14th July 2026

The conflict between the USA and Iran now appears to be focused on which country controls the Strait of Hormuz as the USA continued its attack on Iran for the third consecutive night last night. The UAE accused Iran of a "brazen" attack on two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, in which one person was killed and eight wounded. US President said the US would impose a 20% charge as part of a new blockade on the Straits. Iran’s top ‌joint military command said the US had no role in determining the strait’s future and would not be allowed to intervene. Foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran would “forever” be the guardian of the strait.

Loving God, we hunger for an end to evil, injustice, and oppression. and thirst for peace across the Middle East. We cry with all who mourn the deaths of those they love and the destruction of homes and communities.  We pray for the healing of people injured in military attacks and for the protection of seafrers in the Strait of Hormuz. Give the leaders of the USA and Iran wisdom and a compassionate heart for all people caught up in the violence of war. Remind them that their choices affect real human beings for generations to come. May they seek to resolve differences not through violence but by agreement.  In  the name of Jesus we pray,  Amen.  

The Wildpoolers are a team of 5 experienced open-water swimmers.  In a relay event they have recently successfully completed a gruelling swim around the Isle of Wight off the coast of southern England. They completed the 71 mile (114 km) challenge in 20 hours and 47 minutes.  Together with the support of 20 others they raised £50,000. Around 400 people on the Isle of Wight are living with Parkinson's, the UK's fastest-growing neurological condition. 

You can find out more about Cure Parkinsons here.

Worship and praise belong to you our heavenly Father. 

All power is yours.

We stand before you in worship and adoration.

We are amazed that you delight in our coming to you.

 We thank you that we are able to approach you

with confidence.

Father God, how wonderful, how marvellous

you have been to children like us.

You called the earth into being,

created the heavens and established the earth

and sustain all that is. 

You are so wonderful,

so beautiful,

so glorious,

so good,

that when we try to think of you

our minds reach their very limits.

Praise, glory and power be to you

our heavenly Father.  Amen.