Focus on Europe: Continental
‘We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.’ I Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NRSV)
This month we focus especially on the people of Europe: Continental, an Area that has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We pray for Area Officers, Lidia in Italy and Lilla in Hungary; Helen Kim Scholars Helene and Ligia (who is also ‘Tree of Life’ Editor) and thank them for their faithful commitment and guidance for these prayers.
- pray for doctors and nurses working in our hospitals that they may still have strength and courage and the protective equipment they need
- pray for the elderly guests of healthcare facilities, unable to receive visits from family members
- pray for the families of those facing the death of their loved ones in isolation in hospital
- pray for those who live on a minimum wage and now are facing financial problems, because of loss of job
- pray for those with mental health issues that make this period of isolation particularly hard to bear
- pray for those unable to access basic necessities of food and medicines since much is no longer available and the prices have soared
- pray for pastors and church members to be able to keep in touch and give encouragement to each other
- pray that we may find creative ways to connect to each other
Let’s pray in the hope that families can get together soon, that we can worship together with songs and prayers, sharing the joy of the gift of community.
We thank God for the technology that enables live-streaming of services and worship resources to many people. We thank God for the way the churches are working to supply protective equipment to those on the front line, food to those in poverty and support for those at risk of violence in their own homes.
We pray for the work of centres like the Miss Stone Centre in Strumica, Northern Macedonia, facing enormous challenges as they provide meals on wheels and home care ministry to those unable to leave their homes for shopping or medical supplies. Since the Ohrid School for Roma Children had to close due to the corona virus restrictions, teachers have been providing basic food packages to Roma children who would have normally been in their school.
We pray for the World Assembly Local Arrangements Committee members from Sweden and Norway, as they continue to make plans for the future.
We thank God for the United Nations work in Geneva, promoting peace, human rights and well-being; for the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Study Centre in Bossey, Switzerland; the work among refugees through Mediterranean Hope; the Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem; the bridge-building reconciliation work of the Tent of Nations.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be all honour and praise.
Amen.
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