11th October 2026

At least 12 people have been killed and over 300 injured in an attack on the international airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia yesterday. The deaths included four Saudis, two people from Bangladesh and one person each from the US, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt. A Saudi-led coalition blamed Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen. The US president, Donald Trump, said he was evaluating whether the US should join Saudi strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen. The Houthis have not commented on yesterday's attack but have confirmed they were involved in separate strikes on Riyadh airport on Thursday that killed three people and damaged a plane. Since the truce broke down  in their long-running war with Yemen’s Saudi-backed government in July, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked Saudi airports, oil facilities and tankers.

Loving God, bring your love and compassion to the friends and families of all who were killed in this attack yesterday.  Grant your healing and restoraltion to all who were injured. Guide all with responsibilities for keeping airports, air travel, passengers and crew safe. Hear our cries for peace across the Middle East.  Hear our concerns for exscalating conflict and violence and our desire for change, for peace. In your mercy, break political deadlocks, soften hardened hearts, change closed minds, open unhearing ears.  May your justice and peace shape the nation of Yemen and its relationships with neighbouring countries. Let your love shine in the hearts of all people across the Middle East that peace, stability and mutual support may come to this trouble place. In the name of Jesus Christ the Lord we pray, Amen.

The Salvation Army has recently launched a free weekly sessions at its community centre in Swindon, UK, to help people coping with the loss of a loved one.  Following a visit to the centre from a man who had experienced the unexpected death of his partner, the Salvation Army identified a gap in support available to grieving residents and so decided to open the Friendship, Hope and Healing Bereavement Café. Despite seeking help elsewhere, he faced lengthy waits for support when all he wanted was someone to talk to. The aim of the cafe is to give people a place to talk and reduce the loneliness and isolation experienced by people who have lost loved ones, particularly those without close family or friends nearby. Captain Theresa Torr, who leads The Salvation Army in Gorse Hill, Swindon, said:  “Grief has no timetable. Loss happens to all of us and we react to it in different ways. Being available for those experiencing loss is the kindest way of helping them cope and also heal from the pain. The gentleman who inspired this project simply needed someone to talk to. The Bereavement Café is our practical way as a church and community centre of being there for those among us who are grieving and reminding people that you don’t have to carry this burden alone.”  

Loving God,

I enter your gates with thanksgiving and your courts with praise. This is the day that you have made;

I rejoice and am glad in it.

Your love endures for ever.

Your faithfulness continues through all generations.

You gather the outcast,

people marginalised and voiceless.

You heal the broken-hearted

and bind up their wounds.

You forgive sin.

You have opened the gate of heaven that all may go in.

Blessed be Your holy name for ever and ever

through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.