Let’s Pray: Sun 13 March – Sat 19 March 2022 – First Presbyterian Church, Donaghadee

Moderator | Give thanks for the work of the Task Groups appointed at the last General Assembly, looking at our response to the Covid pandemic. Pray that the learning gleaned in these years will be of long-term help to the church in the future.
Worship: Expecting God’s grace | As we worship today ask God to help us to know his forgiving and sustaining grace, pardoning our sins and providing for all our needs.

Ukraine | Pray for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the war. Pray for all directly affected – especially those grieving, the injured and the millions living in constant fear for themselves and / or their loved ones. Pray too for the large Christian community in Ukraine as they continue to worship God and pray for their country.
Edwin and Anne Kibathi (global mission workers in the UK) | Pray for the Presbyterian Church of East Africa congregations / fellowship groups in the UK and that more people will return to in-person services and meetings.

Philip Whelton (Irish Mission Worker in Arklow) | Give thanks that the weekly children and youth clubs are up and running again, and pray that they can continue to build on the relationships already established with the parents and children. Pray for the congregation’s plans for events around Easter week.
Great Victoria Street, Belfast | The congregation has entered into a licence agreement with Windsor to share their building. Pray as they start a journey into team ministry and look for ways to work together building God’s kingdom in south Belfast.

Ukraine | Pray for those who have fled Ukraine or have been displaced within the country. Pray they will find safety and receive the humanitarian and medical assistance they need, both now and in the months ahead. Pray for all trying to get aid to those in need including Christian Aid, Tearfund and Hungarian Reformed Church Aid.
Peter and Valerie Lockwood (global mission workers, Nepal) | Pray for Peter and Valerie as they continue to be involved in deputation speaking during their final home assignment.

Rev Gary Aitcheson (prison chaplain) | Pray for Gary’s part-time work as a prison chaplain in Magilligan. Pray for guidance as he offers pastoral support and shares the gospel with people in prison.
Irvinestown, Pettigo and Tempo (Co Fermanagh) | Give thanks that the brothers and sisters in the three congregations are living in harmony with one another (Romans 12). Pray for quiet progress in personal assurance of salvation (2 Corinthians 13) and light bearing (Matthew 5) in north Fermanagh.

Social Witness | Pray for Cathy Mullin, the Taking Care administrator, as she deals with enquiries and liaises with congregational designated persons to discuss training and Access NI checks amongst other queries. Pray also for youth groups and organisations restarting as restrictions have eased, for the safety and well-being of the children and young people attending.
Domestic violence and abuse | Consultations on strategies to address domestic abuse and violence against women and girls close next week. Pray for all who are trapped in a cycle of domestic abuse, and pray that they will find the courage to seek help and protection for themselves and their children. Pray that our churches will be a safe place for those who are hurting, and can help provide appropriate support to victims.

General Council | Pray for ministers of PCI who have retired, that they will find continuing opportunities to serve their Lord, but also for refreshment in their lives where the urgency of work may be less demanding.
Training in Ministry | On Thursday 24 March, training for ministers in ‘Facilitating Difficult Conversations’ is scheduled to take place in First Omagh, led by the Conciliation Panel. Pray for the ministers and trainers involved, that this will further equip ministers as they lead and pastor in Christ’s Church.