, instead of the fist of violence.

We pray for the vulnerable of our own country, for refugees, for the unemployed, for those who cannot earn enough to feed their families, for those who need support to reduce their debts. We pray for all food pantries and banks, advice centres and hostels. We ask God to guide us into whatever action He intends that we should take to help.

We pray for all who are sick and suffering, fearful and anxious.We pray for the loved ones who sit beside them, helpless and stressed. We pray for all the professionals who can step in and relieve those moments of despair. We give thanks that there are so many good people working in the health service, dedicated to helping others.

We pray for children and young people, starting the school holidays. We pray for their protection from the evils that can be found online, we pray for those families who rely on free school meals and who will not have that available to them during the holidays. We pray that all children will be able to find rest and relaxation, so that when they go back to school they will be ready to learn and benefit from their education.

Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ Matt 19:14