Let’s Pray: Sun 12 December – Sat 18 December 2021 – First Presbyterian Church, Donaghadee

Moderator | The Covid pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of many. Pray that as the message of Christmas hope is celebrated in our churches, this good news would be a means of encouragement for God’s people.
Worship as offering this Christmas | ‘On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, & they bowed down & worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh’. Matthew 2:11. Pray that our worship this Christmas season will be marked by awe and self-sacrificial giving to Christ.

Russia | Pray for the staff and students at the St Petersburg Christian University as they come to the end of the semester. Give thanks for all that has been achieved over the past semester and for good feedback on the courses. Pray too for the completion of a book on Practical Theology for Russia and for its translation.
Malawi | Give thanks for the ongoing work of Theological Education by Extension in Malawi (TEEM). Pray for the running and development of TEEM’s courses and that more people will join the courses.

Rev Colin Megaw (prison chaplain) | Pray for wisdom and guidance for Colin in his role as chaplain at Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre. Pray for opportunities to share the good news and hope of the gospel with the young people, and that many will put their trust in Christ as their Saviour.
Alt (Co Donegal) | Pray for the home mission congregation of Alt as they celebrate the birth of Christ. Pray that members will have opportunities to share the real meaning of Christmas with family, friends and neighbours.

Diane Cusick (global mission worker in Zambia) | Pray for Diane as she leads teacher training for Early Childhood Development teachers. Guide her and the teachers as they participate, particularly in this recent increase of the omicron variant in the community. Give thanks for the rains and pray as people plant their crops.
Leaders in Training | Pray for leaders from PCI global mission partners whose studies are supported through grants from PCI. Pray that they will be well-equipped for future ministry and mission.

Josh McCance (community outreach worker, Donabate & Balbriggan) | Thank God for his provision & kindness as Balbriggan nears its second anniversary of weekly services in January. Pray for new families who have joined recently to feel at home. Pray as members invite friends to Christmas events, for openness to the gospel.
Arklow (Co Wicklow) | Pray for the home mission congregation of Arklow. Remember Rev Michael Anderson, the kirk session and members as they worship God and engage in mission in their local community.

Social Witness | Caring for a person with a learning disability can be a demanding task, especially at busy times of the year. Respite care enables the carer to look after their own wellbeing. Give thanks for Aaron House and Lawnfield House which offer this vital service, allowing families a much-needed break from their responsibilities.
Public square | Pray for all who work in the public square, and especially those within your own congregation who carry great responsibilities – for example those who work in the emergency services, healthcare workers, teachers and civil servants.

General Council | Pray for our politicians, north and south, as they seek to give hope at a time of despair for many. Especially pray for people most affected by spiralling prices in the winter season.
Training in Ministry | Give thanks for the completion of another term at Union College, and pray for students and staff – that they would be blessed with rest and refreshment over the Christmas break. Pray too for those in congregational placements – that they would benefit from being part of the church family that they are placed in – both for their own walk with the Lord, and their preparation for ministry.