‘Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.’ Ephesians 6:11-13
Faithful God, in Christ you have gained for us the victory over evil, once and for all. Help us to stand firm when difficulties assail us and to trust in your unfailing love. Help us be persistant in prayer for those who are vulnerable to attack from the spiritual forces of evil. May we be always alert to how we may be part of the answer to our prayers. Amen.
Pray for those in the Caribbean and North America and elsewhere who are still living with the effects of hurricane, cyclone, earthquake or volcanic eruption. Those coping with the trauma of experiencing the raw power and destructiveness of creative forces. Pray that those who speak out about climate change will be heard, so that we all play our part in caring for the world God has given us.
Pray for the thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar. Pray for the people of Bangladesh as they receive them. Pray that the expected cyclones in the area of the refugee camps do not materialise. Pray for the Christians in Myanmar that they will respond to this crisis with integrity and courage. Give thanks for those in many parts of the world who are providing welcome and support for refugees.
Pray for those living in countries where there is political unrest and uncertainty. Pray for the people of Zimbabwe coping so bravely with political and economic challenges; the people of Kenya, of North and South Korea, of Spain, and Venezuela. Pray that more and more Christian women will take opportunities to serve in the political life of their countries.
Pray for women and children who are vulnerable in the workplace, open to abuse by powerful bosses and oppressive working conditions. Pray for those who have the courage to speak out against violations of gender justice. Pray that governments abide by the commitments and challenges highlighted by the United Nations’ 61st Commission on the Status of Women.
Let us pray for one another as sisters in the Federation, that by God’s grace, we remain faithful to our calling.
In the name of Christ, Amen.
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