FORTY DAYS & FORTY NIGHTS – Prayer intentions and thoughts for the 40 days leading up to Easter or any 40 day period
DAY 1 - For any who are lonely
Day 1 MORNING
Loneliness affects so many people. Some feel lonely even when in a crowd.
PRAYER - Lord Jesus you often sought to be alone and you had to face crucifixion on your own. We hold before you any who are alone this day and who feel frightened by being alone. Help us to be aware of those around us who may live alone or be on their own. Where possible help us to be a friend
Day 1 EVENING
For those who go to bed feeling alone and who will not have spoken to anyone this day. For those who will spend waking hours during the night feeling lonely.
PRAYER – Dear Lord by your guiding Spirit help us to find the lonely and show them love, and even better still, Your love.
DAY 2 - For all who suffer or have suffered abuse
Day 2 MORNING
Think about those who are in an abusive relationship. Those who were abused last night and do not know which way to turn. Grant courage to all who live in fear of another. We give thanks to God for Women’s Refuges and other such organisations
We remember that abuse takes various forms such as physical, mental or sexual and we think of all those suffering any form of abuse.
PRAYER – Dear Lord Jesus we say sorry for those times when we have treated others unkindly, in our thoughts, actions, and in words through gossip or lies. We pray that all who suffer abuse may find a way out
Day 2 EVENING
We remember before God all who fear the evening and night time as they know this is the time when they are most likely to be abused. For children suffering from abuse and for those who have to watch or hear others in their household being beaten or sexually abused.
For alcoholics and drug users who inflict abuse because of their addiction, that they may seek and get help.
PRAYER - Dearest Jesus be with all who fear the night ahead
DAY 3 For all who have been trafficked either sexually or otherwise
Day 3 MORNING
Our thoughts today are with those being trafficked at this time. For those who have been sold as sex slaves and are kept captive. We think of parents who sell their children to traffickers because they are so desperately poor.
PRAYER - Dear Heavenly Father we hold before you all who have been or are currently being trafficked. We pray for charities who work tirelessly to find these people and to get them released. We pray their efforts will be successful
Day 3 EVENING
We think of children trafficked as sex workers. It is impossible for most of us to realise the horror of this trade.
PRAYER - Lord Jesus we pray in the sincere hope our prayers may help these children come to know your love.
DAY 4 - For all in bonded or slave labour
Day 4 MORNING
We think of those who have been sold into bonded labour from which there is no escape. For poor parents who have been tricked into selling their children into this type of slavery without realising the cost & consequences involved.
PRAYER - Father God we pray for young girls who have been sold into domestic service and who are treated badly.
Day 4 EVENING
Imagine what it would be like to have been sold by your parents into this type of slavery. Pray for those who are so poor that they would even consider doing this. Remember to give thanks for all you have and should you have children or grandchildren then remember how precious they are.
PRAYER – Loving Jesus forgive the part that this country has played in promoting slavery today. We ask you to remember all who are treated as slaves
DAY 5 - For all those bereaved especially those who have lost a child or a sibling
Day 5 MORNING
Many carry the pain of having had a child die either in an accident or from an illness or tragedy. The memories will last a lifetime and may catch loved ones when least expected.
For the majority of us this will never happen but let it not prevent us from pausing to remember parents and siblings who bear this grief. May they find comfort in the knowledge that you will never abandon those who have died under such sad circumstances
PRAYER – Loving Lord Jesus come alongside all who have lost a child, a brother or a sister
Day 5 EVENING
Our thoughts this evening are for those whose children have recently died and where the pain is still raw and unbearable. May they find comfort from the consolation in knowing that Jesus is there to welcome them to the home he has prepared for them in Heaven
PRAYER – Loving Jesus may your heavenly angels be with all who mourn the loss of a child.
