Friday 24th Our giving for the Water Guard project in Kibera will be collected in on Sunday.
Pray
for this ongoing vital work of Vision Ministries and take a look at the Facebook page to see new
photos of Barbara on her recent time on the Kenyan coast.
Saturday 25th Numbers in the armed forces seeking help for mental health problems have almost
doubled in the past ten years. This is certainly the “tip of the iceberg”, with estimations of up to
10% of veterans suffering with post traumatic stress disorder and/or depression. Some, whether
in active service or ex-military, sadly cannot continue with their suffering and take their own lives.
One young soldier from Selkirk committed suicide last October, while based in Catterick. Pray for
all who feel such despair, that help would be available and accessed; even more, that God will
speak directly into their hearts and troubled minds to bring a process of healing and hope. Pray
too for the families of those affected and for all who work to alleviate and treat mental illness.
Sunday 26th With yesterday’s topic for prayer in mind, pray for Chris Withers, an army chaplain
based in Catterick, North Yorkshire. Pray, as well, for Duncan Street, Dundee Central and
Dunfermline West Baptist Churches, for their congregations and the ministries they are involved
with. Plus, tonight at 6.30pm in Galashiels Baptist Church, the Borders Baptist Churches are
meeting again to pray as part of the 150th Anniversary of the Baptist Union of Scotland. The last
event was hugely encouraging - do come along if you’re able.
Monday 27th Take time to meditate on these words from the Bible: “Pray in the Spirit on all
occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on
praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6 v18. Ask God to alert you to the issues and
individuals that need prayer today. Take these words into today and the future so that prayer
comes right to the forefront of our activities whatever the occasion.
Tuesday 28th Caroline and Victor in Guinea ask for specific prayer for the introduction of the Self-
Help Group approach to help train facilitators that in turn teach people in the community how to
create and run small enterprise groups. While they are on leave, Caroline and Victor hope that
their Swiss colleagues will begin to implement the SHG approach. Pray for this activity to help
people to find the means to live this life, but also the means to find eternal life in Jesus. Closer to
home, Ian is leading an assembly at Kingsland Primary this morning - please pray for him, and for
the children and staff there.
Wednesday 29th This morning we have a visit from the Joseph Rank Trust to assess our suitability
for a grant towards the building project - please pray for all those involved. Pray too for the
church meeting taking place this evening, that those putting the agenda together would know
God’s direction and inspiration and that all meeting would gather in the spirit of Psalm 133.
th
Thursday 30 As BMS seeks to work in ten of the most fragile states in the world every year,
including South Sudan and Syria, pray for renewed courage so that God’s love can be shown in
the places where people are most at risk. Pray for the local BMS workers supporting refugees
from South Sudan who live in camps in Uganda.
Friday 31st University terms are over for most students and summer activities or new careers
beckon. Pray for Christian students looking to serve God through working on summer activities
such as Scripture Union camps, overseas short-term mission opportunities or other outreach
opportunities. Pray that their faith will be deepened, that others will come to faith through their
witness and that the passion for evangelism will stay with them throughout their lives and
careers.
Prayer Diary
May 2019
Pray every day for our church, for God to bless, minister to and through the:
1. Leadership – pray for Ian and Lindsey and the Deacons: Linda, John, Bill and Lyn
2. Family – pray using the address list as a guide to cover everyone during the
month
3. Worship – pray for those involved in the music ministry, and all other aspects of
worship as per the rota
4. Witness – of individuals living and working in this community; as a body
representing Jesus; of our mission partners in Guinea and Kenya
5. Growth – pray:
- for the children in the church family and those who teach them in JAM
- for the Building Project: the practicalities of fund-raising and building, the
activities and outreach now and the opportunities to come in the King’s
Meadow building.
N.B. Saturday prayer time in the caravan at 8.30am. All welcome!
Wednesday 1st Singing Together is taking place at Dovecot Court at 2.00pm this afternoon. Pray
for Linda and Christine who organise the sessions, for the tenants who attend and for the church
volunteers supporting the activity. Ask God to guide in the choice of the one hymn sung each
time, that it would prompt meaningful conversation about Him. This evening the Building Group
will meet. Pray for wisdom, insight and encouragement as they oversee the building work. There
are always obstacles and sticking points that need to have ways found around or through them.
Pray for God’s help in surmounting these.
Thursday 2nd In the past few weeks, there have been a number of terrorist atrocities with
numerous people killed in Sri Lanka, an aid worker shot in Nigeria and a young journalist
murdered in Northern Ireland. King David wrote: “I hear many enemies whispering; terror is all
around me… But my trust is in you, O Lord; you are my God”. (Psalm 31:13-14) Pray for all who
have been directly affected by these awful events and those that have happened in other parts of
the world, which didn’t reach the news here. Pray for comfort for those who are grieving, peace
for those who are afraid and healing for those recovering from injuries. Call on God to
demonstrate the justice of His Kingdom throughout His Church in the sure knowledge that, one
day, His peace will reach every life in every corner of this hurting world.
Friday 3rd Pray for the BMS workers and partners in Uganda who serve in legal and development
ministries such as child protection work (Linda Darby and Amos), speech therapy (Lois Ovenden),
access to clean water (Tim Darby), solar energy and water harvesting (Isaiah), village savings
groups (Benon Kayanja) and the Ugandan Christian Lawyers’ Fraternity. Joe Ovenden is the BMS
Uganda Programmes Coordinator.
Saturday 4th There is a prayer breakfast taking place today at 9.00 am. It’s good to be there if you
are able, otherwise join in prayer from wherever you are. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your
prayers about the building project, our church family, the wider Peebles’ worshipping community
and our own needs. “Your Kingdom come, your will be done”.
Sunday 5th Jack Quinn is Regional Organiser for the West of Scotland for Workplace Chaplaincy
Scotland (see www.wpcscotland.co.uk/index.php). Pray for him as he oversees pastoral care in
the workplace for 3000 individuals. Remember in prayer the ministry of Workplace Chaplaincy
Scotland. We are asked to pray too for Dalbeattie, Dalkeith and Dedridge Baptist Churches today.
Find out more information on the screen at this morning’s service or via the Baptist Union of
Scotland website or Facebook pages.
Monday 6th Pray for all the fund-raising initiatives related to the building project. Some grant
applications have been submitted, with more to be sent off soon. Pray for Lindsey and Lyn as they
identify suitable organisations to apply to, pray for all involved in completing the, often, complex
forms and for a favourable response from the people receiving them.
Tuesday 7th The BMS workers we support, Caroline and Victor, in Guinea are now the only BMS
workers in the country. Pray for them as they prepare for some months back in the UK and join
them in prayer that others would know God’s calling to go and work alongside them in His service
in Guinea.
Wednesday 8th Dovecot Court Service. Some of our congregation are under going medical tests
or dealing with failing health and ability. Pray for those known to you, that they would know the
presence and peace of God, guiding them and their loved ones through uncertain days.
Thursday 9th Celebrate Recovery continues to meet every Thursday. Pray for all who attend, for
healing and hope and new purpose in life through finding security and strength in knowing Jesus.
Friday 10th BMS The Muslim World. This is the first week of Ramadan, the month-long period of
fasting during daylight hours, adhered to by millions worldwide. Pray for BMS personnel
(including Caroline and Victor) working with Muslim colleagues that this significant time would
bring the opportunity to talk about the hope they have in Christ.
Saturday 11th Tomorrow is the start of Christian Aid week with the focus on Sierra Leone,
increasing efforts to prevent maternal and baby deaths there. The logo is “We believe in life after
birth”. A short video sets the scene: https://youtu.be/BW7L3wXVfY8 Pray for the churches in
Peebles to work effectively together to maximise the fund-raising for Christian Aid, that the
money raised would be used effectively to save lives.
Sunday 12th Pray for Rebekah Sharp who is a chaplain at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
in Glasgow. You can hear her talk about her work and life here: www.smallvoice.org.uk/wp-
content/uploads/smallVOICEJuly2017.mp3 at 21 mins 40 seconds in. Let’s pray too for the church
families of Dennistown, Denny and Dingwall Baptist Churches. Vicky’s Tea Room takes place this
afternoon. Prayer for all involved in this event focussing on “May the fragrance of Jesus fill this place”.
Monday 13th Pray for UK Baptist training colleges as they prepare and equip their students for
ministry. Pray that they would inspire students with a passion for God’s mission all over the world.
Tuesday 14th This is the middle of the school exam period. Pray for all in the throes of sitting
exams, for ongoing commitment to the process, the giving of their best and awareness of God’s
hand on their lives so that the future is one of hope and purpose. Pray for the teachers
overseeing exams, to have patience and increased pastoral awareness of the needs of the pupils
in their charge.
Wednesday 15th It is the International Day of the Family today, which emphasises the centrality
of home to all of human society. Pray for your family, naming every member before Father God,
asking Him to bless and work in each precious life. Remember, too, all who have lost home and
family for whatever reason. Pray for them to come into contact with compassionate Christians
able to wisely minister and help them.
Thursday 16th Keep praying for all aspects of the building work to move ahead slowly, for
creativity and wisdom as the internal lay-out is decided on, for good community response to the
opening of the building…
Friday 17th At the time of writing, it looks like elections to appoint new MEPs will be going ahead.
The European Evangelical Alliance has a short article about the elections (www.europeanea.org/
why-voting-in-the-european-elections-is-important/) which includes a quote from former French
President Charles de Gaulle: “I have come to the conclusion that politics is too serious a matter to
be left to the politicians”. So prayer is needed! Did you know that there is a weekly prayer
meeting in the European Parliament building in Brussels? It takes place every Friday lunchtime.
Let’s join in prayer with our European brothers and sisters!
Saturday 18th Food bank networks across the UK have been busier than ever before this year.
Pray for all involved, especially for our local staff and volunteers at Peeblesshire Food Bank as
they work to make sure that no one goes hungry. Pray about the issues that have led to the need
for such assistance.
Sunday 19th Pray for David Vogan, Chaplain at Auchlochan Garden Village for the past 7 years.
Remember in prayer, also, all who belong to Drumchapel, Dumfries and Dumbarton Baptist
Churches. We will be continuing to meet after the service to pray together about current issues
relating to the building project, as well as for its purpose in the future.
Monday 20th Our political leaders and representatives in Scotland and the UK continue to need
prayer. Use these words to help pray for them and the situation we are in: “Almighty God, thank
you that you are sovereign over all rulers, nations and powers. We pray for our leaders as they
continue in negotiation about Britain’s future relationship with the European Union. Help them to
find agreement that accords with your will. Help us to show your love to those around us,
especially where division and disagreement threaten our peace. Amen.”
Tuesday 21st Let’s focus in prayer on all carers in our community, whether professional, family
members or voluntary. Pray for compassion, tenderness and patience for all. For family members
who may feel trapped and isolated in the role of carer, pray for increased support and
opportunities for respite for them. Many Christians are involved in this service, including
members of our church family. Pray for those you know, praying too that more Christians would
respond to a call to this ministry.
Wednesday 22nd Our Deacons meet with Ian this evening. Pray for their time together, that each
will be blessed and know God working through their service to build His church.
Thursday 23rd In the BMS Prayer Guide for this week: “Our mission workers receive the very best
preparation for serving overseas. And for many, our Birmingham training base becomes a second
home. Please join us in praying for our training and hospitality ministry among workers and the
UK church, and for the team who make it possible.” Pray for Jael, Jacqui, Jo, Richard, Stuart, Mark
and Sam who are all involved in this ministry. Pray too for the seven BMS Action Teams who are
currently touring the UK enthusing others about what God is doing around the world.