At the end of this seven day collection of reflections, you will find two prayers for Ukraine, written by Canon Angela Tilby which appeared last week’s 'Church Times’. (11th May)
Day 13 - For those with mental or physical difficulties or both
Day 13 MORNING
Today our thoughts turn towards all born with mental &/or physical disabilities or both. For any who require constant care and for all who devote their life and time caring.
We remember all who have become disabled through the wilful or careless action of others. For those beset by illness as the cause of their disability
Day 13 EVENING
Hold in your prayers this night those who through their disability will not be able to rest easy. For all in pain or are frustrated. For all who care for them including family members who sacrifice their own lives to provide the love and support needed
Day 14 - For those suffering long term illnesses or untreatable diseases
DAY 14 MORNING
‘Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. Lord hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications’. These words from Psalm 130 can appropriately be spoken by and for those suffering long term illnesses or who have untreatable diseases. Let us pray on behalf of all who suffer in this way. And let us remember at this time, especially those who are suffering from Long Covid and not able to access the help they need.
The thought of being dependent upon someone else for all our basic needs is hard to imagine, but for some this is everyday life. Our prayer is that those who have no other choice but to live life this way may be watched over this day by our Heavenly Father and we pray that for them there will be a better life in the world to come
DAY 14 EVENING
We thank you Lord Jesus for family members and others who provide care to long term sufferers. May their own lives be enriched by the experience and may God count the blessings their lives have bestowed on others, often without them ever realising this was happening
Lord be with and comfort all suffering long term
DAY 15 - For migrants, those on the move, those who have died
Day 15 MORNING
Remember today those fleeing their own country at this time, many of whom will be travelling long distances to escape possible death, rape or torture. Think of those on the seas at this time risking their lives & remember those who have died crossing the English Channel
Day 15 EVENING
May all migrants find a welcome in the country of their destination. We remember the thousands who have finished up in camps across the World and who still hope for a better life. May their hopes be fulfilled. Remember them in the quiet of your heart.
DAY 16 – For prostitutes and sex workers
Day 16 MORNING
Many who live this life would not have done so by choice. For some it was out of desperation and others by force.
Make known to these people their salvation through forgiveness of all their sins, the loving kindness of the heart of our God
DAY 16 EVENING
Whilst we enjoy the comfort and safety of our homes many will ply their trade on the streets tonight not knowing what will happen to them. Remember those who do this to satisfy their drug or alcohol addiction and keep them from being harmed.
DAY 17 – For all victims to addiction
DAY 17 MORNING
Addiction comes in many forms from drugs to alcohol, substance abuse to sex addiction and gambling. We hold in our prayers the families of all addicts. Those whose lives have been ruined or torn apart through the addictions of a family member.
We think of all whose addictions have taken control of their lives. We pray that they may recognise they have a problem and then seek help.
DAY 17 EVENING
Be with all children this night who are frightened by an addicted parent or guardian. Bless all addicts owning up to the fact that they have an addiction. Send someone to point them in the direction where they can get help and protect the children of all addicts.
Day 18 - For the homeless
DAY 18 MORNING
Keep in our thoughts those who will this day be homeless. If we should encounter a homeless person today give us the courage to speak to them. Let us not forget, they like us are created in God’s image.
To speak to a homeless person is to give them the dignity they deserve. Help us not to be judgemental but grateful that we have a roof over our heads and a safe place to return to at the end of each day.
DAY 18 EVENING
Every time we go to get our door key out let us remember that to be homeless means not having your own door key. Such a small thing in itself but such a massive difference between having one and not having one. Dear Father we give you thanks for our door key, such a small thing as we thank you for our safe lodging this night
Day 19 – For the suicidal or depressed
DAY 19 MORNING
For all who will take their lives this day and for any they may involve unintentionally in the process. For all who have to attend to the aftermath of a suicide. Think about all who have severe depression and who contemplate suicide. We pray someone may be on hand to help through this moment of darkness.
If you know of someone who has taken their own life you may well not have realised anything was wrong with them. This is a common occurrence and if you ask someone twice if they are alright they are more likely to open up about any anxieties they may have. May we know when it is right to ask someone twice the question ‘are you alright?’
DAY 19 EVENING
For all feeling suicidal tonight. For The Samaritans (Phone 116 123) and all other similar charities who will provide a friendly voice to talk to.
Those whose depression is overwhelming that help may be at hand
For the forgiveness of all who have taken their lives.
Prayers for Ukraine written by Canon Angela Tilby and appearing in Church Times 11th March 2022.
O God, Ruler of the Nations, Holy Wisdom, pour down the peace from above on Ukraine and Russia. Protect their freedoms, unite their people in friendship, and give us, who rightly fear the wrath of war, repentance and right judgement, in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Merciful and mighty God,
send down your power from on high to quench the rage of war.
Burn up the fuel of aggression,
Destroy all lying tongues,
Suppress the profits of violence
And, because no-one is without sin unveil our own complicity.
Bear up the broken and defend them
Under the wings of your protection
And send the strong peace that comes from above
To heal al wounds, relieve all griefs
And set all peoples free In Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
