Prayer Matters

May – August 2016

Dear prayer warriors, greetings in the name of the Lord! Welcome to this new edition of Prayer Matters and my first word of introduction since taking up the mantle of SA 24/7 Prayer Coordinator. This issue has been collated and edited by Karen Findlay and includes a focus on Fit for Mission (FFM), as we move now into the season of implementation of wide reaching change in the UKT. Firstly though, I must take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to my predecessor and friend, Major Gill Miller for all that she has brought to the prayer network during the last few years. You have done a great work Gill and we thank you not only for what you have done, but for who you are - a passionate, prayerful woman of God. We look forward to you still being very much part of the wider prayer network and pray that you enjoy your well-earned retirement. Thank you too to the prayer team Karen Findlay and Jo Bankole for holding the fort and pressing on and keeping faith during the intervening period. Lyndall Bywater too has been busy heading up filming for season two of The One Thing Prayer School DVD teaching resource. I commend this great resource to you, season one – Bringing Personal prayer to life, is available from SP&S. As I write, I sit surrounded by packing boxes, having experienced the stress and upheaval of moving home and appointment, taking up my new role exactly two days ago! Previously I have served as a corps officer, so I’m very much the ‘new girl’ in the THQ environment and in the early stages of finding my feet. Prayer has always been my passion and I hope and pray that I can serve you well in my new role. My thoughts turn to all of those within the UKT who will be impacted by the stress and upheaval of the coming months as the ‘rubber hits the road’ with implementation of FFM. Of course we want the Salvation Army to be fit for mission, we want and pray that God will reignite our passion and make us effective in ‘saving souls, growing saints and serving suffering humanity’ for His glory and His Kingdom purposes.

I thank God for you; your prayers are a powerful force and ask that in this season you would pray wholeheartedly that the Spirit of God would move amongst us powerfully, bringing a full measure of patience, strength, grace and peace through this time of change impacting so many individuals within our movement. Father God, we stand together in this season of change. We bring to you your church, The Salvation Army and seek your guidance, peace and blessing in the midst of the many changes taking place in the coming months. We pray believing that we will rise up in the power of your Spirit to be truly fit and effective in the mission to which you’ve called us, may your kingdom come. Amen Blessings, Pauline Captain Pauline Milner, 24/7 SA Prayer Coordinator

May

Sunday 1st Pray that as people gather in worship throughout the territory that there will be openness to God and a readiness to follow Him – wherever he leads.

International Focus - Papua New Guinea (PNG)

Monday 2nd Today we give thanks and praise for the newly opened Boroko Motel and Apartments. Apart from providing affordable accommodation, the revenue gained from the motel will provide funding to support the social and spiritual programmes in Papua New Guinea. Tuesday 3rd We give thanks today for the Boroko primary school run by The Salvation Army in PNG. We pray blessing on the teachers, staff and pupils. May the love of God shine through this school. Wednesday 4th We rejoice that local officers in PNG are meeting together for training in order to be more effective in their leadership roles. As these community leaders work for peace we pray for them as they share the good news of Jesus. Thursday 5th As we celebrate The Salvation Army we give thanks that local Salvationists have been providing hope to the people of Papua New Guinea since 1956 through education, health care, funding, spiritual guidance, and providing basic necessities like food & clothing. Friday 6th Thank you Lord for the amazing response to the Annual Appeal in PNG and for those in positions of influence who support our work

and encourage others to do so. Continue to reach the hearts of donors in order that more can be achieved in your name.

Saturday 7th We bless the name of the Lord for the women and children who find support and love at The House of Hope. Many have been abused, unvalued and sometimes unwanted. Thank you Father that House of Hope provides support services & counselling that help women facing violence, alcoholism and drug addiction. Sunday 8th We sing praises to the God of our salvation and rejoice in the wonderful ways he is working and moving in PNG. As people there join for worship today we pray God’s Holy Spirit will touch each person. Father God, please bless your people in PNG.

Scripture Focus

Monday 9th Acts 2:1 When the Holy Spirit filled the Church at Pentecost, the believers were ‘all together in one place’ (NIV). Pray for your own church, that even if you’re not always physically together in the same place, there will be a bond of unity which holds you together and includes everyone. Tuesday 10th Acts 2:2 Feeling the building shake during a Sunday service is a rare experience, but pray that your church will be a place where God’s Spirit is welcomed, recognised and experienced by each person who worships there. Pray that there will be space in your times of worship for him to do the things he most wants to do. Wednesday 11th Acts 2:4 Pentecost was for everyone. Each believer received their own tongue of fire. Pray that God’s Spirit will touch every single person in your church community, and that no-one will feel left out or less important. Pray that each person will know how deeply God loves and values them.

Thursday 12th Acts 2:4 The Holy Spirit brought surprising gifts to the early Church. Pray for your church community, that there will be openness to the gifts of the Spirit. Pray for your leaders, that they will know how to help people use those gifts in worship and in mission. Friday 13th Acts 2:43 For the early Church, ‘signs and wonders’ were all part and parcel of sharing the good news of Jesus. Pray for your church community, that people will keep on believing God can do the impossible, and that they will step out in faith to pray for miracles. Saturday 14th Acts 2:45 Pentecost wasn’t just a spiritual experience. It resulted in people living differently: sharing wealth and helping the poor. Pray that your church will be open to the Holy Spirit inspiring new ways of doing things – new ways of being community and new ways of serving society. Sunday 15th Acts 2:47 The Holy Spirit came that the good news of Jesus might ring out to everyone, everywhere. Pray for your church, that there will be a renewed joy in sharing the Gospel, a renewed commitment to mission and a fresh expectation that God will add to your number those who are being saved.

Focus on Refugees and Migrants

Monday 16th Migrant Camps Over recent years, hundreds of new camps have sprung up across Europe, offering temporary shelter to those who have left their homes in search of a better life. Pray that these camps will be places of safety, where needs are met and where new hope is found.

Tuesday 17th Hot-spots Pray for the authorities in the towns and cities across Europe which have become hot-spots for refugees and migrants. The influx in recent months has been unexpected and almost certainly not budgeted for. Pray that they will know how to use their limited resources to care for those arriving on their doorstep. Wednesday 18th Hope and Future There are so many reasons why people leave their home and migrate: war, famine, poverty and persecution to name but a few. Pray for all those who are in search of somewhere to call ‘home’, that they will find the God who has a hope and a future for them. Thursday 19th Unaccompanied Minors Among the thousands of migrants and refugees coming to Europe are children who have become separated from the adults who were caring for them. Pray that the governments of Europe will act quickly to find these children safe homes and loving families to look after them. Friday 20th Trafficking Prevention Desperation and abject poverty make migrants and refugees prime targets for human traffickers. Pray that those at risk, particularly children and young women, will understand the dangers, and will be kept safe. Pray that those trying to buy and sell these vulnerable people will be brought to justice. Saturday 21st Jungle Camp Pray for the huge migrant/refugee population currently settled on the outskirts of Calais, France. This camp has existed for many years, but has grown exponentially in the past year. Pray for the Christians who visit, offering aid and sharing faith, that God will use them to bring hope and comfort.

Sunday 22nd Home in the UK Pray for the UK, as we begin to provide homes for the refugees and migrants we have committed to help. Pray that the right place will be found for each person, and that our villages, towns and cities will prove hospitable, friendly places to live. Pray that we will imitate the open-hearted generosity of Jesus.

Focus on Youth – Education

Monday 23rd Pick three schools in your local area and spend some time praying for the young people who attend them. Ask God to protect them, to encourage them, and to give hope to everyone there. Tuesday 24th Today, pray for those whose experience of education has been made difficult because of bullying. Ask God to bring deep healing to anyone you know who has been affected by this issue, and pray that those who are suffering in silence will find safe places to speak out. Wednesday 25th It can be very tricky to be a Christian teacher or employee in a school, college or university. Today, pray for courage and comfort for anyone you know in this situation. Thursday 26th Today, pray for organisations like Christian School Work trusts, Youth for Christ and the Message Trust, who work with school-aged young people. Pray for resources, relevance and good relationships with other funding bodies for them.

Friday 27th Spend some time praying for those who are preparing for or completing exams at this time. Ask God to give them focus and energy, whilst keeping them calm at this time. Saturday 28th Today, pray for all those who make decisions which impact education: parents, teachers, governors and politicians. Ask God to ensure that the welfare of young people remains at the forefront of their minds at all times. Sunday 29th There are so many options open to young people coming to the end of their formal education now. Pray for young people in your corps who are considering if they should go to university, travel, or complete a gap year programme such as Essential. Pray for peace and clarity in their decision making processes.

Focus on Youth - Faith

Monday 30th Today, pray that the young people in your corps will be surrounded by positive role models that will help them develop a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus. Tuesday 31st Who encourages you or inspires you to keep growing in your faith? If you can, why not drop them a text message or email today saying thank you. Either way, make time to say thank you to God for them, as you spend time praying today.

June Wednesday 1st Spend some time, today, praying for youth workers who have the important job of mentoring and guiding young people. Pray that God would inspire them

with creative ideas and give them discernment to connect with those who are struggling with their faith. Thursday 2nd It can be really difficult to talk about our faith to our friends and family. Pray that God will give you some opportunities to share your faith through small acts of kindness, and through your reactions to those around you. Sometimes, actions speak louder than our words ever could. Friday 3rd Is there one issue that you keep returning to when it comes to thinking about your faith? Are there doubts or struggles that hold you back? Today, bring these to God. He doesn't expect you to have it all worked out, he just wants you to be honest about how you feel. Saturday 4th Today, pray for any young people in your corps who have recently stopped attending. Pray for them, that they will know they are loved and missed, but more than that, that they would encounter the reality of God's presence in a new way. Sunday 5th As we draw to the end of this week of prayers focusing on faith issues, pray about your own faith and developing relationship with God. Spend some time listening to him, and pray that you might grow in strength with him.

International Focus The Philippines

Monday 6th Father God, we give thanks for ‘Bethany Children’s Home’ for girls aged 5-11 who have been sexually abused and need protection. We pray for these children as they learn to cope with their traumatic experiences. May life for them improve through the love and care shown and received. Tuesday 7th Dear Lord, please give strength to the staff at Bethany as they provide emotional and psychological support to the abused children. We pray

that as they go through the healing process together they will find peace that will sustain them. Wednesday 8th Transforming God, we thank you for every aspect of transformation in the lives of children in The Philippines as they move from fear to trust and hope. Give them courage to overcome inner pain. Thursday 9th We bring to you Father the street children of Manilla whose numbers grow and for whom there is an uncertain future. As street children lack education and come from very poor families there is a need for each child to receive teaching. Through some miracle we pray for education for all. Friday 10th We remember today the children who are forced by circumstances to help their families earn a living. As the street children work from 6-16 hours a day, seven days a week in order to survive this causes them to be extremely vulnerable to drug addiction, crime and sexual exploitation. Father, we ask you to protect today every child who is in danger. Saturday 11th Thank you Father that the government has given special focus on helping street children with programs focused on health and nutrition, educational assistance, parenting sessions, livelihood and skills training, residential care, foster care and adoption. Sunday 12th We lift up in prayer our brothers and sisters in Christ who worship our Father God today. Bless them Lord with your power and goodness; strengthen them with compassion for the lost souls and for the poor children. Give them amazing courage to do whatever you call them to do.

Focus on Scripture Psalm 51

Monday 13th Psalm 51:7 Hyssop was used in one of Israel’s annual repentance ceremonies. It signifies that need we all have to come to God for a regular clean-up: to confess where we’ve gone wrong, to ask his forgiveness, to forgive others and to forgive ourselves. Take some time for a clean-up today. Tuesday 14th Psalm 51:8 When grief and pain have weighed so heavy upon us that we feel crushed, then it’s natural to long for gladness again, and this verse encourages us to ask God for it. In the tough bits of today, remember to ask God to give you a glimpse of joy. Wednesday 15th Psalm 51:10 Are you in need of a change of heart about something? Are you trying to change an attitude you’ve held for a long time? God is in the business of creating new, pure hearts, so why not ask him for it. Pray that he will help you to establish new ways of thinking too, so that your new heart is backed up by a steadfast spirit. Thursday 16th Psalm 51:12 Has your salvation gone stale? Are you living Christianity more out of duty than joy? Ask God to refresh your faith today, and to remind you of the joy of being a child of the King of Kings. Where you’ve become enslaved to things that make your faith religious and heavy pray that He will lift the yoke and set you free. Friday 17th Psalm 51:13 It is a remarkable truth that we can live in such a way that other people’s lives are changed for the better. Pray for your own Christian faith today that your life will be so full of love, joy, peace and hope that others will be tempted to turn towards God.

Saturday 18th Psalm 51:15 Some of the Old Testament prophets learnt that there was a time to speak and a time to be silent. God has significant things for us to say to the people around us, but the timing needs to be his, not ours. Pray that God will show you the right time to speak, so that your words have the greatest effect for his Kingdom. Sunday 19th Psalm 51:17 We sometimes think God is looking for ‘super-hero Christianity’ where we’re always strong and successful. Yet God welcomes our weakness and brokenness just as much as our strength and confidence. Make your offering today: bringing all the broken pieces of yourself to the one who loves you and makes you whole.

Focus on Europe

Monday 20th Peace in our Time The European Union was born over 60 years ago out of a vision to ensure that the nations of Europe would never again go to war. We begin this week of prayer for Europe by thanking God that, after two terrible world wars, the continent has had the peace it has needed to rebuild and to thrive. Tuesday 21st Economic Crisis Like most of the world, Europe was hit badly by the economic crisis of 2008. While the richer nations are recovering, the poorest nations are still struggling with huge debt and political instability. Pray that those poorer nations will be able to re-stabilise their economies. Wednesday 22nd Migrant Crisis Pray for the European Union and the governments of Europe as they seek to find robust strategies for dealing with the unprecedented influx of migrants and refugees flooding into the continent from the Middle East. Pray that their solutions will be just and compassionate.

Thursday 23rd Political Structures In today’s global society, nations need to work together, but opinions differ greatly on how the countries of Europe should do that – whether in a tight union or a looser set of trading partnerships. Pray for wisdom for those working to find the best way forward, both for countries within the EU and those outside. Friday 24th Islamic Fundamentalism Many European cities have felt the brutal violence of Islamic fundamentalist terrorism. Pray for those places which are still trying to rebuild after such attacks. Pray that police and intelligence services across the continent will work effectively together to shut down this new wave of terror. Saturday 25th Faith and Church Europe was once known as a ‘Christian continent’ – European countries were among the first to receive the Gospel. Yet now, the Church in Europe is in decline. Pray that the nations of Europe will rediscover their Christian heritage, and that new life will spring up everywhere. Sunday 26th The Salvation Army The Salvation Army is active all over Europe, yet in many places there are just a few corps and centres serving vast geographical areas. Pray for officers, that they won’t feel isolated or alone, and that God will show them ways to stay connected and encouraged.

Focus - Fit for Mission

Monday 27th JESUS Loving Father, we bring to you our Salvation Army in this Territory, every corps and centre, every officer and employee. Father God, we pray that Jesus will be in the centre of everything that is happening today. (Please pray this prayer for yourself too).

Tuesday 28th Transformation Great and glorious God, we praise you for your goodness and grace in our lives. As we give thanks we pray that we will be people who are waiting to see lives transformed and will encourage, support and nurture those who are seeking your power in their lives. Wednesday 29th Integration Loving Lord, you showed us how to accept the unloved and care for the broken. Help us to make our places of worship and service places where unconditional love is evident to whoever we meet. Fill us with love beyond our normal capacity as we work together to bring in your Kingdom. Thursday 30th Discipleship Father God, we are yours, we worship you Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Keep us free from temptation that would try to spoil our relationship with you. Keep us pure so we can live holy lives reflecting the beauty of JESUS. Keep us close to your heart, your will, your plan for our lives.

July Friday 1st Effectiveness Dear God, we know that the point of being Fit for Mission is that our ARMY will be efficient as we go about saving souls, growing saints and serving suffering humanity. Our personal prayer would be that we are effective too in sharing your love in the world. Saturday 2nd Changes Holy Lord, we are in the midst of changes in the structure of our Territory and for some of us that is painful. In our desire to be Fit for Mission we know there will be changes. Help us all to see the positive and dispel the negative. To identify the new thing you are doing in us and through us.

Sunday 3rd Fitness Challenge Dear Lord, as we worship you we face the fitness challenge. We have our bibles that show us the way to be fit yet often we don’t read a word of guidance from one week to the next. We have been taught to pray yet often we don’t communicate with you from one week to the next. Forgive us Lord when we pretend to be fit as your disciples yet never undertake any spiritual exercise. Help us to face the fitness challenge.

Focus on the Cadets - Messengers of Light

We are praying for the Messengers of Light session of Cadets and their immediate families as they will be commissioned as officers in The Salvation Army this week. Monday 4th Thanksgiving Father God, we give thanks and praise for the men and women who make up the Messengers of Light session. As they prepare to move into ministry may they be given strength and courage to be a light wherever you need them. Tuesday 5th Reassure and Reaffirm Today we pray for all who will sign their Covenant with God tomorrow. Father, in your love please reassure your children of their calling to serve you and reaffirm that call is real and from you. Wednesday 6th Covenant Day Today the Cadets will privately sign their Covenant with God. Father God, because of your love may I serve; and help me to serve humbly, by Your love. Amen. Andrew Manley (to be commissioned on Saturday) I pray that God would guide us, protect us, strengthen us and empower us as we make our covenant with Him and are commissioned and sent to

our new appointments. I pray for the children who will make this transition too and especially those who are finding this difficult. Nicola J. Hammond (to be commissioned on Saturday) Thursday 7th WBC Team We give thanks for the Officers and staff at William Booth College who have nurtured and taught and stood alongside and prayed for the cadets over the past two years. Bless them Lord as they prepare to say farewell to the families who will soon be leaving their care. Friday 8th Families Loving God, we remember today the wider families of the Cadets, those who have always been there with love and understanding. We give thanks for parents and siblings who have travelled this past two years giving help and support. We also remember the corps each Cadet has come from and thank you for their faithful prayers. Saturday 9th Commissioning Day Bless this day Father. We know it will be a milestone day in the lives of our Cadets as they publically witness to your call on their lives and their willingness to respond. “Father God I pray you will continue to speak the light of Jesus into our hearts, so that His light will shine so powerfully through us that we are like stars in the sky that point everyone toward real life in Christ (see Philippians 2:15-16).” Andrew Hammond, (commissioned today). Sunday 10th Farewell Sunday As our new lieutenants say farewell to WBC we remember that in many corps around the territory it will also be time to say farewell as officer’s prepare to move to new appointments. On this day of mixed emotions, we pray that in all things your name will be glorified and your Kingdom extended through the power of your Holy Spirit at work.

Focus on Scripture Matthew 5

Monday 11th Matthew 5:3 ‘Poor in spirit’ can be a tough place to be. It can feel like you’re at the end of your tether, with no resources left to get you through life. Pray for someone you know who feels like that at the moment, that they will know that they have access to the riches of God’s Kingdom whenever they need them. Tuesday 12th Matthew 5:4 Pray today for a friend or member of your family who is mourning. Grief can be dark and lonely, and hope can seem a long way off. Pray that they will know God’s comfort in their pain, and that, in time, they will be able to see light at the end of the darkness. Wednesday 13th Matthew 5:5 Pray today for someone you know who’s a ‘behind the scenes’ person: someone who serves without seeking the limelight. Give thanks for them, and pray that they will know how much God values them. Why not encourage them by letting them know how much you appreciate them too. Thursday 14th Matthew 5:6 Pray today for someone you know who is on a journey to find out about Christianity. Give thanks for the hunger that has caused them to look into matters of faith, and pray that they will encounter God in a powerful way as they explore the truth who Jesus is. Friday 15th Matthew 5:7 Do you know someone who is struggling to forgive? Mercy is a precious thing but it doesn’t come easily. Pray that God will give them his mercy, so that they can forgive, let go and move on. Pray that they will know again how deeply God loves and forgives them.

Saturday 16th Matthew 5:8 Purity is a quality we often attribute to children. Pray for the children in your family and friendship circle today, that while their hearts are still innocent and unencumbered by the complexity of adult life, they will see God. Pray that these childhood encounters will result in a life-long friendship with him. Sunday 17th Matthew 5:9 Do you know someone who feels torn because they are caught in the middle of a conflict situation? Pray for them today, that they will be reminded of who is in control, and who has the power to work peace in impossible situations. Pray that they will rest in their Father’s embrace, and let him carry the load.

International Focus Uganda

Monday 18th Thank God for the steady increase in Salvation Army soldiers, and pray that He will continue to work in this country, through the ministry there. Two new districts of Busulwa and Lwakhakha have been formed due to this increase. Pray that God will bless this growth with His sustaining power. Tuesday 19th Please pray for the programme to support orphans and vulnerable children that was launched in September 2011, which plans to assist 1,800 children over the first five years. Pray that, for all those who work within the programme that through their love and care, God’s love will be seen and responded to. Wednesday 20th Safe water is so vital to life. Thank God for the eleven new boreholes that have been dug in eastern Uganda, pray for the areas that do not have access to fresh water that a way will be found to service such places. May everyone experience the refreshment of the living water that Jesus gives.

Thursday 21st Please pray for the work of the WORTH programme, generating income through exported hand-crafted beadwork to Australia Eastern Territory, and for the groups bringing hope and encouragement to widows. Pray that God will bless and multiply the income. Pray that God will bring wisdom as the finances are managed. Friday 22nd In this Territory heavy rain storms followed by drought, led to crop failures and famine in recent years. Pray for an abundance of crops this year, that the weather will be favourable, and the people will have more than enough to eat. Saturday 23rd Thank God for those who have applied for candidateship in the territory. Pray that God will guide them in this vital calling, and give discernment for those who are responsible for administering the process. Pray that God will anoint them with his wisdom. Sunday 24th AIDS has devastated families, leaving many children orphaned. Please pray for the Tororo children’s home, as well as others in the territory, which support not only the children that live directly in the Centres, but also children who have resettled in local areas with guardians. Pray that they will know love and that Jesus will be a reality in their lives.

Focus on the Rio Olympics

Monday 25th Planning As the Olympic Games get underway, pray that all the final details will fall into place, and that everything will run to time, to budget and most importantly to God’s will. Pray for those involved in delivering the Games, that they will have energy and stamina to do their jobs well.

Tuesday 26th Security Pray for the Police and security services, that they will work well together throughout the Games. Pray that the Games will be protected from any trouble, violence or terrorism, and that crime will drop to an all-time low. Pray too that any human trafficking would be exposed and completely stopped. Wednesday 27th Sports Venues Pray that the venues being used for the Games will be places full of the presence of God: that the atmosphere will be joyful, and that large crowds will be handled safely and efficiently. Pray too for the thousands who will be volunteering at the Games. Thursday 28th Competitors Pray for all those participating in the 2016 Games, that they will compete honourably, and encounter the living God in a powerful way. Pray that God will put Christians in place around the competitors, to show them God’s love and to tell them the good news of Jesus. Friday 29th Churches Pray that the Church in Rio will seize every opportunity to get involved in the Olympic celebrations, volunteering, offering hospitality, running mission activities, serving visitors and, most of all, praying. Pray particularly for Salvation Army corps and centres as they share God’s love in word and deed. Saturday 30th Integrity Pray for those involved in drugs testing at the Games. With recent doping scandals having been high in the headlines, the drugs testing teams will be under careful scrutiny, and their work will have an immense impact on the Games. Pray that they will remain calm and focused, despite the media attention.

Sunday 31st Brazil Pray for the nation of Brazil, that this will be a year of great joy and celebration. Pray that the Olympics will leave a positive legacy, and that the facilities built for the Games will be put to good use afterwards. Pray that the work of God will go from strength to strength in this beautiful land.

August

Focus on Fit for Mission

Monday 1st DHQ restructuring Please pray for all DHQ teams as they prepare to start this new chapter of service to the Territory. Give thanks for all the team members, officers and employees. Ask God to be in the centre of all the changes and pray that His grace and power will fill each DHQ and Service Centre. Tuesday 2nd Divisional Mission Enablers Today we give thanks for those who have been appointed to be Mission Enablers and for their desire to support others in their aim to be Fit for Mission. Pray each DME will have great insight and be passionate about praying for the Mission where they are. Wednesday 3rd Mission Development Each corps/centre is encouraged to identify their Mission Plan and our prayers are needed to support the work that will go into aligning Mission with Transformation, Integration, Discipleship and Effectiveness. We pray for all DME’s as they seek vision and clarity to help us all. Thursday 4th Appointments Today we pray for all Officers/Leaders who commence new appointments and those who are remaining in their appointments. Please pray for our new Lieutenants as they take up their first

appointment. Give thanks for all in Leadership and pray for their ministry in all its various forms. Friday 5th THQ Pray today for the THQ Officers and Employees who have come through the change process and commence the challenge of working in new ways with new colleagues. Pray for wisdom and grace as they seek to be Fit for Mission and aim to help support and resource the Territory. Saturday 6th Fit for Mission Team In the midst of all the meetings about change and the implementation of change has been the FFM Team under the leadership of Lieut-Colonel Alan Burns. We know the past years have been challenging and we offer thanks for all that has been achieved; for their sensitivity to the territory and for their commitment to the Lord. Sunday 7th Welcome As many welcome new Leaders today we pray that love and joy will encompass and encourage all who stand on the threshold of new beginnings. We pray for the children who will also be welcomed asking God to show them all something good and exciting about their new corps. We also remember DME’s and other DHQ staff who will attend new places of worship.

Scripture Focus Psalm 65

Monday 8th Psalm 65:1,2 This week, we pray for our local communities, and we begin by thanking God for his promise to answer prayer (V2). Think of something you’ve prayed for lately which has been answered, and give God praise. Ask him to give you faith to pray for even greater things. Tuesday 9th Psalm 65:3,4 Pray for the churches in your local community – for all those who know the life-transforming truth that sin can be forgiven, and that we can

draw near to God. Pray that the Church in your area will indeed be full of the good things of his house, and will want to share those good things with others. Wednesday 10th Psalm 65:5-6 It’s unlikely that the area where you live includes many mountains, but the beauty you see in the natural world around you was made and designed by God’s hand. Give thanks today for the green spaces in your community, and pray that those pockets of nature will be kept safe for generations to come. Thursday 11th Psalm 65:7 God is the one who calms storms. Has your local community experienced a storm in recent years, whether literal or metaphorical? Is there still turmoil? Pray that the God of the waves will bring peace and healing. Friday 12th Psalm 65:8 God calls forth songs. He is the supreme artist, and from him comes all beauty. Pray today for the artists and creatives in your local community, that they will catch glimpses of the beauty of God, and that he will give them the ability to communicate that beauty in the art they produce. Saturday 13th Psalm 65:9-11 In the psalmist’s world, prosperity was measured in agriculture. If the land was rich, then the community was rich. Whether agricultural or not, pray for the businesses which provide employment and wealth in your local community, that they will be well-managed and will flourish. Sunday 14th Psalm 65:12-13 The final verses of this psalm paint a picture of a stable, thriving community with God at its centre. Your community may feel a long way from that, but God can do miracles. Bring to him those areas of community life which you long to see him transform. But be warned: he may want you to be part of the answer.

Focus on Social Justice and Poverty

Monday 15th Benefits Pray for those who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of cuts to unemployment and disability benefits. Pray that they will be able to access all the benefits they are entitled to, and that they will know where to find practical support when they can’t make ends meet. Tuesday 16th Job-seekers Pray for anyone you know who is looking for work at the moment: that they will be steered towards the right jobs to apply for, and that they will find work which suits their needs and their talents. Pray too for protection from discouragement. Wednesday 17th Low-earners There are many in our country who work, but still can’t afford to pay the bills. Pray that God will give them wisdom to know how to use their finances. Pray that they will have time and energy, amidst the pressures of life, to look for work which better suits their circumstances. Thursday 18th Child Poverty Pray for the children in your local area who live below the bread-line, often not getting enough food and clothes. Poverty can make life hard and heavy; pray they will know moments of real joy and fun, no matter how difficult their circumstances. Friday 19th Housing Home is a gift and a privilege. Pray for those who are forced to live in houses which are substandard or poorly-maintained, that they will stay healthy and feel safe. Pray that landlords of these properties will behave with integrity and compassion.

Saturday 20th Health Those living in poverty are often at higher risk of developing debilitating and dangerous medical conditions. Pray that those at greatest risk will have the courage to visit their GP before their health deteriorates. Pray for even more healthy-living programmes to spring up in our poorest neighbourhoods. Sunday 21st Alleviation Pray for those at Government level who have the job of working out how to alleviate poverty in our nation: that they will have open eyes, ears and hearts to understand what poverty is like, and that they will have wisdom, compassion and inspiration as they look for ways to make society fairer.

International Focus Bangladesh Command

Monday 22nd Women’s Ministries How good it is to remember the ladies of The Home League and also the girls of the Junior Home League as their programme encompasses, worship, education, service and fellowship, aimed at the specific age groups. May their time together be honouring to God. Tuesday 23rd Youth Ministries We give thanks for the many young people who find spiritual life teaching through The Salvation Army. As each young person has their individual potential we rejoice that their gifts and talents can be identified and training given for local leadership. Wednesday 24th Social Support Thank you for the seminars that teach women about human trafficking, gender issues, human rights and family law in order that they have knowledge to know their rights. We also give thanks for the legal services available to vulnerable women.

Thursday 25th Urban Health and Development Project, Dhaka Father, we cannot imagine administering health care to a population of over 300,000 people with 120,000 living in the slums and camps in Bihari. We give thanks for the work of The Salvation Army with maternal and child health treatments, leprosy, TB and community development groups which focus on women, youth and adolescents. Healing Christ, come now in power. . Friday 26th Community Development Project, Jessore Thank you Lord for this primary education programme offering special education for hearing impaired children and economic development for poor people at the Training Centre. Help these children to know your voice and discover the riches of your grace. Saturday 27th Officers Training College, Savah, Dhaka. Father we pray for all Cadets and Training Officers in Bangladesh today. As there is an exchange of teaching and learning and also putting practical ideas into action we would ask for your Spirit of wisdom to touch each mind and your grace to touch each heart. Sunday 28th Vision Statement Lord, we thank you for the Commands Vision Statement that says: ‘All peoples united in Christ, acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with God’. May this vision become a reality as your people grow closer to you through worship and prayer.

Focus on your Church

Monday 29th Jesus worked in unexpected ways. Pray that your church will find him in unexpected events, and that you won’t miss the small glimpses of his glory in everyday life.

Tuesday 30th Jesus fed the hungry. Pray that your church will be a place where hungry people can find what they need to sustain them, both physically and spiritually. Wednesday 31st Jesus rose from the dead. Pray that your church will be filled to overflowing with his resurrection life and power.