Let’s Pray: Sun 6 December – Sat 12 December 2020 – First Presbyterian Church, Donaghadee

Moderator | At home for Christmas – Following on from the weekend of prayer, pray for the Moderator’s Christmas initiative, that there might be a good response to the financial appeal as we look outwards to our partner churches in South Sudan, Malawi, Indonesia, Nepal, Lebanon, Syria and Romania.
Worshipping with Christmas in sight | Today as we worship with Christmas in sight, ask God that a simpler festive season this year will help us better focus on his love for us in Jesus.

Moderator’s Christmas Appeal | Pray for the Moderator’s Christmas Appeal – ‘At home for Christmas?’ which will provide support to people in fragile, vulnerable countries suffering due to Covid-19.
Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (PCOSS) | The country of South Sudan has been hit by conflict, a plague of locusts, severe flooding and Covid-19. Pray for the people of South Sudan, especially those in need of food aid. Pray too for the PCOSS as they try to minister and help people in practical needs.

Deaconesses | Over the last three months, three women have been commissioned as deaconesses: Heidi England (Railway Street, Lisburn), Louise Davidson (West Church, Bangor) and Paula Burrows (Ballygrainey).
Deaconesses | Pray for Heidi, Louise and Paula, as they each settle into their new roles, for wisdom and guidance in all they do and that the Lord will bless them as they minister and reach out to others.

James and Heather Cochrane, global mission workers in Portugal | Give thanks for the three small discipleship groups which have continued to meet (virtually during lockdown). Pray for the opportunity to begin more groups in early 2021.
Christian Presbyterian Church of Portugal | Pray for the Christian Presbyterian Church of Portugal and especially for the Comunidade Pedras Vivas church plant in Senhora da Hora, where the Cochranes and Humphries serve. Pray that it will be a church that makes disciples who will make disciples.

Community outreach worker | Tim Vaughan is an outreach worker in Garnerville. Pray for him as he builds on the work started by an Alpha course, discipling those involved who came to faith or have continued to seek.
Community outreach worker | Pray for the online events and networks that Tim is setting up. Pray that this digital content would reach many people around the church and community.

Social Witness | Pray for all health and care workers as they continue to work tirelessly during the Covid-19 crisis. Give thanks for their dedication over eight months of meeting the daily challenges of their work.
Considering Grace |A recent online conference considered the impact of the book ‘Considering Grace’ on PCI and wider society. Pray that those who continue to be impacted by the Troubles might know the comfort of the Prince of Peace.

General Council | Pray for the Secretary of the General Council, Rev Trevor Gribben and its Convener, Very Rev Dr Noble McNeely as the General Council’s Standing Committee meets this week. Please also pray for the meeting of the Church Leaders scheduled for the incoming week as the leaders try to co-ordinate a response to the continually changing legislation as it affects churches.
Training in Ministry | An advertisement about recruiting student deaconesses has recently gone to ministers, and has been posted on the PCI website and PW Facebook page. Pray that the Lord would prompt suitably gifted women to explore serving him in this capacity.