Prayer Diary May 2016
Sunday 1st Psalm 67; John 14.23-29 Sixth Sunday of Easter
Dunnet & Olrig – Ben MacGregor; Keiss & Canisbay - Lyall A Sunday meditation from one of our members: As I was going to church this morning I thought Springtime is such a lovely time of the year: the daffodils blooming and the young lambs jumping about in the fields,even if the weather is cool and windy. God gave us so many different ways to look at life!!! It is so good to be alive. God grant us time to realize.
Monday 2nd
Gracious God, we give You thanks for bringing us safely to the
beginning of another month. Thank You for answering our April
prayers. Help each of us to trust You for the answers which we wait
for, knowing that everything is in Your hands. You are utterly
faithful!
Tuesday 3rd Presbytery in Wick St Fergus
This evening’s meeting will be long and full! There is much to discuss about the Presbytery Plan. We shall welcome Dr Murdo MacDonald (see tomorrow’s insert) and his presentation will naturally be of considerable length. Other urgent matters are on the agenda. Pray that the Holy Spirit will brood over the meeting so that God’s purposes are served. May He prompt all members to attend!
Wednesday 4th Canisbay School Assembly
Gracious God, give travelling mercies to all who travel in Your name. At this time we think of Dr Murdo MacDonald, Policy Officer for the Church in Society, visiting from Edinburgh. May what he shared with Presbyters yesterday continue to inspire, and may the children he meets in school today and tomorrow also be inspired.
Thursday 5th Ascension Day; Election Day; Dunnet Guild
Today we remember how Jesus left His disciples to return to God’s
right hand, (Acts 1. 1-13) His own work completed. As He left behind a group of followers to witness to Him all over the world, enable us, dear Lord, to be faithful in carrying out this commission.
Friday 6th
We are fortunate to enjoy the fellowship of our church family who will support us when we are in need. We seek your blessing , Lord , on all people who find themselves isolated - no matter where they are or what their faith may be. Give them the strength to go forward - with joy !
Saturday 7th
Give thanks for an excellent Messy Church in Keiss last month which included a visit from the Easter Bunny. (Lyall has photos and no doubt they will be on Canisbay Church website or elsewhere unknown to the Editor.) Give thanks too for Messy Church at Dunnet.These events offer great possibilities as parents come with their young children to experience Christian teaching in a non-threatening atmosphere of fun, food and activity. Pray on!
Sunday 8th Psalm 47; Luke 24.44-53 Ascension Sunday
Dunnet & Olrig – Guild Team; Keiss & Canisbay - Lyall
We want to worship You, Lord and we want to make Your word accessible to as many people as possible. Give courage and cheerfulness to all worship groups. Make Your word known to them so that they may help their congregations praise You as You would wish.
Monday 9th
The part-time post supporting ministry in our joint parishes went on to the National Church web site in March with a closing date of the 6th of May. Pray that there have been applications. We know of interest from one person. Pray that God’s will is done.
Tuesday 10th
Lord, I am sorry for those times when I have moaned about someone, an action or a situation. Teach me to always ask "why?" before complaining and to look at my own behaviour first !
Wednesday 11th
Merciful Father, we pray for Your healing grace on all those who have lost a loved one recently. We know that they will be safe with You but it can be very hard trying to manage that loss. Lord, help each one of us to care for those who are sad: it is a lonely place to be.
Thursday 12th Joint Board Meeting in Dunnet
As usual, there will be a full agenda for this evening’s meeting as office bearers from our four congregations gather in Dunnet. Please pray that we shall have heavenly wisdom as we discuss and make decisions. Pray that each person intending to be present will spend time beforehand being prepared by Christ, the Head of the Church.
Friday 13th
Creator God, Your creation is so astoundingly beautiful. It is
difficult to imagine our county as the bottom of Lake Orcadia but
the abundant fossil evidence is there to show us that Your winds,
weather and earth movements shaped Caithness. Dear God, we
worship You!
Saturday 14th
This afternoon in Canisbay Church Lyall wll celebrate the Wedding
of Holly Wallis and Andy Waugh. As families and friends of Holly
and Andy gather in this happy event, pray that Jesus Christ may be
present in a meaningful way.
Sunday 15th Acts 2. 1-21 Day of Pentecost
Dunnet & Olrig – Isabel Rennie; Keiss & Canisbay - Lyall
Today the Christian Church celebrates its Birthday. As we gather for worship, pray that our celebrations may be heartfelt. God did amazing things as His Spirit came on the first believers and made them His Church! Life changing God, open our hearts to receive Your Spirit powerfully today!
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me!
Monday 16th Crossroads School Assembly
We thank You, Lord, for Your daily miracles of mercy - when our prayers for someone are answered. All of us know one or more people for whom this is true. One of our members gives especial thanks for healing Barbara's throat (a friend in Austria ), enabling her to speak and swallow food and to plan a holiday after her treatment is over. Do this for Christine, Billie, Ken, ............
Tuesday 17th
Pray for the Nomination Committee with its responsible task of seeking a full-time minister of Word and Sacrament for our charge. The years pass and the task seems humanly impossible. But, with God all things are possible. How strong is our faith? How strong is yours?
Wednesday 18th Canisbay School Assembly
It is likely that, around now, Robert and Lorna Nicol will leave Caithness to move into their new home in Perthshire. Robert has been greatly used in our Olrig congregation, but many others of us have benefitted from his services and enjoyed his friendship and fellowship. We shall miss him! Pray for him and Lorna as they go.
Thursday 19th CAP meeting in Wick Baptist Church.
In February, Lyall and Esme attended a meeting of Christians Against Poverty and it is hoped that more of our members will be present this evening. Practically all of us have much more than enough of this world’s goods to enjoy, but the presence of Foodbanks in our county reminds us that many are not so fortunate. This evening’s meeting at 7.30pm. is well worth supporting – by your presence and/or by your prayers. Check the website if you can and listen out for information.
Friday 20th
'Opportunities are like sunrises, if you wait too long you miss them.' (William Arthur Ward) Prompt me to take note, Holy Spirit, and to act on this!
Saturday 21st General Assembly opens
Today representatives from our county will be in Edinburgh for a busy week. Pray that they will be given strength for the hard work, thinking and wisdom required to make the decisions necessary to grow our Church in Scotland. Lord of the Church, be with them.
Sunday 22nd Psalm 8; John 16. 12 – 15 Trinity Sunday
Dunnet &Olrig– Lyall, Communion; Keiss &Canisbay– Isabel R.
Pray for the thousands of people from across Scotland who will attend the ‘Heart and Soul’ event held in Princes Street Gardens this afternoon, the second day of the General Assembly. May it be a time of great blessing and worship as it showcases the life and work of the Church of Scotland. (Crossreach Prayer Diary)
Monday 23rd
Pray for wisdom for the Rt Rev. Russell Barr, the new Moderator of the General Assembly, as he chairs the debates this week. Some commissioners and subjects can cause difficulties!
Tuesday 24th
'Seek joy in what you give, not in what you get.' (Anon.) This pearl of wisdom was found in a book purchased by one of our members at the Guild Bookstall at the Resource Day in Inverness last month. It is a challenge for all of us!
Wednesday 25th Keiss Board Meeting
God’s love for us is set in concrete. That’s the foundation you build your life on. In our parishes, many new houses are springing up, hopefully on strong foundations. Thank God for the eternal reliability of His love for you and for those precious to you.
Thursday 26th Canisbay Session and Board Meeting
This afternoon, Thurso West Church Guild will enjoy afternoon tea in Canisbay Church Hall. Please pray for a happy time of fellowship and, if possible, for good weather.
Friday 27th Keiss School Assembly
Thank You, Father, for another weekend! Bless families, helping
them where possible to be able to spend quality time together.
Where there is tension, give a spirit of patience and understanding
so that problems can be sorted out before they grow too big!
Saturday 28th
Pray for Lyall and Isabel as they take some well deserved holiday over the fortnight ahead. Gracious God, give them safe travel, good weather and opportunity to relax so that they return well equipped for the continued challenges of the weeks ahead.
Sunday 29th Psalm 96; Luke 7. 1 – 10
Dunnet&Olrig- Ronnie Mackenzie; Keiss&Canisbay-Myrtle
Increasingly we hear of refugees trying to escape to freedom and at the time of preparing this issue, hundreds have lost their lives in the Mediterranean Sea. Merciful Father, comfort the bereaved, grant rescue to those struggling to be free and change the minds of wicked traffickers and evil people.
Monday 30th
Remember parents whose grown up children continue to give cause for concern, whether the problems are medical, relational, or rooted elsewhere. Lord Jesus, You lived on earth; You know and understand. Comfort and enable these dear folk!
Tuesday 31st
Lord Jesus Christ, as a carpenter You knew what it was to serve others in Your daily work. We pray for those who serve us today, emptying bins, cleaning, driving, and waiting on us. Bless especially those known to us. Thank You for their commitment. Remind us to add our thanks when we have the opportunity.
An Apology from your Editor.
I have missed out on Christian Aid week and at the time of preparing I don’t have the details to hand. But I’m sure you have remembered.
