Let’s Pray: Sun 13 December – Sat 19 December 2020 – First Presbyterian Church, Donaghadee

Moderator | At home for Christmas – Considering the Moderator’s theme for Advent, pray that the suite of teaching materials, specifically designed for use at home or in church & which includes a series of four animations with accompanying children’s teaching materials, will help families to engage and respond in the absence of more traditional ways of celebrating Advent.
Worshipping with Christmas in sight | Today as we worship with Christmas in sight, ask God that in the disruption to this festive season we will gain a better sense of the impact of the brokenness of sin and greater appreciation of our Saviour Jesus who came to restore our world.

Malawi | Give thanks for the relatively low numbers of Covid-19 cases in Malawi so far. Pray for the ongoing work and witness of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian in the country.
Volker and JinHyeog Glissmann | Pray for Volker (PCI global mission worker in Malawi) as he works off-campus as a programme developer for Theological Education by Extension College in Jo’burg, South Africa and revises the College’s HIV & AIDs course, strengthening the theological reflection within the course.

University and College Chaplains | Pray for Rev Dave Gray at Queen’s University Belfast and Derryvolgie Halls and Revs Cheryl Meban, John Coulter and Graeme Orr at the various campuses of Ulster University as they continue to support students during Covid-19 restrictions.
Universities and Colleges | Pray for students as they prepare for exams and enjoy Christmas. Pray for opportunities for Christian students and chaplains to share their faith with other students in 2021.

Nepal | Pray for the stability of United Mission to Nepal’s (UMN) continuing hospital and programme work and for the successful renewal of all the necessary agreements with the authorities.
Peter and Valerie Lockwood | Pray for Peter and Valerie (global mission workers) as they serve with the United Mission to Nepal, and their three children as they continue in partial lockdown and online schooling. Pray that God would continue to guide the family and give them a good rest this Advent season.

Home Mission congregations | Give thanks for the ongoing work and witness of the 74 PCI home mission congregations throughout Ireland. Pray that each congregation will able to meet physically together this Christmas and that this will be a time of blessing.
Home Mission ministers | Pray for the ministers who lead these congregations, who often have more than one charge. Pray for wisdom and encouragement and as they minster, often in isolated areas.

Social Witness | Give thanks for the approval of vaccines to fight Coronavirus & for all who assisted in the development. Pray for the vaccine programme as it is launched & used in residential, nursing & hospital settings.
Palliative Care | Give thanks for those who use their skills and abilities to provide end of life care. Ask God to fill them with grace and compassion as they affirm the value and dignity of human life.

General Council | Pray for the ongoing contact Church leaders, including the Clerk & Moderator, have with both the NI Executive & the Irish Government. Pray that, in their decision making, both officials & Ministers take account of the representations of the churches, especially with regard to balancing the importance of Christians being able to gather for public worship with necessary restrictions related to Covid-19.
Training in Ministry | The nine current Auxiliary Ministry trainees have been assigned to congregations to receive mentoring in preaching over the next four months. Pray for the trainees, that God would develop their ability to preach his Word and lead his people in worship, even during these testing and disruptive times.