Prayer Archive

1st August 2025

Research, compiled by Physicians for Human Rights and the Organization for Justice and Accountability in the Horn of Africa (OJAH), is the most comprehensive documentation yet produced of weaponised sexual violence in Tigray. The medical records of more than 500 patients, surveys of 600 health workers, and in-depth interviews with doctors, nurses, psychiatrists and community leaders are used in the research. The ages of those health workers have treated for sexual violence included very young children (1-12 years) to very elderly women; 63% treated children under the age of 17. Dr Abraha Gebreegziabher, chief clinical director of Ayder hospital in Tigray has said that a number of trends can be identified. “One is gang raping. Second is the insertion of foreign bodies, including messages and broken rocks or stones … Then, the intentional spread of infection, HIV particularly,” he said. “I am convinced, and see strong evidence, that rape was used as a weapon of war.” Many of the survivors have told of soldiers desire to exterminate the Tigrayan ethnicity by destroying Tigrayan women’s reproductive abilities or forcing them to give birth to children of the rapist’s ethnicity. “This form of violence is being imparted in a way that is intended to cause trauma, humiliation, suffering and fracture and break communities,” Payal Shah, a human rights lawyer and co-author of the report said.  

You can find the report here.

Loving God, our hearts go out to the people of Tigray and we pray for your embracing love for all women and girls abused as a weapon of war. Forgive our inhumanity to one another. We thank you for those who have complied this report and all who have spoken out.  Amplify the voices of all who are abused and all who witness sexual abuse. Protected them from trauma.  May their testimony bring change and transformation. God of love, may we love , even those who do not like, even those we consider our enemies.  Help us understand that every person is made in your image. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

In Russia, a man was caught on video footage stumbling across railway tracks as the lights of the passenger train appear in the distance. His footing became more unstable before he fell to the ground, his head hanging over the steel rail track. An onlooker, was standing on the opposite side of the track.  He quickly realised what had happened and instinctively sought to save the man. He sprinted across the railway as the train hurtled towards both men. The one who had stumbled was pulled to safety by the other man as the train hurtled past. The identify of the man's saviour is unknown.  He has sought no praise or public acclamation.

Glory to God.

This is the day that you have made

and we rejoice in it Lord our God.

We give you praise and honour,

for you created all things

and provide for all that sustains us in earthly and eternal life.

Loving Father, we praise you for Jesus Christ

and thank you for sending him into the world.

We thank you that he shared our life

and taught us how to live together.

We thank you that he showed us your love

and demonstrated that your love for us is stronger than death. 

We praise you for raising him from death to new life

and that he sits at your right hand

to live and reign with you.

We praise you for the Holy Spirit

who lives within your faithful people

to teach, direct, admonish

and equip us for service in your Kingdom.

 All praise, honour, glory, majesty and power

be to you the one eternal God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Amen. 

31st July 2025

According to new figures published by AFL-CIO, global chief executive officers' pay rose 7% in 2024 among S&P 500 companies, an increase of $1.24m over twelve months. This made the average CEO remuneration, $18.9 million. The average CEO-to-worker pay ratio was 285-to-1 for S&P 500 Index companies in 2024. Starbucks’ CEO received 6,666 times more than the average Starbuck employee last year.  The report states that “The median Starbucks worker would have had to start working for Starbucks in 4643 BC just to earn what Starbucks’ CEO earned in 2024.” An analysis by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy found that a consequence of the Trump administrations big Beautiful Bill will be that  the top 1% of US families, by income, will collectively receive a tax cut of $1.02tn over the next decade. According to the UBS Global Wealth Report, in 2023 the world’s richest 1 percent, those with more than $1 million, owned 47.5 percent of all the world’s wealth – equivalent to roughly $214 trillion. Adults with less than $10,000 make up nearly 40 percent of the world’s population, but hold less than 1 percent of the world’s wealth.  

Loving God, in the world economy, many struggle with food insecurity, poor health and access to health care, and low life expectancy. Your blessings are taken away from them by those who have seized excesses for themselves. Your generosity of abundance, has been obscured, denied to so many, and twisted out of shape by human greed and fear. Hear the cries of the poor and oppressed especially when we ignored them. Bless all who seek justice in labour markets and work to address the exploitation of peoples and all that keeps them in poverty. Guide the international community by your Holy Spirit to ensure that our economic systems do not disadvantage the poor at the benefit of the rich. Remind us, O Lord, of the parable of the rich fool. We pray that your will shall be done on earth as it is in heave.    In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Materials developer earth4Earth, based at Sheffield Technology Parks in the UK have established a start-up company producing environmentally-friendly bricks which capture carbon dioxide from the air around them but are also manufactured using methods which do not produce it. Co-founder Theodore Hanein said: "We are incredibly excited about how our work is going to help construction projects achieve net zero and the huge difference it will make in restoring planetary health." The bricks are made using soil excavated from construction sites which would otherwise go to landfill. They are fully recyclable and can be crushed after use, then reconstructed into new bricks or returned to the soil as a fertiliser. The first batch is now being used in pilot projects across Sheffield. 

You can find out more about the bricks and earth4Earth here.

Glory to God,

Gory to God,

Glory to God in the highest.

Almighty and eternal God

we thank you that you love us.

We thank you that you have forgive our sin.

We thank you for your gift of eternal life

through faith in your Son Jesus Christ.

Glory to God,

Gory to God,

Glory to God in the highest. 

30th July 2025

Early this morning, a massive 8.8 earthquake off Russia's coast has created a tsunami alert across the Pacific.  A 4ft (1.2m) wave have been recorded off Oahu, Hawaii and caused tsunami waves in Russia, Japan and Alaska. Buildings on the coastal area of Severo-Kurilsk, the main settlement on Russia’s Kuril Islands in the Pacific, have been swept away. The earthquake was the strongest in the region since 1952 with the epicentre off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.  Japan has issued evacuation warnings. Three tsunami waves have been recorded, the largest of which was 60cm and officials anticipate waves of up to 3 metres could along the northern Japanese coast. Peru also issued a tsunami alert and Mexico is taking steps to keep people away from its Pacific beaches and coastline. New Zealand’s disaster management agency warned that the country’s coastal areas could expect “strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore”. 

Loving God, we pray for the safety of our neighbours living along the Pacific coast and on the many islands dotted about the ocean.  We thank you for those who have given early warnings. We ask your protection for all sailing across the ocean on ships and boats. May all be kept safe, may no lives be lost. Bless and protect all who have responsibilities to make decisions about people's movements may they have their safety and wellbeing as a major priority.  Bless and protect all with responsibilities for securing power lines and utilities, assessing the structural integrity of building and making them safe.  In a situation that is impacting so many across so many countries and authorities my what appears to be disastrous bring unity and mutual support.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

118 people have abseiled down Coventry Cathedral, UK, and in doing so have raised more than £50,000 for local charities. £9,000 will go towards the the on-going cost of maintaining the cathedral, £5,000 will support Coventry Foodbank and over £1,500 will support the charity's feeding programme in Ukraine. Other charities that will benefit include Coventry and Warwickshire Mind, MS Therapy Centre, Naylors Ark, and Carriers of Hope. 

A prayer to God

based on Charles Wesley's famous hymn

O for a thousand tongues to sing

my great Redeemer's praise.

The glories of my God and King

the triumphs of your grace.

You break the power of cancelled sin

You set the prisoner free

Your blood has made the foulest clean

Your blood availed for me.

Amen. 

29th July 2025

Thai and Cambodian leaders met in Malaysia yesterday and agreed to a ceasefire to stop the deadliest conflict between the two countries in more than a decade.  The recent military action has killed at least 40 people, mostly civilians, and displaced over 300,000.  A ceasefire was agreed that came into effect at midnight.  However, Thailand's military said that there had been attacks by Cambodian troops in at least five locations early today. Military commanders from Thailand and Cambodia held talks this morning as calm returned to their disputed border and displaced residents began moving back, following the announcement of the ceasefire. Both sides agreed not to deploy more troops along the disputed border. 

Loving God, we give you thanks and praise that a ceasefire has been agreed between Cambodia and Thailand.  We thank you for the work of all who have brought the two sides together to hammer our an arrangement which is acceptable to both sides.  We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to move among the leaders of both nations that they may be able to find away to agree a more lasting peace and remove the threat of violence and death for the border region.  We ask you loving comfort and care for all who mourn today, and for your protection of all who have returned to their homes and livelihoods. We are reminded of the words of the Psalmist, "how good and pleasant it is when people live together in unity."  Loving God, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Amen.

The World Food Program's (WFP) Country Director for Ethiopia, Zlatan Milisic has emphasized the significant economic transformation that Ethiopia has achieved over the past decade.  He was speaking on a panel held alongside the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4).  By focusing on rural development and poverty reduction over the past decade, Ethiopia has achieved an average annual economic growth rate of over 10%, lifting millions out of poverty and improved various key social indicators. Technological capability, digital economy, sustainable development financing, private sector-led economic growth, resilient green economy, among others, has triggered the economic transformation.  Ethiopia's Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba said the country has been striving to achieve a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive food system that ensures food sovereignty and nationwide well-being. Milisic expressed the WFP's commitment to supporting equitable, peaceful and prosperous Ethiopia, driven by self-reliance and resilience. 

A prayer inspired by Psalms 25 & 28

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

In you alone do I trust.

You make your ways known to me, Lord;

You teach me in your truth

you lighten the path before me,

guiding me and showing me which way to go.

I put my hope in you all day long.

I praise you and thank you

for you hear my cry for mercy.

I give you glory

because you are my strength and my shield.

I honour you

because you are the God who saves me.

Amen. 

28th July 2025

At least 38 people were killed,15 injured, and several others were still missing.  in an attack on a church in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) yesterday.  The attack, on a Catholic church in Komanda, in eastern (DRC) is understood to have been carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan Islamist rebel group. Worshippers were participating in a night vigil at the church.  Dieudonne Duranthabo, a civil society coordinator in Komanda, told the Associated Press that more bodies could be found after the attack. "More than 21 people were shot dead inside and outside [the church] and we have recorded at least three charred bodies and several houses burned. But the search is continuing," he said. Father Aime Lokana Dhego, a local priest, and that some young people were kidnapped, but that the church has no news of their whereabouts.

Loving God, we place into your care all in the church in Komanda.  Bring your comfort to the families and friends of those who died in this attack, bring healing to those injured and a safe return to their families of all who were kidnapped or missing. Bless Father Aime's leaderships, give him the words of unity and comfort.  Strengthen the faith of the church through its adversities. Bless your church throughout the world where your faithful people face persecution, and even death.  We thank you that by his death on the cross Christ has opened the gates of heaven to all who profess him as Lord. We pray in his name.  Amen.

Suki Thompson from Perranporth in Cornwall UK, died of cancer in 2023. Since then her family have heled raise over £200,000 for Macmillan Cancer Care. The charity gained four full time nurses as a result of the fundraising efforts. A new book, ‘Every Day is a Gift’, has just been published in memory of Suki and will continue to raise funds for the charity. The book has reflections from more than 40 contributors from Suki’s podcast series, ‘Reset’ where her friends and colleagues talk about lessons and moments of real meaning shared with Suki. Richard Robinson, one of Suki’s former business partners and a close friend, said, “Suki was the best of us. Kind and caring, warm and generous, the embodiment of human sunshine. It was a gift to work alongside Suki every day, and this book is a testament to the lives she touched and the stories she shaped.” Macmillan provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer. 

You can find out more about the book here.

Almighty God and Father,

you are the King of glory.

We worship you, we give you praise,

for you alone are the holy one,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the most high;

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your constant presence.

We worship you with joy

and seek to know you better. 

We thank you that you have created us in your own image

so that we may love, glorify and serve you.

We thank you for the many blessings you give each day

that sustain our bodies and our souls

and that give us purpose and fulfilment.

We thank you that we can turn to you for strength and support when life is challenging.  Amen.  

 27th July 2025

Heavy rain around Beijing and across northern China has resulted in the deaths of two people and two missing in Hebei province,  and the displacement of thousands of people. Beijing issued a warning concerning landslides and mudslides after intense rainfall.  Baoding’s Xizhuang meteorological station recorded 540mm (21 inches) of rainfall in eight hours. Heavy rains disrupted railway service in Inner Mongolia as authorities suspended several passenger trains passing through high-risk areas earlier in the week.

Loving God, our hearts go out to our neighbours in northern China. We pray for the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and those still missing.  Grant them your comfort and care. May all struggling with flooding, landslips and mudslides be protected, and those displaced from their homes, sheltered. Protect all who have responsibilities for clearing gullies and drains, making infrastructure safe and restoring power and utilities . Bless all bringing aid and relief as we particularly remember the particular needs of babies and young children, people disabled or frail, those needing medicines and all who are ill or in hospitals in affected areas.  We pray in the name of Jesus, our Lord.  Amen.

 Four men from the neighbourhood of Los Pescadores in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela, who were deported from the US to the Center for the Confinement of Terrorism (Cecot), a maximum-security jail in El Salvador have been released.  Mervin Yamarte, Edwuar Hernández Herrera, Andy Perozo and Ringo Rincón spent four months in prison before being released in a prisoner exchange on Friday. They are now back with their families. They have said that they were subjected to beatings and treated "like animals", including being made to eat with their hands. They also said that the prison director had told them that whoever entered [the prison] would never come out. 

 Loving God, you are worthy of praise from every creature.

You have created the world

with its complexity of inter-related ecosystems,

the movement of he oceans and the seasons.

How wonderful and marvellous you are. 

You are the giver of all good things

for you have provided for all that sustains life

in this world and even when earthly life is over.

Praise and glory be to you O Lord. 

We thank you for the gift of life.

We thank you for food and homes.

We thank you for good families and good friends.

We thank you for challenges

and all that gives us as sense of achievement and fulfilment.

We thank you for all that gives us joy.

Above all we thank you for your Son,

Jesus Christ and for the living presence of the Holy Spirit.

All praise and glory be to you heavenly Father.  Amen 

 26th July 2025

Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), said it has recorded a 74.1% rise in the admission of malnourished children into its facilities across Kebbi, Nigeria between January to June this year.  The aid organisation said, "We are currently witnessing massive budget cuts, particularly from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, which are having real impact on the treatment of malnourished children."  Malnutrician is also impacting upon popultioans in Sudan. The number of children treated for severe malnutrition rose by 46% between January and May 2025, across Sudan’s five Darfur states, compared to the same period last year. In North Darfur alone, more than 40,000 children were admitted for treatment in the first five months of this year, doubling the number from the same period last year.   Sheldon Yett,  UNICEF Representative for Sudan, said this week, "Children in Darfur are being starved by conflict and cut off from the very aid that could save them. ...This is a moment of truth; children’s lives depend on whether the world chooses to act or look away." In Gaza City, rates of severe malnutrition among children aged under five at Médecins Sans Frontières’ clinic have tripled in the last two weeks. The medical aid charity accused the Israeli government's “policy of starvation” for the hunger crisis. 

Loving God, we place into your care our brothers and sister across the globe who do not have enough to eat.  We know that this is not a result of there being insufficient food but the policies that are followed by governments.  Forgive us that that we cause so much pain and distress to so many. Pour out you Holy Spirit on the leaders of people guiding their decision making.  May no one be hungry or dependant on food handouts. Bless all who seek to find ways to feed the hungry and meet their medical, developmental, and emotional needs. Encourage all who seek to persuade governments to ensure all people are fed, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity or heritage. Help us recall, Proverbs 25:21-22, "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. Loving God we pray that your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Amen.

 Simon Wiggins, from Billericay in the UK spent thousands of joyful hours safely on UK beaches with his two sons. Sadly, Simon died last May; but his wish was that his employer, Ground Control, fundraise for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for the work they do saving lives around the UK coastline and keeping beaches safe.  Kate Smith, of Ground Control, said: "Over the past year, it has been both an honour and a privilege to support the RNLI not just through fundraising, but by coming together as a maintenance division to do good. It has brought us closer together as a team and shown how powerful it can be when business and community unite, and a huge thank you must go to our business for providing matched funding to help us reach such an amazing total."  Through a number of fundraising challenges and events over the past year Ground Control were able to make a £50,000 donation to the RNLI in memory of Simon.

 Loving God, we humble ourselves before you.

We praise you,

for you are worthy of adoration, glory and honour.

We are in awe of you for you provide

love, joy, and peace that is beyond our comprehension.

We praise you that regardless of our waywardness and sin

you continue to love us.

We praise you that in your love for us

you sent us your Son, Jesus Christ.

He lived a sinless life

yet died upon the cross

taking upon himself the sin of the world.

We praise you for raising him to new life.

We give you glory,

that through faith in him

we may share in his resurrection,

and live forever in your presence and peace.

 Father, we praise you for every blessing you give us.

 All praise and glory

and honour and power

be yours for ever.

Amen. 

 25th July 2025

Thailand has evacuated more than 130,000 people along the Cambodian border.  Fighting began yesterday across 12 locations along the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia. The skirmishes are the latest in a history of conflict along the 508-mile (817km) border, parts of which are subject to dispute resulting from disagreements over colonial-era maps. Phumtham Wechayachai, acting Thai Prime Minister has said, "If the situation escalates it could develop into war, though for now it remains limited to clashes."  The UN security council is due to meet today and called for an immediate end to hostilities. 

Loving God, we pray for peace between Thailand and Cambodia.  May the disagreements over borders be resolved, not by violence and death, but by negotiation and diplomacy.  Guide the Security Council of the UN to bring a sense of calm and maturity so that a way forward may be found to prevent military action and resolution to the dispute.  Pour out your Holy Spirit on all engaged in this dispute on both sides so that personal animosities and egos might be put aside and the welfare of all living along the border be paramount. Grant our protection for all who now live in fear.  May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Amen.

Around 3,000 to 6,500 attempt to tale their own life in the UK each year. The Samaritans respond to a call for help from someone who is finding life tough every ten seconds. Yesterday was is Samaritans awareness day. The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering a listening ear via their helpline to anyone in emotional distress or struggling to cope with life.  Help is always just a call away. Samaritans is a charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection. It connects people in crisis with trained volunteers who will always listen. People calling for change with those who need to listen. People who’ve been there before with those struggling now.​ Samaritans have been doing this essential work since its foundation by the Rev. Chad Varah, a Church of England vicar in the Diocese of London in 1953.

 Lord, your love is like an ever flowing river.

Your love and mercy wash over me and make me clean.

I love you with all my soul.

I praise you, and glorify our name,

my God, my Lord, my Saviour, my King.

Your justice rolls on like a river,

your righteousness like a never-failing stream!

You flood the nations with mercy and grace.

From your throne, O Lord,

flows a river of the water of life, clear as crystal.

On its banks is the tree of life

with its leaves for the healing of the nations.

I praise you that I can draw water

from the wells of your salvation.

Glory be to you Holy, loving, eternal God.

Amen.

24th July 2025

Two church leaders in Jerusalem, the Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Greek Orthodox Patriarch, Theophilos III, have returned to the city following a visit to Gaza They have described seeing starving people and children not "batting an eyelid" at the sound of bombing. "We have seen men holding out in the sun for hours in the hope of simple meal” they told journalists.  "This is humiliation that is hard to bear when you see it with you own eyes. It is morally unacceptable and unjustifiable,” they said, adding the Church would "stand in solidarity" with "the whole people of Gaza".

The two men made their visit following the Israeli destruction of the Catholic Holy Family Church in Gaza City last week, which  killed two women and a man.  The two church leaders said, "We walked through the dust of ruins, past collapsed buildings and tents everywhere: in courtyards, alleyways, on the streets and on the beach," Cardinal Pizzaballa said that tents  have become homes for those who have lost everything."  He went on to say, "We are not against Israel, but we need to say with frankness and clarity, that this policy of the Israeli government in Gaza is unacceptable and morally we cannot justify it."  Both men repeated that calls by Pope Leo and a growing number of international leaders for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.

Loving God, we thank you for the church and its presence in Gaza and across Israel.  We thank you for it's stand for justice, and its call for the release of hostages and an end to fighting in Gaza. We thank you for  the courage of Cardinal Pizzaballa and Patriarch, Theophilos III. Be with the whole church across the world, may all your faithful people seek to live out your command to love neighbour and pray for those who seek to do them harm.  May love prevail over hate, self-sacrifice over selfishness and life over death. We place all those living in Gaza in to your loving care, Palestinians, Israeli hostages, humanitarian aid and medical workers. Be beside all who walk through the valley of the shadow of death. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

UK property firm, Fenn Wright, and mortgage partners, Fitch & Fitch, organised a 25 mile (40Km) charity walk raising £6,700 for the The Tom Bowdidge Foundation. The walk went from Fenn Wright's Sudbury office to its Manningtree branch, following the St Edmund Way, Stour Valley Path and Essex Way, taking just over 10 hours to complete. The foundation supports 13 to 24-year-olds living with cancer and has created eight rooms and age-appropriate spaces for young cancer patients, and has invested more than £500,000 into research for targeted treatments. 

Also, on 28 June more than 1,500 people took part in a 10.5-mile (17km) route across the Channel Island of Guernsey.  Over £25,00 was raised for a breast cancer charity. Organisers said that the money raised would be used to support islanders affected by breast cancer and help increase awareness of the disease.

Heavenly Father, you are an awesome God.

You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

You are the source of all life,

Everything that is alive relies on you.

You love us and care for us,

We thank you that the fire of your love

burns within our hearts

You want us to walk with you every day.

Thank you for listening to us and hearing our prayers.

We praise you for Jesus our Lord,

who gave his life that we may have life.

We thank you for the Holy Spirit

who lives within all your faithful people.

We celebrate your glory.

We worship you in spirit and in truth.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen

23rd July 2025

UNICEF reports that in the West African country of Ghana 45, 409 child sexual abuse materials were displayed on the Internet between 2023 and 2024. It is understood that the images were either produced in-country, or accessed in Ghana.  Madam Hilda Mensah, the UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, said that "some of these children are even killed after the sexual abuse”.  She encouraged parents and caregivers to start educating their children on the emerging sexual exploitation and abuse on the Cyber space to curb the growing menace.   Some abused children whose images are placed on the Internet are often required to pay huge sums of money by their abusers. UNICEF noted that there was an increasing suicide rate among those affected. The National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Madam Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, raised the issue in parliament calling for urgent action to protect the rights of vulnerable people, particularly children. She said, “Let us reaffirm our collective resolve to champion human rights, protect the vulnerable, and build a future where every child in Ghana and beyond can live in safety and dignity.” 

Loving God, your are ever caring, ever strong, we pray for our neighbours in Ghana and their children who face on-line abuses. Hear the cries of all who have been harmed, and the cries of those who love them.  Bring them your comfort and care and still their restless hearts with hope.  Grant them courage and justice.  Guide the authorities, and the leaders of on-line platforms to  support all impacted by on-line abuse, to uphold the law, and strengthen controls to prevent the exploitation of children and young people.  Move among the people of Ghana  and transform brokenness into wholeness. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

In 2024, over 18o million children required humanitarian assistance due to conflict, climate emergencies, and natural disasters. UNCEF together with their many partners were able to help and make a difference in these children's lives. UNICEF reached tens of millions of children and families last year through humanitarian action supporting children's health, nutrition, education and protection.  Among the amazing things UNICEF achieved in 2024, the organisation delivered:

• clean water and sanitation to 41 million people

• measles vaccinations for 24.7 million children

• gave 9.2 million children and adolescents access to education

There is a complete report on UNICEF's humanitarian work in their recently published  Global Annual Results Report 2024. 

You can read the report here.

God the Father, you made a world of plenty,

enough for all.

You made people in your image

to share and delight in your bounty

and live together in unity

We give you thanks and praise.

God the Son, you came to show us the Father's love.

You died so our sin would be forgiven.

You taught us how to live together in unity.

We give you thanks and praise.

God the Holy Spirit, you were sent

that we may not be left as orphans.

You came to teach, admonish, to guide,

and to equip us for service in the Kingdom,

that people may live together in unity

with God and one another.

We give you thanks and praise.

One eternal God, Father, Son and Holy Sprit,

we glorify you and magnify your Holy name.

Amen. 

22nd July 2025

New technologies are being used to promote smoking and vaping as virtual online spaces are becoming a new marketing ground for tobacco and alcohol companies. Digital platforms and technologies are being used to get around preventative legislation and target young people. Fort example, avatars have been depicted smoking in a social context with packets of cigarettes on a nearby the table. These revelations come from a monitoring project known as Canary, run by the global public health organisation Vital Strategies.   They report that tobacco and vape companies are using digital tokens and sponsoring online games.  “Tobacco companies are no longer waiting for regulations to catch them up. They are way ahead of us. We are still trying to understand what we’re seeing in social media, but they’re already operating in unregulated spaces like the metaverse,” says Dr Melina Magsumbol, of Vital Strategies India. “They’re using NFTs [non-fungible tokens]. They’re using immersive events to get our kids to come and see what they’re offering.” Agamroop Kaur, a youth ambassador at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, in India, has seen vapes suggested as a “wellness” item. She now includes social media marketing when speaking to schoolchildren about the dangers of tobacco and vaping. 

Loving God, we are sad that harmful addictive products such as tobacco and alcohol are deliberately promoted to young people and that producers deliberately seek to circumvent legislation to prevent harm.  We thank you for organisations such as Vital Strategies for highlighting the impact of digital promotions.  We know that tobacco and alcohol can cause cancers and kill.  Guide the authorities in countries across the world to protect their young people from these dangers. Help us to use our resource to promote health and wellbeing. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

You can find out more about Canary here.

Rupert Brooke is ten years old.  His father died in a work accident when Rupert was just four. Rupert is now on his way to Barcelona with his mother.  They are cycling 920-miles (1,480km) from London as a tribute to Rupert's father, Tom to raise money for the Children's Bereavement Centre, which helped them cope with their loss. Rupert said raising money was important to him because "not everyone else around the country does get the support like I do".   Three years ago Rupert cycled from London to Paris for the same charity three years ago when he was seven. "Cycling has helped with my mental fitness," he said. 

You can find out more about the Children's Bereavement Centre in Newark, UK here.

I will praise you Lord, with all my heart. 

From the highest mountain I will praise you.

From the depths of the deepest valley I will praise you.

From the heart of the city I will praise you.

May your name be lifted high.

For you are an awesome God.

Amen.