27th September 2026

In Bangkok, Thailand, a flood emergency disaster was declared yesterday after more than 300mm (12in) of rain fell since Thursday, leaving roads in the Thai capital under water.  Some shops have been closed for days.   This morning, Bangkok's Metropolitan Authority said the rains have subsided, but canal water levels remain high. The city's governor has warned that the flooding is not yet over.  The Thai Meteorological Service has forecast more heavy rain through the week, though the area of low pressure causing the downpours of recent days is expected to move towards central Thailand. The flooding is thought to be the most sever in over 15 years.  States of emergency have also been declared in New York and New Jersey. Rain and strong winds are forecast from Virginia to Maine. Tens of millions of people across the north-eastern US are in the path of a powerful storm bringing coastal flooding, power cuts, travel chaos and cancelled stadium events.  There have been widespread power cuts with more than 100,000 households losing connections across northeast US. Football matches have been postponed or moved to different venues.  Ed Sheeran's Boston concert was also among events called off due to the weather. Residents have been photographed kayaking down main roads in New Jersey.

Loving God, we bring to you our concerns for our neighbours across the globe suffering from flodding. We pray for their safety and that the authorities in Thialand and the USA will make provision for any needing to be evacuated and supporting all in cleaning away mud and drying out buildings. May the needs of the most vulnerable, the elderly and frail, and those with mentl health conditions, be high priorities for the authorities. We ask your protection for all who are working to restore power, particularly where they would rather be with their own families. We pray for your Church in these places of desaster that she may provide physical, emotional and spiritual support. May these floods and all that will be required through the days, weeks and months ahead, be a catalyst for bringing communities together. Loving God, we ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

British charity Mercy Ships raised $1,130,000 at the second annual Mercy Ships Yachting Day Gala, held during the Cannes Yachting Festival this month.  Funding raised through ticket sales, private donations, matching partners and a live auction will directly support Mercy Ships' mission to deliver surgical care and medical training in sub-Saharan Africa. Mercy Ships is a faith-based international development organisation that deploys hospital ships to some of the poorest countries in the world, delivering vital, free healthcare to people in desperate need.  Carl-Gustav Svanström, vice chair of Mercy Ships Global commented that, "The yachting community’s generosity will echo far beyond the Grand Ballroom of the Carlton – across oceans and into the lives of countless individuals who will never forget what your compassion made possible."

You  can find out more about Mercy Ships here. 

Almighty and loving God

praise and glory be to you

for you are compassionate

and faithful to your people.

You are the great provider.

You bring each season in its turn

and we see in creation the work of your mighty hand.

Praise and glory be to you almighty and loving Father

for you forgive our sin

and grant us that inner peace that only you can give.

You are constantly with us,

guiding and directing us,

granting us strength

in the challenges and tribulations we face each day

and giving us hope

in the certainty of eternal life

through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ.

Almighty and loving God

praise and glory be to you

for your are compassionate

and faithful to your people.

Amen.