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In Beirut Said Deeb is a pastor working at a centre which runs children’s clubs and provides food to refugees. He doesn’t know why he did it, but on the day of the explosion he told everyone to go home and get some rest because he was worried about coronavirus. There are normally 34 people and 240 children at the centre each day. He said, ‘I thank God no one was here; if there had been here they would be dead because the windows flew from the side, from one wall to another wall, and took everything in between – the curtains, the air conditioning, the tables, the computers, the televisions.’
Praise: God for the lives saved. May He help Said as he rebuilds and restores the building. (Matthew 16:18b)
More: premierchristian.news/en/news/article/thank-god-no-one-was-here-because-they-would-be-dead-says-pastor-who-sent-everyone-home-early |
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Click this link to watch a 30-second video in which Stephen Elphick from HOPE explains how a woman became a Christian when she visited their HOPE space in Bedford town.
Praise: God for the many who are responding to Christian outreach in uncertain times. (Job 5:16)
More: www.hopetogether.org.uk/Groups/325288/Latest_News.aspx |
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King Alfred the Great wrote, ‘There is only one way to build my kingdom, and that is on the sure and certain foundation of faith in Jesus Christ crucified.’ We thank God for the heritage of faith that lies within the foundations of this nation. We can pray for new movements of His people to be born, movements filled with those who have encountered Jesus, been impacted by His radical love, and are running with deep-seated obedience to His Spirit. May all who are activated by the Spirit of God, to lead or to follow, step beyond fear and doubt and take hold of all that He has put within their grasp. We can pray for all God’s people, old and young, to be equipped and empowered for the season ahead. May His presence rest on them in great measure. (These prayers are based on Transforming Declarations by Suzanne Ferrett of Passion for the Nation)
Pray: for God’s plans for the United Kingdom to be established in His timing. (Ephesians 2:10)
More: passionforthenation.uk/transformation-49/ |
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Marvin Rees, the mayor of Bristol, has urged residents to take asylum-seekers into their homes so that they don’t end up living on the streets during a housing crisis. He has given his support to a scheme whereby volunteers host refugees in their spare bedrooms – adding that the city should be a place ‘where everyone feels welcome and safe’. The city council has provided housing for a number of asylum-seekers during the coronavirus pandemic, covering the cost, but the arrangement is due to finish. The charity Bristol Hospitality Network (BHN) has asked for twenty volunteers to offer a room for three months or more. The network provides accommodation and board to destitute asylum-seekers, and has helped to host over 100 people from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Sudan since 2009, giving them the safety and security to rebuild their lives in the UK. Refugees are evicted from Home Office accommodation 21 days after being refused.
Pray: for more nationwide schemes to prevent asylum-seekers becoming destitute, sofa-surfing or street sleeping. (Exodus 23:9)
More: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8616321/Bristols-mayor-urges-residents-spare-rooms-asylum-seekers.html |
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Severe flash floods closed schools, caused rivers to burst their banks, flooded homes, blocked roads, disrupted train services, and caused a train crash. Lightning, heavy rain showers and large hailstorms are forecast for Scotland, with a ‘danger to life’ warning over the entire country for the next two days. Pray for strength and resolve to be poured out on those experiencing flooded properties, for the safety of vulnerable and elderly in dangerous situations, and for the various rescue services. A passenger train was derailed by a landslide in Aberdeenshire, in what was described as a ‘major incident’. The train driver, conductor and a passenger were killed when the front carriage plunged down an embankment bursting into flames, then the other carriages piled on top of each other. The train had avoided a similar incident minutes earlier when a landslip was reported to be blocking the line. See
Pray: for the bereaved and the survivors of the train crash. (Psalm 23:4)
More: www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/biblical-flash-floods-cause-chaos-22507654 |
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Health minister Robin Swann has warned that NI is facing the most dangerous point of the Covid-19 pandemic. He is concerned that some people have stopped following even the most basic guidance. The current daily average of reported new cases is 27, compared to three last month. ‘If we get this wrong now, if we don’t keep our controls in place, if we don’t see people actually respecting the guidance and regulations, we could see a further increase of Covid outbreaks, more hospitalisations, more people going into ICU and more deaths.’ He added that complacency was setting in among some people even though it is now compulsory to wear face coverings in shops. In addition, he would like to see executive daily Covid briefings on the pandemic to be reinstated.
Pray: for the health minister’s warning to be heeded, so that there is a change of attitude towards coronavirus health and safety procedures. (Psalm 90:12)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-53741982 |
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A Royal Air Force P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) has completed its first operation in the North Sea, shadowing a Russian warship as it passed close to UK waters. The Poseidon, from 120 Squadron (based in Scotland), completed a prolonged watch over Russian warship Vasily Bykov recently. It did so while being supported by multiple aircraft, including Typhoon fighters based at RAF Lossiemouth and a VIP Voyager refuelling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton. Earlier this year the minister of state for defence, Baroness Goldie, said, ‘In an increasingly unstable world of persistent challenge and competition, it is important that the UK Armed Forces possess cutting edge technology to meet threats wherever they emerge.’
Pray: for God to instruct the Ministry of Defence, currently under pressure to deliver military capability for less money while facing diverse threats. (Psalm 91:9,10)
More: www.forces.net/news/p-8-poseidon-raf-aircraft-tracks-russian-warship-first-mission |
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A coronavirus contact-tracing app for England has edged a step closer with the launch of a new public trial, after months of delays. From 13 August, the Isle of Wight will be in the trial forefront once again, alongside NHS volunteer responders across England, followed shortly by the London borough of Newham. It comes after the government ditched efforts to develop its own technology in June amid accuracy issues and concerns about privacy. Despite initial hype, officials have warned that contact-tracing apps are not a ‘silver bullet’ for coronavirus, but could support the NHS test and trace effort.
Pray: for any errors in the second version to be detected and detached so that it complements efforts to eradicate the virus spread. (Proverbs 10:17)
More: www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/13/new-trials-to-begin-in-england-for-covid-19-contact-tracing-app |
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As September approaches, students will begin an academic year like no other as the coronavirus pandemic impacts universities. But God is still moving and working, students are searching for hope and purpose, and we can meet this moment in prayer walking. A core part of being a child of God is to nourish the place we have been given so it is fruitful and God is glorified. The places we inhabit are characterised by the community, culture, opportunities and experiences they enable. As we pray for our universities, we can grow in our personal devotion and intimacy. By prayer walking we can also grow in community and accountability as we pursue a common purpose together. Pray for churches to mobilise in order to reach students, inviting them to try church and offering pastoral care. Pray for students’ hearts to soften and accept Jesus.
Pray: for God to pour out His blessing, sowing seeds for revival and renewal among students. (Romans 12: 2)
More: www.eauk.org/news-and-views/prayer-walking-on-campus |
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Vladimir Putin said a vaccine for Covid-19 has been given regulatory approval after less than two months’ testing on humans. It has passed all the required checks, and he added that his daughter had already been given it. Officials plan to start mass vaccination in October. However experts have concerns about the speed of Russia’s work, suggesting that researchers might be cutting corners. Amid fears that safety could be compromised, WHO has urged Russia to follow international guidelines for producing a vaccine. The vaccine is not currently among the WHO’s list of six which have reached phase three clinical trials, involving more widespread testing in humans. Globally over 100 vaccines are in early development. Some are being tested on people in clinical trials. Most experts think that a vaccine will not become widely available until mid-2021. Russia’s vaccine data cannot be verified.
Pray: for Russia’s fast-tracked vaccine to be distributed with integrity, but halted if it does not accomplish sustainable immunity. (Psalm 36:6)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-53735718 |
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Monsignor George Frendo, chair of Albania’s interfaith council, has appealed for the country to take more care of its people’s health. ‘Have we reconciled with the coronavirus? Or are we afraid that more restrictions will create problems for the country’s economy? And what should be the priority, the economy or the health of the people?’ He quoted Father Arturo Sosa, the general superior of the Jesuits, who has commented that coronavirus is a threat not only to human life and affairs, but also to democracy. Msgr Frendo added, ‘Maybe someone can accuse me of interfering in politics? Jesus has approached and healed many sick people. Unfortunately I do not have this ability! But it is my duty to speak for the protection of the health of our people.’
Pray: for the leaders of Albania and the leaders across the nations to have wisdom and farsighted discernment in all economic / health / political decisions. (Proverbs 11:30)
More: albaniandailynews.com/news/please-take-more-care-of-people-s-health- |
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The Kenyan Senate is calling for submissions on the Reproductive Healthcare Bill currently before them, which legalises abortion up to birth. There has been an outcry among Kenyan Christians over this bill; it seeks to legalise abortion carried out by a doctor, nurse or midwife acting alone, a ‘trained health professional’. The international abortion lobby and their NGO allies will be emailing their opinions in droves. There is money to be made if abortion becomes legal in Kenya. The time is short for objections to be presented as the deadline is Monday 17 August. The published notice does not specify that only Kenyans can respond, so we can pray that many Godly, informed responses will be made against this bill from concerned individuals across the nations.
Pray: for the Republic of Kenya to hear from those with experience of how many babies have been killed since abortion was legalised in other countries. (Psalm 139:13,14a)
More: www.christianvoice.org.uk/index.php/kenya-calls-for-advice-on-abortion/ |
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1.5 billion people are still waiting for the Bible in a language that speaks to them best. Over 7,000 ethnic groups are still unreached without any knowledge of there even being a gospel. Pray for avenues and inroads into diverse cultures so that unreached people hear and read the gospel in a familiar language and culture. Pray for God’s anointing on anthropologists, researchers, and those with linguistic skills to analyse a language and devise an alphabet for the people they are studying. Pray for trained literacy workers assisting communities to read and write in their own language and for those making audio recordings or videos pointing people to Jesus. May accurately translated scriptures change lives and communities.
Pray: for Christians living near unreached people groups to successfully influence them for Christ. (Romans 10:14)
More: www.wycliffe.org.uk/ |
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A Japanese ship ran aground on a reef off Mauritius two weeks ago and has been leaking oil into the Indian Ocean. Although the oil spill has stopped, the prime minister said the nation must still prepare for ‘a worst-case scenario’ as at some point the ship will fall apart. The amount of spillage is relatively low compared to global spills in the past, but the damage it will do is huge and long-lasting; it took place near two environmentally protected marine ecosystems and a marine park reserve wetland of international importance. Conservationists are finding dead fish and seabirds covered in oil, despite a massive local clean-up operation. Pressure is mounting on the government to explain why more was not done in the two weeks since the vessel ran aground: see
Pray: for the 1.3 million Mauritians to be able to continue to depend on the sea for food and eco-tourism. (Psalm 18:36)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-53754751 |
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Since January there have been constant murders, looting, rape and abductions of Christians in Southern Kaduna. On 9 August a series of short videos entitled ‘Stop the Killings in Southern Kaduna’ was released as part of a campaign calling for an end to targeting Christian communities. The videos feature high-profile celebrities, actors, comedians, music artists and business executives. The president of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union said, ‘There is no greater lie than the narrative that the killings in southern Kaduna are between farmers and herders. 75% of the victims were women and children’. CSW has called for effective action to address the situation and echoes the Nigerian entertainment industry which has spoken out about the relentless loss of life. CSW says, ‘We continue to call for urgent international interventions, including the convening of a special session of the UN human rights council, with particular focus on the current crisis in southern Kaduna and Plateau State.’
Pray: for God to answer the cries of people calling for an end to violence in Nigeria. (Psalm 147:14)
More: premierchristian.news/en/news/article/nigerian-celebrities-join-calls-to-end-mass-killings-of-christians-in-new-campaign |
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Farming used to be a key source of income in Burkina Faso, but the climate crisis has made the weather unpredictable, crops fail, and families have few other opportunities to earn money to survive. 80% of the population is dependent on agriculture to earn an income. When crops fail, families go hungry, and they are forced to make hard decisions so that they can survive. Parents are now sending their children to work in the gold mines. It is dangerous and no place for a child, nevertheless thousands of children now work there. They work instead of going to school, and miss out on being children, playing with their friends, learning, and dreaming. However, Tearfund’s local partner CREDO is working with farmers to help restore the soil and provide training on new farming techniques and harvesting climate-resistant crops.
Pray: for God to bless this enterprise. May there be many more similar initiatives to help communities overcome droughts and floods. (Isaiah 41:6)
More: www.tearfund.org/2020/08/climate_crisis_forces_children_into_dangerous_work/ |
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Following the devastating explosion in Beirut last week, on 11 August prime minister Hassan Diab resigned. A professor of sociology has said, ‘Lebanon is facing the most dangerous moment in its history. The options are grim. If there isn’t a serious will from the international community to create strong structural changes in Lebanon, we are going towards civil war. There is no alternative. It’s very unfortunate to say that in this country we don’t believe there is rock bottom any more.’ What a new Lebanon would look like nobody knows, but getting there will not be easy. The country is entering a period of political darkness. Protesters want root and branch reform. The state of emergency declared on 5 August brought the army onto the streets to prevent freedom of assembly, freedom of speech and freedom of the press. They also can now enter homes and arrest anyone deemed a security threat. Pray for corruption-free candidates to stand for selection in a completely safe and authentic change of leadership election.
Pray: for former warlords, ruling elites, and all involved in political corruption to be prosecuted. (Psalm 9:16)
More: news.sky.com/story/lebanon-at-most-dangerous-moment-in-its-history-and-facing-bleak-future-12046769 |
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Cities with significant pandemic outbreaks are the same ones that are consistently affected by other seasonal respiratory viruses, such as flu. 10/40 Window countries are primarily in North Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southern Asia. That’s two-thirds of the world’s population. Three out of every five people have no access to the Gospel and they are predominantly the poorest of the poor; they enjoy fewer advantages than their more affluent neighbours. There is limited access to skilled nursing care and appropriate medicines to treat ailments. Many families live crammed together in one room. Six feet separation is unrealistic. Consequently there will be higher rates of infections and deaths than in the more developed nations. Young people are sometimes the worst offenders in failing to take proper precautions. Pray that they will take the responsibility and lead the way in controlling the spread of coronavirus (1 Timothy 4:12).
Pray: for wisdom for those on the front lines of finding a cure, treatment, vaccine for the virus. (James 1:5)
More: www.cebm.net/covid-19/covid-19-global-charts-of-deaths-and-cases/ |
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A pro-life filmmaker is claiming censorship after his documentary was removed from Amazon Prime video ‘because of poor customer reviews’ despite the film receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews. Marcus Pittman’s movie, ‘Babies are Still Murdered Here,’ goes into the deep underpinnings of major national lobbyist groups. It asks why after 46 years babies are still being murdered. Amazon categorises reviews based on keywords: some keywords were pro-life, end abortion and pro-life movement. This may be why the film was removed. Amazon has faced allegations of censorship before. Last year it pulled books describing how a relationship with Jesus Christ helped people out of same-sex attractions, saying it was in ‘violation of our content guidelines’, but did not point out which parts were objectionable.
Pray: for the film to be reinstated on the Amazon video platform, and for this publicity to generate more viewing of pro-life themes. (Amos 5:24)
More: www.christianpost.com/news/pro-life-film-removed-from-amazon-prime-despite-overwhelmingly-positive-reviews.html |
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Prayer Alert is produced in partnership with
The World Prayer Centre, Cornerstone House, 5 Ethel Street, Birmingham, B2 4BG, England.
The views expressed in Prayer Alert and on our website are those of the authors, organisations and websites named, and are not necessarily those of the Prayer Alert Editorial Team, the Prayer Alert Steering Group or the World Prayer Centre or any of its employees or trustees. While we try to ensure that the information we provide is correct, mistakes do occur and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of our material. If you do notice any mistakes then please let us know.
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