Embedded Files
16th September 2025
Yesterday the United States carried out a strike on a second Venezuelan boat and killing three people. The US have said that it was a drugs trafficking boat, but have provided no evidence. Questions are being asked of the legality of the strike and the subsequent deaths. Usually such vessels are compounded and any alleged perpetrators of illegal activity are put through a legal process to determine their crimes and, if necessary, punishment. The first attack on a boat from Venezuela took place about a week ago killing all 11 people on board. Yesterday evening, Adam Schiff, a Democratic senator, said that he is “drafting a resolution and forcing a vote to reclaim Congress’s power to declare war.” He added, “These lawless killings are just putting us at risk” and could prompt another country to target US forces without proper justification.
Loving God, Forgive us when we incarcerate or kill people without due process. Forgive when people seek to cause harm to others through the drugs trade. Help us to foster collaborative international relationships and to support one another in dealing with the different challenges we face. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Walk and talk therapy integrates the restoring power of nature and exercise into the therapeutic process. It recognises the impact that outdoor environments can have on mental health and physical well-being. The Salvation Army in Swindon UK is starting a monthly Well-being Walk & Chat for people looking for companionship. The initiative is designed to tackle isolation by combining exercise, community connection, and the mental health benefits of being in the natural world. Each walk is accessible for everyone, including wheelchair users and dog owners, and it ends at a café where walkers can continue their chats over coffee and cake. Church leader Sharon Robinson, said: "In today’s world, loneliness can be overwhelming, and we know that something as simple as a walk and a chat can make a world of difference.
Lord God, we sing of your greatness and majesty
and worship you for all that you are.
You are the King of heaven and earth,
the judge of all,
the One who has created all that is, out of nothing.
You hold the universes in the palm of your hand.
We cannot begin to understand how great and amazing you are.
As we think of your glory and power,
it seems incredible that you could be bothered
with all the stuff of our little lives;
yet you encourage us to come to you
to find mercy and grace,
and your strength and guidance to help us in our need.
We thank you that your word is right and true,
that you are faithful, just and righteous,
and that the earth is full of your unfailing love.
Great and wonderful God,
we celebrate your eternal goodness,
thanking you for your constant love. Amen.
15th September 2025
Australia's first National Climate Risk Assessment is the single most-significant body of climate work by the Australian government, and was published today. It warns that 597,000 people are living in areas that will become at risk from sea levels rising by 2050 unless climate change can be limited. It also found that under 1.5C of warming, sea levels would rise by 0.14m if global warming was limited to 1.5C, but this would increase to a rise by 0.54m under a global heating of 3C with Queensland home to 18 of the 20 most-exposed regions. The report noted that Australia is one of the world's biggest polluters per capita. Areas in northern Australia, along with remote communities and outer suburbs of major cities, are particularly at risk. The report warned, "This will put pressure on health, critical infrastructure, natural species and ecosystems, and primary industries," The report also warned of the impact on plant life. 40% to 70% per cent of species will be "forced to move, adapt to the new conditions or die out" under a 3C scenario, with around 50% of plant life in any location becoming different species to what were in environments in 1990.
You can read more and find the full report here.
Loving God, you alone see the big picture, of the world you have made spinning in space. Only you see the impact of human life on micro ecologies, ocean currents, wind systems, on plans and animal life. We thank you for those who warn us of the implications to the life of the planet of our careless and negligent actions. Forgive our complacency, our arrogance and greed. Forgive that you have been warning us for decades of the implications of our behaviours and yet we have turned a deaf ear to you words. Raise up leaders who, jolted by reports like this one from Australia, will with wisdom, work collaboratively to save this precious gift for our children and grandchildren, and their grandchildren. Help us all to play our part, change our behaviours and engage in the long-term stewardship of your wonderful and amazing creation. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Cora was just one-year-old when she suffered a seizure at her home near New Deer, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, last year. The road ambulance was going to take half an hour reach to her home and another 45 minutes to take her to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Cora's nearest hospital. However, Cora was sent an air ambulance which arrived within 15 minutes. The medics on the ambulance were able to give Cora lifesaving medication. Cora's mother said, “they told us that after 20 minutes she could have catastrophic or permanent brain damage, and if they (seizures) lasted for 30 minutes, the chances of her waking up were pretty low." Expressing her thanks to the air ambulance team she added, “Our world would’ve been incredibly different without them.” Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) responds to around 1,000 calls a year from its bases in Aberdeen and Perth.
Creator God, you who love us more than we can know,
who chose us from the very beginning to be family ,
we praise your holy name.
Jesus Christ, Son of God, Word become flesh,
who dwelt among us and was sacrificed for us,
We praise your holy name.
Holy Spirit, present and power in our lives,
from the moment that we first believed,
we praise your holy name.
For the joy of your presence
changing and renewing us day by day,
we offer you our praise.
For the blessing you bring us,
the outpouring of your love, day by day,
we offer you our praise.
For peace beyond understanding,
blesséd assurance, day by day
we offer you our praise.
For the Word that endures,
teaches and challenges,
generation to generation,
we offer you our praise.
Praise and glory, be to you, one eternal God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Prayer Copyright © John Birch, 2016
https://www.faithandworship.com/
14th September 2025
A U.N. report published earlier this year found that hunger across Africa is worse than two decades ago. More than one in five Africans, 307 million people, were chronically malnourished. The UN predicted the continent would have 60% of the world's hungry people by 2030. This is despite a the region experiencing the biggest rise in school feeding of any region, by nearly a third to 87 million in 2024. The World Food Programme (WFP) said this week that governments in sub-Saharan Africa have provided school meals to roughly 20 million extra children over the past two years, demonstrating a move away from dependence on foreign aid, a stronger commitment to education and health. This provided a welcome bright spot on a continent struggling with the challenges of growing numbers of hungry people as a result of extreme weather linked to climate change, armed conflict and food inflation. Millions of children, especially in some of the lowest income African countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Somalia, and South Sudan, still lacked access to school meals, as donor support continued to fall. Food Forward South Africa said earlier this month that demand for its food services has soared since the start of the year, while Food Banking Kenya has revealed that demand is up 300 per cent this year, far outstripping what they are able to provide. In Nigeria, the Lagos Food Bank is another that is expecting shortages. Each of these organisation have said that aid cuts by the UK, USA and others are helping to significantly drive up the number of people needing their help.
Loving God, we pray for our neighbours in Africa, particularly those who are food insecure. We thank you for the efforts being made by a number of governments to feed growing children. Forgive us that climate change, war, and mismanagement of economies means that so many go hungry every day. We ask for your comfort and provision as families try to survive on so very little. May your blessing and guidance be upon peacemakers everywhere that global supply chains will be restored quickly to put an end of food shortages. Help us all to recognise the impact of climate change upon all life upon the planet. Help us also to be generous in our care and compassion for neighbours we do not know and will never see. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
A team of eleven colleagues from UK water companies South West Water and SES Water has successfully completed a four-peak challenge in the Brecon Beacons, Wales. In doing so they have raised more than £1,300 for WaterAid. The route totalled 28.82km with 1,669m of ascent and included the peaks of Corn Du, Waun Fach, Pen y Gadair Fawr and Pen y Fan. WaterAid’s partnerships officer for the South, West and Wales region, Zena Hamilton, said: “We’re so grateful for the dedication, teamwork, and determination shown by everyone involved. It was fantastic to see teams from across the water industry coming together, building connections, and stepping up for a cause that helps bring clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene to communities around the world.” South West Water's Raghav Mandana said, “WaterAid does incredible work and I’m very proud that this money, alongside thousands of other pounds already raised by colleagues at South West Water this year, will help change lives with clean water.”
Father God, we rejoice,
for you are King over all.
Our Lord and King we adore!
We lift our hearts in songs of praise and adoration.
We give you thanks for Jesus, our Saviour,
that he died for the sin of the world
but now sits at your right hand,
and reigns with you, heavenly Father.
We rejoice that you live within your faithful people
through the Holy Spirit.
We rejoice in the glorious hope,
that you have prepared a place
for all your faithful people
where we shall live forever with you.
One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
we lift our voices in praise! Amen.
13th September 2025
The headquarters of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), a Christian Aid partner in Gaza, was destroyed by Israeli warplanes this week. PCHR offices in Khan Younis and Jabalia were destroyed last year. Christian Aid’s programme manager in the region, Katie Roxburgh, said that the action was “not just about blowing up a building, but the callous and deliberate destruction of Palestinian civil society and the obstruction of accountability efforts”. Earlier this month, during a visit to Italy, Franciscan friar Ibrahim Faltas, said that the situation in Gaza was “truly inhumane”. He expressed concern for the children of Gaza saying, “They are deprived of everything — education, healthcare. There are no doctors, no medicine.” They “have known nothing but war, fleeing, hiding, destruction, and rubble.” Since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7th October 2023 world attention has been focused upon the Gaza Strip. However, armed conflict is also blighting the West Bank. According to the UN, since 7th October 2023 more than 900 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by IDF action and settlers and more than 60 Israelis have been killed in attacks by Palestinians or in armed clashes in the West Bank and Israel. Palestinian homes and businesses are routinely used as temporary military bases and interrogation centres by the IDF and then often destroyed. Ibrahim Faltas added that around 185 Christian families had left Bethlehem, and that “if things continue like this, there will truly be no Christians left.”
Loving God, we bring to you the situation across Israel and the hatred that exists between Israel and Palestine. We thank you for all those who show love to neighbours and care about others regardless of their ethnicity or cultural heritage. We pray for the children deprived of childhoods in Gaza, for all who have known only war and conflict, pain and fear. We pray for agreement that hostages can be released and returned to their families and that peace and humanitarian support be brought to the people of Gaza. We place in your protection all who live in the West Bank and suffer abuse from Israeli settlers and IDF forces. We cry with our brothers and sister in Bethlehem and Jerusalem who suffer abused as a result of their faith in Jesus Christ. May they know they are never alone and that you are always with them. In the name of Jesus, our Lord, we pray for peace across Israel and Palestine, Amen.
Five boys were enjoying the beach at Spain’s Costa del Sol. They ignored lifeguard warnings and entering the water at red-flagged Peñón del Cura beach in Mijas. Four of the boys managed to escape the strong rip currents and scrambled back on the beach but one six year old was hauled away into the sea by huge 15metre waves. Holidaymakers and lifeguards then joined forces in a desperate bid to save him. They formed a human chain of up to 20 adults and children locking arms as they toppled over each other into the surf trying to drag the boy back. One brave man tried to swim out to the boy, but he was caught by the rip currents and then also needed rescuing. Coordinator of the Mijas lifeguard service, Gonzalo Botta Veccia, said the conditions were perilous from the very start of the day. He added: “The east wind was blowing hard and the water rose almost to the wall, with barely any sand left." The boy's life was eventually saved by the heroic and co-operative efforts of the strangers on the shore. He was given first aid on the beach. The man who had attempted a rescue was treated for fatigue but suffered no serious injuries.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe.
You are enthroned in splendour and light;
to you be glory and praise for ever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting
we proclaim your name in all the world.
We worship and bow down, before you O LORD, our Maker!
You are our God and we are your people.
Holy, holy, holy are you, the Lord God Almighty.
In love for us, you gave us Jesus, your Son, your living Word.
We thank you that he brought light to our darkness.
We praise you that he lived on earth
and went about among us,
touched untouchables with love
and washed the guilty clean.
We thank you that he opened wide his arms for us on the cross
and put an end to death by dying for us;
and revealed the resurrection by rising to new life.
We praise you that through faith in him
you forgive our sin
and count us worthy to stand in your presence
and call us your children.
Gather us in your loving arms
and bring us to share in your inheritance of everlasting life
lived at one with you and to feast at your table in heaven.
Amen.
12th September 2025
As floods sweep across Pakistan's Punjab Province, more than two million people have been evacuated. Another 150,000 have been evacuated in Sindh province, and there are fears that the number may rise over the coming days. Monsoon rains have taken the lives of more than 900 people across Pakistan since late June, according the International Medical Corps. The floods, which have destroyed larges areas of farmland, livestock and houses. Rescuers have been going door-to-door to relocate villagers and their livestock by boats. Strong currents make this very dangerous. Many have died as a result of small rescue boats capsizing.
Torrential rains have also caused flooding and landslides in the East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia and on the tourist island of Bali. At least 15 people have died and and 10 are missing. Torrential rain has caused rivers to burst their banks, and flood across nine cities and districts in Bali. Mud, rocks and trees engulfed mountainside hamlets. Rising river water has submerged at least 112 neighbourhoods and resulted in several landslides, according to Bali’s Disaster Mitigation Agency. Soldiers have been supporting rescuers to bring children and older people who were forced on to the roofs of flooded homes and buildings to safety.
Loving God, we in love of our neighbours in Pakistan, Indonesia and Bali we bring their plight to you. We ask for your comfort and compassionate care for all who mourn the deaths of those they love. We pray for people traumatised by the loss of homes, farms, livestock and whole communities. We thank you for the bravery of those who risk their own lives in rescuing others. We thank you for all who are sheltering people evacuated and those providing medical care to the injured. We ask that the Holy Spirit will move among all engaged in rescue and clear-up operations, protecting and guiding them. May the international community rise to the challenge that the floods present these people. May the trauma and disaster of these floods bring people together and cement relationships across communities and across countries. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
On 4 September, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) officials declared a new outbreak of Ebola, Zaire strain, in Bulape Health Zone, part of Mweka territory in Kasaï province, which has taken the lives of 16 people. The good news is that, Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and an number of other agencies including the World Health Organisation (WHO) have already responded and are working co-operatively to help those affected and to control the spread of the disease. MSF say that are "working hand in hand with Congolese health authorities to evaluate needs on the ground and determine where our support might also be required—such as in surveillance, community engagement, or vaccination.” A multi-agency emergency response was swiftly mobilised to support the General Referral Hospital in Bulape. An Ebola Treatment Centre has been established within the hospital compound. It's first patients were admitted yesterday. Triage protocols have been bolstered, essential medicines and personal protective equipment supplied, and further training in infection prevention and control and symptomatic care delivered. The WHO has confirmed that there are currently 2,000 Ebola vaccine doses available in the DRC, and that additional supplies are expected in the coming days.
A prayer based on Psalm 34
With all my heart,
I will always praise you Lord.
When I asked you for help,
you saved me from all my fears.
I honour you, Lord
I trust you, Lord.
You watch over me and answer my prayers.
You listen to your people.
All who are discouraged and have given up hope.
you rescue from their troubles,
Praise and thanksgiving be to you heavenly Father.
Amen.
11th September 2025
Human Rights Watch (HRW) report that in the west African country of Niger Islamist gunmen have carried out a series of brutal attacks, with 130 people have been "summarily executed" since March this year. The brutal attacks, included a mass murder of worshippers at a mosque in the western Tillabéri region in June. About 1,600 civilians have been killed by Islamic State (IS) group fighters in Niger since Niger's military coup deposed President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023.
Loving God, we bring to you the needs of our neighbours in Niger who live under threat of attack, abuse, even death from armed militia. May your comfort and peace be upon all who mourn and all who live daily in fear of their lives. May your Holy Spirit move among the authorities that law and order may come to rural villages and people be protected. Guide the international community to support all who are threatened. We pray for peace, that people may live together without fear and live together in unity. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Eleven year old Mia Garcia was collecting shells with her little sister when she lost her footing slipping into a lake at Lakes Park, Florida. Bridgett Addison had been at a nearby pavilion. She heard Mia’s cries for help. Bridget is unable to swim, but with no thought to her own safety, and without hesitation, she ran to the lake. Bridget pulled Mia to safety. “I don’t care who they are, what colour, what their disability. If you can do it, go and help somebody,” Bridgett said. Mia’s grandmother, who witnessed the rescue, says she’ll never forget the kindness of the stranger who came to the rescue that day. “It shows a lot that there are good people out there, and she [Bridget] is one of them.”
Father, we love you,
we praise, worship, honour, and adore you.
Throughout the earth we glorify your Holy Name.
Jesus, we love you,
we praise, worship, honour, and adore you.
Throughout the earth we glorify your Holy Name.
Spirit, we love you,
we praise, worship, honour, and adore you.
Throughout the earth we glorify your Holy Name.
All majesty and power, be yours one eternal God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
10th September 2025
This morning Poland shot down Russian drones that had entered its airspace. “An operation is under way related to the repeated violation of Polish airspace,” Polish Prim Minister, Donald Tusk posted early this morning. Most of Ukraine, including western regions of Volyn and Lviv, which border Poland, was attacked by Russia from the air for most of the night, according to Ukraine’s air force. It is thought that the drones that entered Poland were part of these aerial attacks on Ukraine. Poland's fellow NATO members have expressed concerns, particularly those in the Baltic. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said "Poland has every right to defend its airspace. We give our full support to Poland, as a NATO ally and EU member. Sweden and Poland stand united in our support for Ukraine." Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said "Russian aggression in Ukraine affects us directly and appropriate measures must be taken".
Loving God, we come to you with our concerns for what appears to be an escalation in hostilities over the war in Ukraine. We pray that international diplomatic processes will curb the excursions of Russian drone into neighbouring countries and so avoid the war spreading internationally. We pray that military commanders and politicians will conduct themselves with professionalism and care. May peace prevail across Poland. May peace come to the people of Ukraine. We ask your love and care for all who grieve the deaths of their loved ones and the destruction of their communities. Grant them strength and resilience. We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
The Chicago River was once an open sewer. However, following multi-billion-dollar investments in sewage treatment and stormwater infrastructure the river has been transformed. The river is now populated with fish and is safe for recreational use.
Also, data comes from a satellite monitoring program called MapBiomas, which tracks fire in the Amazon Bason, shows that the amount of tropical rainforest burned by wildfires this year has been 65% less than in 2024, the lowest since monitoring began in 2019. Felipe Martenexen, a researcher at the Amazon Environmental Research Institute, said that the improvements were the result of a “more intense and sustained rainy season” this year, and “farmers and residents [being] more careful.”
Immortal God, I give you praise and glory.
Your ways are full of truth, mercy and grace.
You created the earth, the sky, the sea
and put the sun, moon and stars in the heavens,
creating day and night.
You filled the earth with teaming life.
I give you praise and glory
for you sent your Son
to redeem us from our sinfulness,
releasing us from guilt and the darkness of death.
I give you praise and glory
for you guide my feet
and lead me to that place
your Son has gone to prepare
for all your faithful people.
Immortal God, I thank you and adore you
that you care so much for me,
and I wonder at your awesome majesty.
Amen.
9th September 2025
The Palestinian group, Hamas, is discussing how to develop US ideas to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas said it is ready to release its 48 remaining hostages in Gaza in return for a "clear" declaration ending the war. Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, warned residents of Gaza City to leave the city, as Israel prepares to ramp up airstrikes, saying: “I say to the residents of Gaza, I take this opportunity and listen to me carefully: you have been warned — leave now!”
Yesterday, Palestinian gunmen killed six people at a bus stop in east Jerusalem, wounding others. In the aftermath of the attack, Israeli forces raided Jenin’s refugee camp in east Jerusalem and killed a 14-year-old boy.
In the Palestinian West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian vehicles northeast of Ramallah. Witnesses saw the settlers threw stones along the road between Ramallah and Nablus, near the illegal Shiloh settlement. In a separate incident, a group of Israeli settlers set fire to a nursery in the village of Deir Sharaf, causing three Palestinians to suffered burns.
Loving God, you are the source of love. We cry for the people of Israel and Palestine because of the hatred that exists between them. We cry with the people of Gaza under constant bombardment of missiles, drone attacks, hunger and lack of medical provision. We cry for Palestinians living in the West Bank under constant attack by Israeli settlers seeking to steal their lands. We cry with the people of Israel in their powerlessness to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza and for all who mourn the death of those shot at the bus stop in Jerusalem. We pray for peace. We ask your blessing and direction upon the peace makers. We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
Christian charities have launched emergency appeals to support communities in Afghanistan reeling from a powerful earthquake that struck the country less than two weeks ago. Tearfund is providing health support, clean water, cash assistance, emergency shelter, and food to families who have lost everything. Tearfund’s Country Director for Afghanistan Solomon Cornelius said, “Alongside the practical needs for emergency shelter and food, there is also a need for compassion and support for people who have lost family and friends in this deadly earthquake.” Christian Aid has already transferred £50,000 to its local partner, the Organisation for Coordination of Humanitarian Relief (OCHR). Christian Aid’s current relief efforts are providing food, clean drinking water, shelter, and essential supplies, with a particular focus on protecting women and girls. The acting country manager for Christian Aid in Afghanistan, Yaqoob Rauf, said: “Partners tell us that people have been severely impacted … we have been told homes made of mud and wood collapsed as helicopters were sent in to evacuate the injured.”
Click here to find Christian Aid's dedicated web page with information on how individuals and churches can support the appeal, along with a special prayer guide for use in worship. Tearfund also have a fundign appeal that you can find 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.
3rd September 2025
President Xi Jinping presided over China’s largest-ever military parade, today. It commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of the second world war, which China calls the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The 70-minute parade displayed tanks and drones to long-range and nuclear-capable missiles, fighter jets and stealth aircraft. Dozens of international leaders attended the event including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. President Xi sought to display China's military and economic power as a counterweight to the United States as President Trump's tariffs rock the global economic and political order.
Loving God, despite the end of a global war 80 years ago forgive us that we continue to kill, maim and destroy. Forgive that we use resource to build military strength whilst people live with hunger, or without access to clean water or sanitation. Forgive us that we conduct our international affairs in ways which create tensions between nations rather than friendships and unity. Remove from us all that strikes fear. Help us to destroy the tools of death and destruction, not display them as means of intimidation. Open our hearts to your tenderness and out minds to your understanding. Help us grasp that although we are people of many nations we are all made in your image, children of your creation. We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
Emma-Louise was subjected to a horrendous 30-minute domestic abuse ordeal. She yelled at her mobile phone's digital assistant, Siri: "Call 999". Emma-Louise was not able to speak to the emergency call operators but they could hear everything that was happening in the house. The police traced the call, arrived at the house and arrested her abuser, who was later gaoled. Emma-Louise said, "I thought I was going to die - I was desperate and helpless. I'm so grateful for Siri for connecting to the police as if she didn’t, I might not be here - she saved my life.’
Psalm 33: 1-5 (NCV)
Sing to the Lord, you who do what is right;
honest people should praise him.
Praise the Lord on the harp;
make music for him on a ten-stringed lyre.
Sing a new song to him;
play well and joyfully.
God’s word is true,
and everything he does is right.
He loves what is right and fair;
the Lord’s love fills the earth.
2nd September 2025
In Afghanistan, more than 620 people have died and more than 1,500 injured in an earthquake that struck the eastern part of the country, authorities said on this morning. In Kunar province several villages were completely destroyed. The earthquake, at a shallow depth of 8km (6 miles), shook buildings from Kabul to Pakistan's capital Islamabad. The wounded have been taken by helicopter to safety whilst search and rescue teams hunt for survivors in the rubble. Dr Muladad, head of the provincial hospital in Asadabad, described the situation as a “crisis” saying that the hospital are admitting “one patient every five minutes” and the whole hospital is full of injured people. Search and rescue teams are hampered by the mountainous terrain which is difficult to to reach even in the best of times. Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, described the disaster as "a perfect storm". He added, "it is a country that is already suffering from a multiplicity of crises - there is a big drought, Iran has sent back almost two million people, Pakistan trying to do the same with Afghans living there - and of course, it is extremely difficult to mobilise resources because of the Taliban."
Loving God, we place all those in need as a result of this earthquake into you your loving care. We pray for the comfort of those who now mourn the loss of their loved ones and their homes and communities. We ask your healing and restoration of all who are injured and your protection for those engaged in search nad rescue. Move among the leaders of nations that they will demonstrate their humanity by offering aid and support. May this tragedy to bring people and nations closer together. Let humanitarian compassion reach across divides and set aside differences. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Image by Maphill
New figures from the Church of England show that England's cathedrals are experiencing steady growth, with worship, music, and civic activities drawing in more people than in previous years. The number of baptisms rose by 8 per cent on the previous year. Weekly attendance at services of worship rose to nearly 32,000 in 2024, up 11 per cent from 2023. Much of the growth came from midweek services, which saw a surge of 15 per cent among adults and 16 per cent among children. Major Christian festivals also attracted large congregations, with a 12% increase in attendance at Easter services. Almost 10 million people visited cathedrals last year. Cathedral music remains a thriving part of this growth. The numbers participating in choirs and music events is now higher than before Covid-19 disruptions.
Loving God, we join our prayers
with others across the world
to give you glory and honour and praise.
We magnify your Holy name.
We thank you that you are a bountiful God.
We praise you for the richness of life.
We thank you for your Word.
We thank you for the Holy Spirit who
leads us into truth,
points the way to goodness,
equips us for service in your Kingdom,
and inspires us to live for your glory.
We praise you that you hold us
in your love and protection.
May heaven and earth be always full of your praises.
Glory be to you,
O God most high.
Amen.
1st September 2025
On Sunday, after days of heavy rainfall, at least 1,000 people dies in a landslide that destroyed a village in the Marra Mountains area of western Sudan, leaving only one survivor. Many from North Darfur state had sought a safe refuge in the mountains from the war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Darfur's governor, Minni Minnawi, called the landslide a "humanitarian tragedy". He appealed to international humanitarian organisations to, "urgently intervene and provide support and assistance at this critical moment, for the tragedy is greater than what our people can bear alone."
Loving God, Heavenly Father, among the mud and the tears in the Marra Mountains we ask for your comfort and consolation for all who mourn the deaths of family and neighbours, and all who weep for the loss of their communities, and all who now wait or search in hope of finding survivors of this land slide. We pray for your protection for all who remain in harm’s way and all who are engaged in search and rescue activities. Guide their activities towards those still alive, and bless the work of medical personnel, and all who are seeking to bring shelter, food and clean water to desperate people in need. Grant all in the region resilience, courage, strength, and hope. May fighting factions cease their hostilities and work collaboratively to help all in need. May the international community rally together and demonstrate love of neighbour, as Jesus teaches us to do. In his name we pray. Amen.
UK retail fashion giant Marks & Spencer is working with Oxfam and eBay on a new and exciting collaboration. M&S is rewarding customers who return their used M&S clothes to be resold by Oxfam with a £5 voucher to spend instore. M&S has collected 36.5m second hand clothes since it launched its “shwopping” clothing recycling scheme – now called Another Life – and most of that has been resold by charity partner Oxfam. Oxfam says: "Your pre-loved clothing will be sorted and, depending on its condition, will be either sold in our high-street shops, online shop, or at festivals. By doing this we can extend your clothing’s life and raise money towards charitable projects tackling poverty around the world. Clothes we can't resell, or reuse are sold in bulk to reprocessing companies to be reborn as mattress filling or carpet underlay."
Loving God, may all the world proclaim your glory
and sing praises to your name.
You are worthy pf praise from every mouth
and worship from every being.
Angels and archangels worship you.
With all the hosts of heaven
we bow down before you and exalt your name.
Your love is at work in all you have made
and you give our lives purpose and hope.
We honour you today
thanking your for all that your have given us
for our lives here on earth
and our life beyond the grave.
From you alone comes love and everlasting peace.
Praise and glory be to you our heavenly Father.
Receive our pray, offered in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ the Lord, Amen.
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