Care Prayer Theme: Church and Society

"Father God, we pray that thousands of people will respond to an invitation to come to church today, and that they will feel welcome and at ease. Please send Your Spirit of truth and love to congregations, that many will deepen their trust in Jesus Christ. Amen." - Care

A thought for the N.I Assembly and Police Service

‘Hear this, you who trample the needy and do away with the poor of the land ... buying the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals ... The Lord has sworn by himself, the Pride of Jacob: “I will never forget anything they have done”.’ AMOS 8:4,6,7 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)

"Father, be with those in Northern Island Assembly and the N.I Police Service who are combating human trafficking.  Please be with those that have been sexually exploited and let them be free lord, let them speak out against their oppression, the criminals responsible as well as those that have abused them, so they may all be identified and convicted.  Amen."

Care Prayer: Sexual Trafficking and Explotation

Human sexual trafficking and exploitation is an evil that goes on unseen to most of us.  It is a horrible and hard existence for those involved, we must pray that those who have been forced into such a life, can find the help and aid they need.

"O God of infinite mercy and grace – who will never forget - we ask You to soften the hearts of those who treat other human beings in a cruel and degrading manner, that they might relent and repent. Please send Your servants to bring liberty and relief to those who are so badly abused. For Christ’s sake, Amen." - Care

Gangs, violence and Explotation

Most inner cities see levels of organized crime and gang violence, some are worse than others, however no matter how bad the violence is innocent people suffer.  So take time to pray for those that are disillusioned and those they exploit to find peace.

Anyone can fall through the crack of society and no matter how far someone has turned to a criminal life, there is always chance of retribution.

"Oh father, shed your light upon those who have fallen far into darkness and those that suffer because of them.  Show them the light lord, bring them hope and reveal to them that there is a way out of their problems, that they can indeed be forgiven for their sins.  Amen."

International Day of Peace

International Day of Peace is devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and people. Pray that many throughout the world will realize that true peace only comes through Christ, and that they will ask Him for forgiveness and new life.

"Lord, bring light to those that do not yet realize that true peace only comes through Christ, show them a sign. I pray that they ask your forgiveness lord and start their new life alongside you. Amen."

Stigma of Faith

Sadly in today's society there is a lot of stigma targeted at those who have faith.  Some who have spoken their faith in the workplace, or refused to work against their conscience have been unfairly treated in the workplace. Spend some time to show them some support.

"Father, please allow for those that speak your word and act according to your will, to not be discouraged by unbelievers and those that do not have faith.  May you give them the strength to persevere. Please give them the willpower to be wise in their decisions and guide them onto the right path. Amen."

Turn on the Tap!

We as a Church love supporting good causes, especially when it involves raising money to benefit those who perhaps are less fortunate than ourselves. 

A great charity project is currently underway under Samaritans Purse International Relief. 

"Turn on the Tap" urges those who buy these charity-branded bottles of water to donate money to give clean water to children in Africa. Once the water has been consumed, people are urged to fill the empty bottle with their spare change. Once it is full up with coins, simply count up the amount and send your donation in a cheque made payable to Samaritans Purse. 

All cheque donations should be sent to Victoria House, Victoria Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, 1G9 5EX. Alternatively, please visit http://www.turnonthetap.org.uk to pledge a donation towards this cause.

It does not take a lot of money to provide better facilities for these children! For example:

-£9 could train a villager in Mozambique to maintain the communities well or borehole.

- £36 could provide a family in Niger with a latrine.

-£48 could provide a family in Uganda with a biosand water filter.

-£500 could repair a non-functioning borehole for a village in Mozambique. 

Interested in donating some spare cash to this project? Great! As stated before, all the details can be found via the website, http://www.turnonthetap.org.uk or get hold of one of the water bottles to start saving! 

Perhaps you may be able to rope in some willing friends, fellow church goers or family to contribute to? The more the merrier, especially when you are aware that by doing this, you are greatly improving the lives of people less fortunate them yourselves.

Epping Green Chapel Gets Involved!
At Church last Sunday we had a service to bring light to the cause, and struggles that so many African people have in their daily lives. 

Care Prayer Theme: Peace and Justice

 It is time to remember the diplomats, UN Peacekeepers, Christian emissaries and others who go to dangerous places to negotiate justice and peace, often in the crossfire. Ask God to protect them, to help them gain people’s trust and persuade them to consider pursuing paths of reconciliation that will benefit everyone. 

 

 UN Peacekeeper at work

‘Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.’  1 PETER 3:10-12 (ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION)

 

Christian Mission Aid - Mobile Eye Clinic

South Sudan

"God of all justice, we bring our broken world before You, especially those places blighted by armed conflict, evil oppression and corruption. May Your Church continue to proclaim Your grace and peace, and reach out to people in desperate situations. Amen." - Care

Self Harm

Last year 26,270 females and 11,656 males aged under 25 were admitted to hospitals in England due to self-harm.  Self-harm is a growing problem within our society, spare a thought for these lost individuals.

"Loving Savior, please see that those who are self-harming, the young and the lost, seek help lord.  Let their underlying causes be revealed lord, so that they can get the help they need to press on with their lives and prevent all of their outward and internal agony. Amen."

Mental Health and Stigma

Mental Health issues are often targeted with harsh stigma and a lot of misunderstanding.  So many people suffer in society as a part of this and live partially or completely in the shadows.  Spare a thought for these individuals and help banish such negativity within society.

"Loving Savior, we pray that the stigma which surrounds mental illness will diminish, so that it is better understood, and sufferers will I find it easier to admit their need and to accept help from family, friends, employers, GPs and other people in their lives. Amen." - Care

World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day.  Take time to pray and spare a thought for those who suffer from mental health issues.  Those of us that are thrown constantly into the bleakest of darkness, driven to suicide and lost without hope.  Take time to prey that they can emerge from the darkness into the light, that they seek aid, through counseling, medication and the care, love and companionship of others.

"Father, we pray that you can offer guidance to those who are lost in the darkness.  Allow them to find your light and seek the assistance they need to recover from their depression. Lord let others find them and show them love and care lord.  So that they can recover and find happiness once again. Amen."

Care Prayer Theme: Mental Health

One in four adults suffer from mental health issues.  The majority of people do not seek help and carry on with their lives in fear of the stigma that is attached to mental health.  Spare some time to pray for these people, in an attempt to help ease their suffering.

"Father, we pray for the one in four adults who, at some point in their lives, are prone to mental illness: anxiety, depression, neurotic and psychotic disorders, self-harming and behavior problems. May they know Your healing peace and comfort. Amen." - Care

Needs In Education

‘If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.’  JAMES 1:5,6 (ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION

Prayer
"Lord, thank You for the many opportunities that still exist to bring a Christian influence in education. Please strengthen RE teachers and others bringing gospel truth into schools today so that children may be given a sound spiritual foundation. Amen." - Care

James' Charity Bike Ride

James Crouch, part of our local church group took part in a bike ride for charity last week.  The young fire-fighter from Epping along with two others managed to raise a nice £375 for The Box in Epping.  The Box provides a variety of services for young people in Epping, such as counselling, advice, education and even a social hang out space.  James is passionate about the charity and rode from Epping to Chingford to raise money for the cause.

The guys enjoyed their ride and were pleased with the money they collected.  James stated that it was "tiring but good fun".  The three started their journey in hot weather and ended it in a thunderstorm.  Taking on all elements they completed the distance in high spirits.

Back to School

With children heading back to school this coming week it is important that we turn our thoughts and prayers to those in education, who ensure the well being and shape the future of today's children.

 "Father, thank You for everyone who is involved in education. As the new term begins, please
equip, bless and encourage students, staff and others who spend time in schools, especially
those starting in a new place or taking on a more demanding role. Amen." - Care

Sick Children and Those That Care for Them

Spare a thought for those today who take care of very sick children, both in hospital and at home.

"Father, please be with those parents and carers that are with sick children. Please help lift their anguish and pain.  Put them at peace Lord, allow them to turn to you and remain hopeful no matter how bleak their situation may be.  Please God allow them to be prepared for whatever lies before them lord and give them the strength to carry on. Amen."