Prayer Archive

22nd July 2026

A MapBiomas report finds that Between 1985 and 2023, more than 88 million hectares of forest in the Amazon were destroyed. 3.1 million hectares of Brazil's Amazon were burned last year, the smallest area since MapBiomas records began in 1985, and compare favourably with the record-breaking 15.8 million hectares destroyed in 2024. The decline in the 2025 figures partly reflects an easing of the unprecedented fires of 2024, helped by cooler La Niña conditions instead of the warmer El Niño. It also indicates that reducing the rate of forest destruction is possible. Tropical rainforests, like the Amazon, provide habitats for millions of species, and absorb vast quantities of planet-warming carbon dioxide. Destruction of these carbon sinks only exacerbates global warming. 

Loving God, forgive us that we are destroying the Amazaon rainforest and in doing so putting the life of the planet at risk. Move among the leader of nations and global corporations that protection of the forests and all the world's carbon sinks will be a priority.  Help us all to grasp the importance of these regions to life on earth as we know it.  Help us to treasure the natural world and cherish plant, animal, avian and aquatic life, all the work of your hand.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.  

Mariza never set out to be a hero that day. She simply saw a family in desperate need and acted without hesitation.  On Sunday afternoon at Versluis Park in Plainfield Township, Michigan USA at around 4:30 p.m., Mariza Mojica saw a panicked mother rush from the water carrying her young 2 year old daughter, who was unresponsive. "At first I just froze," Mariza recalled. "The mom was crying so I went over and took the baby out of her hands and started mouth to mouth." Mariza is certified in CPR for infants, children and adults through her job.  She put her training into action. When the rescue breaths alone did not work, she switched to chest compressions. Mariza said that mouth to mouth wasn't working, "So, I started compressions."  Moments later, the little girl began breathing again. But then the little girl stopped breathing again so I did both mouth to mouth and compressions Mojica said. "Then, she passed out, and I did it again." She fought for the little girl's by herself for about two minutes before help arrived. "It felt like forever," she said.

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.

21st July 2026

Flooding in Afghanistan's Nuristan province has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people and injured 80. In the provincial capital, Parun, flood waters have left big boulders in the town.  Some 105 people including the mayor are missing.  Residents were searching for the missing without equipment. Ashiqullah Safi, the head of an NGO based in the town, said the flood had “completely destroyed the municipality”, including hotels and dozens of shops. Afghanistan’s national disaster management agency said floods had caused “severe financial and human losses” in Parun, where efforts were under way to rescue the injured and recover the bodies of those killed. 

Loving God, bring your comfort and compassion, strength and resilience to our neighbours in Nuristan province. Console all who mourn  and may all who are injured heal well and swiftly. Guide those searching for loved ones and neighbours that people may be brought to safety. May the authorities move quickly to ensure buildings are secured and safe and that medical support is available.  Use this calamity to draw communities together.  In acts of humanity and love may the international community support the Afghan authorities to help their people. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.  

UK housebuilder Keepmoat is partnering with national food poverty charity, Magic Breakfast. Keepmoat aims to raise over £250,000 over the course of the partnership to support the charity in its mission to champion and provide nourishing breakfasts that help children and young people learn and thrive across Yorkshire. Ian Hoad, CEO at Keepmoat, said: “Child hunger in the UK remains alarmingly high, with one in seven children at risk of starting their day too hungry to learn. That’s why we’re proud to be partnering with Magic Breakfast and supporting its vital work. At Keepmoat, we’re passionate about supporting communities and the families and children within them, and we understand that being fuelled for the day is incredibly important. Unlocking the next generation of talent starts in the classroom and we’re committed to raising as much as we can across all our ten regions to support this amazing charity, over the next three years.”

Heavenly Father, we come before you with a hearts full of gratitude. 

Thank You for the gift of this new day,

for the breath in our lungs,

and for the love that surrounds us. 

Your steadfast love is new every morning,

and Your faithfulness never fails. 

May we  rest in your presence today

and rejoice in every act of kindness and every smile.

We thank you for the amazing sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ

and for the Holy Spirit living within us. 

Praise and joy fills our hearts, 

for your are our constant refuge and strength.

We lift your name on high and declare your glory.

 In Jesus’ name, Amen .

20th July 2026

A distress call was received from the MV Barima at 23:01 local time (03:01 GMT Sunday) triggering a search and rescue operation  off the coast of Guyana in South America ⁠. after the ferry was carrying 116 passengers and 17 crew when it sunk.  Sixty-seven people have so far been rescued.  Speaking at a press conference alongside the country’s prime minister late on Sunday, Juan Edghill, Guyana’s minister of public works, told reporters the manifest was wrong after it was discovered that only 35 of 67 people rescued so far were on the passenger list. 

Loving God, we ask your loving care for all on the MV Barvina yesterday, and all involved in search and rescue operations.  Bring your comforting love to those who now mourn the deaths of those they love.  Settle the hearts and minds of those who are fearful or traumatised by yesterday's events.  Guide people searvching so that everyone is accounted for and brought to safety.  May the authorities professionally and rigorously investigate the causes of the incident and the confusion around manifest lists. We ask you protection for all who travel on the water.  remind us that much of what we consume each day comes across oceans and along rivers.  We thank you for all in the maritime trade. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.  

The Little Princess Trust, which provides real hair wigs to children who have lost their hair during medical treatment. at Evelyn Street Primary Academy and Nursery, in Warrington, UK were moved to nominate year five pupil, Keeva Lee for the Eileen K Halligan Kindness Award 2026 for donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust. Keevsa has since been named the winner of the award.  Alison Connolly, a teacher at Evelyn Street Primary Academy and Nursery, said: "Understanding the profound impact that hair loss can have on children undergoing medical treatment, Keeva chose to transform a personal sacrifice into a gift of confidence and hope for a peer in need. This act was not merely about a haircut; it was a quiet, powerful display of empathy and a genuine desire to support others during their most difficult moments."

Find out more about the Little Princess Trust here.

Loving Lord,

we praise you for this new day.

a new day to praise you,

a new day to serve you,

a new day to experience the wonder of your love.

This is a day which you have made,

a gift, a blessing,

filled with opportunities and potential.

We rejoice with all creation;

The whole world tells of Your glory.

With heartfelt adoration and gratitude

we celebrate all that You have done for us. 

We thank you for Jesus.

We thank you for his death on the cross for the forgiveness of sin,

and that you raised him to new life, 

opening the gates of heaven to all believers.

We thank you for the Holy Spirit living within us.

All praise and glory be tow one one eternal God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.

19th July 2026

Between 4-9 July, at least 61 people – including 14 children – were killed in the Kenscoff region twenty kilometres south of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, according to the United Nations. These attacks have resulted in 6,000 people fleeing Kenscoff according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which said it was the largest displacement the town had experienced in 15 months.  An estimated 6.4 million people – more than half the country's population – are now in need of aid. The World Food Programme (WFP) says that some 5.8 million people, simply do not have enough to eat. 1.5 million Haitians have been displaced by violence linked to armed groups. The climate crisis and global economic instability, have also significantly disrupted Haiti's food supply chains. During it's April appeal, WFP country director Wanja Kaaria said, "Tackling hunger is vital to restoring stability in Haiti. We cannot build peace when families have nothing to feed their children. Hunger opens the door to armed groups who will exploit the crisis, luring children with food and preying on women and young mothers who are struggling to provide for their families." 

Loving God, pour out your blessing and protection upon our neighbours in Haiti. We pray for peace across the country.  We pray for peace for children growing up with conflict and fear. We pray for peace for women abused and exploited because of the need to feed their families.  We pray for peace for all so that the real issues can be addressed. Guide the international community to bring about change and transformation. Move among the armed gangs and help them see the trauma and devastation their actions are causing. Bless your church in Haiti that it may be a place of peace, hope and reconciliation.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.  

1,600 people were sprayed with colour as they participated in the annual Blackpool Colour Run in Blackpool UK. They pass through seven powder paint stations before crossing the finish line covered in every colour of the rainbow. They did so in order to raise about £50,000 for Trinity Hospice. Trinity’s Events Fundraiser, Danny Hickes, said: “Events like Blackpool Colour Run show the very best of our community. People gave up their time, raise sponsorship, encourage friends and family and create an unforgettable atmosphere on the beach. Together, they help ensure Trinity can continue. Together, we turned Blackpool beach into a sea of colour and raised an incredible amount for local hospice care."  Trinity Hospice doesn't just care for cancer patients, but also for people with serious cardiac or respiratory issues, and motor neurone disease, and older patients with mobility problems, general frailty and dementia. A third of Trinity’s adult in-patients go home again after spending time at the hospice.  Many never set foot in the hospice at all, being cared for by community nurses and Hospice at Home team.

Find out more about Trinity Hospice, Blackpool here.

Creator of all,

Sustainer of all,

Saviour of all,

Your glory and majesty

are beyond our understanding,

Your power too awesome to behold.

And yet your love enfolds us as a gentle breeze.

Saviour of all ,

Sustainer of all,

Creator of all,

We bless your holy name.  Amen

©John Birch from Faith and Worship

17th July 2026

Recently published research by the Pew Research Center in the United States found that 55 countries recorded high or very high levels of religion-related social hostilities in 2023, the latest year for which data are available. This was up from 45 countries in 2022. Countries recording the highest levels of social hostilities involving religion included Nigeria, India, Israel, and Bangladesh. Pew said that Israel moved into the “very high” category after the 7 October attacks. Bangladesh also entered the category after riots targeting Ahmadi Muslims in the north of the country.  Pew estimated that 78% of the world’s population live in countries experiencing high or very high levels of government restrictions on religion, or religion-related social hostilities, or both. “At a global level, this suggests that governments have been clamping down on religious beliefs and practices in more ways than they were in 2007, at the beginning of the study, while the number of countries with social hostilities has tended to rise and fall with events,” the researchers said.  The report highlights that in 2023, Christians and Muslims faced physical harassment as well as verbal and other nonphysical harassment in more countries than other groups. Christians were harassed by government officials or nongovernmental actors in 165 countries in 2023, and Muslims were in 143 countries.

You can read the full report here.

Loving God, we pray for all who seek to love and serve you and for all who proclaim Christ as Lord and Saviour. We ask your protection for all harassed or persecuted for their faith. Strengthen their faith and grant them the strength to resist retaliation. May the Holy Spirit support them in living their lives according to your will and that by doing so others will be drawn to you. We pray for the growth of your Kingdom across the world. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.  

The first case of Ebola this year in Uganda was confirmed in May. It was brought by a man who had travelled for treatment from neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicentre of the epidemic where almost 800 people have died. In Uganda there have been 20 confirmed cases, mostly among visitors from DR Congo, and two deaths. However, Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi described it as "a moment of joy" when he was able to announce that the last patient being treated for Ebola had been discharged from hospital, leaving the country with no active confirmed cases of the deadly disease. A 42-day countdown has now begun before Uganda can officially be declared Ebola-free, provided no new infections emerge. 

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. 

16th July 2026

According to the United Nations more than 500 people are feared dead following two large shipwrecks off Myanmar since late June.  One boat, which is understood to have been carrying about 250 people, lost contact shortly after departure from Myanmar.  A second boat, reportedly carrying about 280 people, is meanwhile believed to have sunk off Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on 8 July. According to UNHCR, nearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported missing or dead at sea in the northern Indian Ocean last year alone – out of more than 6,500 who had attempted such perilous sea crossings.  Today’s statement stressed that the latest reported tragedies “underscore the devastating impact of protracted conflict and displacement, as well as the continued lack of sustainable solutions for Rohingya communities”. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR called for “enhanced search and rescue efforts, access to asylum and protection, and actions against smuggling and trafficking networks”.  The agencies applauded Bangladesh for its “remarkable generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees for many years.”  They also emphasised the need for “sustained international support” for the refugees and host communities, and “greater efforts to address the underlying drivers of forced displacement”.

Loving God, we ask your blessing and care for all who are living under oppressive regimes, particularly where life is so challenging people flee to neighbouring countries at risk to their lives. We particularly ask your protection for our Rohingya neighbours and thank you for the protection afforded them in Bangladesh. We pray for an end to the oppressive regime in Myanmar that displaces so many and results in death and sorrow. Help us to love our neighbour, even our enemies. Help us to find ways to live in unity together. Strengthen the work of the international community to support the Rohingya and bring change and transformation within Myanmar. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.  

Pupils at The Compass School in Haddington, near Edinburgh, took part in a sponsored swimming event as part of their weekly lessons at the Aubigny Centre, and raised £5,695 for WaterAid. Older pupils challenged themselves to swim as many lengths or widths as possible within a set time, while younger children enjoyed a fun obstacle course. Headteacher, Mark Becher, said: "We have been absolutely delighted by the support that has been provided for this initiative."  He added, "Our Pupil Council were aware of the work of the charity from a previous fundraising initiative and felt it so important to help other children and their families across the world who do not currently have access to clean water or adequate sanitation facilities.  We have been overwhelmed by the response of the children and all who supported them and everyone is delighted to be able to make a real difference to the lives of other people who do not have the easy access to water as we do here in Scotland."  The fundraising effort forms part of the school’s commitment to global citizenship as a UN Gold Rights Respecting School, with pupils engaged in projects each year aimed at “Making The World A Better Place”. 

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 

15th July 2026

A new report by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), published on Sunday, warns that 3.7 million children under five in Afghanistan are at heightened risk of malnutrition due to food insecurity, poor diets and inadequate access to basic services. In its report "Too Little, Too Late: The diet Crisis Facing Young Children in Afghanistan", UNICEF said acute malnutrition has deteriorated in 26 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces compared to 2025. The UN agency stated that conditions are worsening even before Afghanistan's annual peak malnutrition season, which mainly runs from July to September. In addition to poor child diets and rising food insecurity, worsening malnutrition is also linked to disease outbreaks, low immunization coverage, inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene services, and growing funding and supply gaps – all of which are weakening children’s health and increasing their vulnerability to wasting.  UNICEF’s Representative in Afghanistan, Tajudeen Oyewale, said: "This new evidence gives us an opportunity to act before children reach the point of severe malnutrition. When families begin reducing meals or cutting back on nutritious foods it is not only a sign of hardship. It is a warning that a child may soon become dangerously wasted. Treatment saves lives, but we must also invest in prevention, starting with the diets of the youngest children and pregnant women." 

Loving God, we place into your  are the children of Afghanistan and all who live with food precarity. Be living bread to those who are hungry each day, be healing and wholeness to those who have no access to health care, and be their true home to all who have been displaced.  Bless the work of organisation such as UNICEF who seek to alert the world to the challenges children face and bring them relief from their struggles and hope for their futures. Turn hearts and minds to your ways of caring for our neighbours, whoever they may be. Open our eyes to see you in all acts of compassionate care and open our arms to join in what you are already doing. We pray that the children will receive all they need to prevent them from wasting.  May the international community's response also act of a hand of friendship to the Taliban administration and improve relationships for the common good.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.  

Bloomberg Philanthropies has donated $250 million to fill a funding shortfall in the implementation of many countries’ ocean protection plans.  The aim is to ensure funding for small island nations for the ocean conservation and management initiatives agreed under the UN’s new High Seas Treaty produces the real gains intended.  While countries have now committed roughly 10% of the ocean to conservation and protection, many areas lack any tools for implementing management plans, enforcement, and long-term financing.  “Our new commitment marks the next phase of the Bloomberg Ocean Initiative,” said Patricia E. Harris, CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Over the years, we have made important progress in protecting our ocean, but we still have a long way to go. We look forward to working with partners to not only improve leadership and governance on the issue but also strengthen economies and safeguard the livelihoods of the billions of people who rely on the ocean every day.”

You can find out more about Bloomberg Philanthropies here.

Psalm 96: 11- 13

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;

the sea resound, and all that is in it.

Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;

let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

Let all creation rejoice before the Lord,

for he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness

and the peoples in his faithfulness. 

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 seafarers 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 Parkinson's 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.