Prayer Diary Oct 2016
Saturday 1st Macmillan Coffee Morning in Watten
Many large Coffee Mornings in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care will
have taken place yesterday across the country but it is certain that
very many friends from all over Caithness will gather this morning
in Watten Village Hall to support what is always a huge success.
Plans and preparation have been made for weeks by a hard working
group. If it is not too short notice for you as you read this, please
join us. Otherwise, please pray – and give thanks in anticipation!
Sunday 2nd Psalm 37.1-9; Luke 17. 5 - 10
Olrig & Dunnet – Ben MacGregor; Keiss & Canisbay- Lyall
We give God thanks for the blessing of holiday – time spent with
friends and family; revisiting places both new and familiar; safe
keeping as we have travelled. Some visitors have visited our
churches and have worshipped with us. Remind them of us, as they
worship at home, and prompt their prayers for us. We need this!
Monday 3rd
Sadly, the appointment of the .5 worker eagerly anticipated in the
Pentland Parishes has not gone ahead. Sometimes when a door
closes we find that God has something different, even better, for
each person closely affected. Please pray imaginatively for these
people. God is in control and He will continue to work.
Tuesday 4th Crossroads School Assembly
The cool winds and occasional touch of overnight frost tell us that
Autumn is well and truly here. Faithful God, grant us all that we
need as we seek to continue to serve You. There seem to be fewer
people to carry out the responsibilities – and these challenges do
not diminish! Meanwhile, we grow older! Help us, Lord. We want
to be effective in Your Harvest Field.
Wednesday 5th Canisbay School Assembly
Jesus Christ, Head of the Church, we pray for our four churches
and the work done by our congregations to help others. Help us
always to be Your disciples, dear Lord. Strengthen us.
Thursday 6th
If you feel any grudge towards anyone, remember what God said:
Luke 6.27; 1 Peter 3.9; Matthew 6. 14 - 15
May God bless you now.
(Have you looked up even one of these verses? His blessing waits as you do.)
Friday 7th School Holidays begin
For some time there have been thoughts of producing a Church and Community Newsletter for the Pentland Parishes. Kimberley Spiers (Keiss) has agreed to compile and edit this and the first edition should appear during October. It could be a very useful tool to help in our outreach. Pray for Kimberley and for God’s enabling in this venture.
Saturday 8th
Ever-present God, we pray for all who have problems associated with epilepsy. Grant them strength and hope and peace as they seek to overcome the difficulties such an illness places upon them. Bless the skills and expertise of those who deal with it and help all sufferers to be assured that You are with them in their fear and distress. Amen.
Sunday 9th Psalm 66. 1 – 12; Luke Luke 17. 11 - 19
Og & Dt Harvest – Lyall; Keiss & Canisbay –Marcus Cornah
In this season of Harvest we gladly sing of our gratitude to God Who gives fruit for labour; rain and sunshine, strength and perseverance. Here in the north we are conscious of another year in which there have been problems and some wonder how they can continue. Let’s pray on for our farmers and trust our God!
Monday 10th
To be loyal in friendship, patient in suffering, and rich in laughter is to be a good comrade in the workshop of life, and to such faithful servants God will pay wages of peace and joy. (anon). Work in me, dear Lord, that I may be one such faithful servant! If You need to change me first, make me willing!
Tuesday 11th
Continue to remember the people of the United States of America as they move towards the Election of their President next month. The outcome will have implications for the whole world. May God’s powerful hand be on it all.
Wednesday 12th Church and Society Meeting in Lybster
It has been good to hear that Lyall was invited last month by MeyGen to go to Nigg Bay to bless the turbines being installed in the Pentland Firth. His previous involvement in the Oil Industry preserves meaningful links which God is able to use. Give thanks.
Thursday 13th
In one of our congregations it has been suggested that, because of the growing number of local people suffering from Dementia, a fund-raising event should be organized to support charities which offer support and which make research possible. Keep a lookout for news of this, and continue to pray for those who are affected by this distressing condition.
Friday 14th
Loving Father, today we pray for Your blessing on all those who have suffered the loss of a family member or close friend, or for whom this time marks the anniversary of their passing. Give them the strength to carry on with the support of Your love.
Saturday 15th
Caring God, we pray for all who have committed crimes against society. Care for them in their very different needs and care for all who share the care of them.
To hardened criminals grant repentance.
To those who are penitent give peace.
To those who are confused give guidance.
And to their families and friends separated from them bring the
acceptance, understanding and courage that they need. Amen.
Sunday 16th Psalm 119. 97 – 104; Luke 18. 1 - 8
Olrig & Dunnet- Marcus Cornah; Keiss (Baptism) & Cb - Lyall
Be strong and of good courage. (Joshua 1.9)
That phrase is repeated four times in Joshua chapter 1. God was emphasizing the need for complete trust and obedience with the assurance of His abiding presence. Whenever God calls to a task He supplies the enabling. (Clifford Hill)
Monday 17th
Next month some of our congregations will receive a Quinquennial visit from representatives of Presbytery and already preparations will be being made. This is not an exam! Pray that it will be a helpful experience, enabling us to look forward. Interestingly, Rev Peter Mackenzie from New Zealand, working as a Locum in Latheron until the end of the year, is to be involved. This is a welcome decision.
Tuesday 18th
Pray today for single parents bringing up a child or children on their own. In our communities there are often grandparents who give valuable help, but not all have this blessing. Some will be encountering difficulties during these school holidays and will be grateful when the new term begins. Unexpected problems can arise – bad weather, illness …. These parents need support!
Wednesday 19th
Loving God, we think today of those who put their life in danger in their daily job – Firefighters, Lifeboat Crews and many others. We give thanks for their professionalism and willingness to put others before themselves. Keep them safe, and look after their own loved ones.
Thursday 20th Ministry & Mission Committee in Wick;
Ruth and Esme hope to attend this evening’s Committee Meeting, representing our linked charges. Ask God to give wisdom to Heather Stewart, as she convenes, and to all who gather, as important decisions are made which will affect all our congregations.
Friday 21st
We ask for your blessing, Lord, on all who are lonely - whether they be young, old, at work or retired. Help us to see past the mask hiding their pain. Prompt us to become better befrienders.
Saturday 22nd
As we prepare for tomorrow’s Harvest Festivals, we pray for people helping to feed us - growers, pickers, processors and transporters. There is enough food for us all if we learn to share our harvest of flesh and grain. Merciful Lord, instil in us the wisdom to know the difference between need and greed, we pray.
Sunday 23rd Psalm 65; Luke 18. 9 - 14
Olrig & Dunnet-Roger Bamfield; K & Cb Harvest - Lyall There are many people in our communities who used to come to our churches regularly, but no longer do so. We need God's help to know how we can reach them again; and we may need to change what we do if they are to feel welcomed back. Open our eyes, Lord. Make us willing!
Monday 24th
We pray for parents. It can be so difficult setting boundaries in this technological age. Give them the strength and perseverance to deal with new situations and the wisdom to give praise when it is due
Tuesday 25th Crossroads School Assembly; Canisbay Guild
We pray for the patience, enthusiasm and skills of youth leaders that they may pass on values to our young and enable them to become worthy members of Your church, Lord.
Wednesday 26th Canisbay School Assembly
Lord God, in Christ You have taught us that what we do for each other we do for You. Make us quick to help and slow to hurt, knowing that in our neighbor it is You who receives our love or our neglect
Thursday 27th
Remember friends who have been active in their congregation, some for decades, but are no longer able to join us. Some are housebound or in a Care Home; others are still active but now live many miles away. They miss us greatly! Pray for God’s comfort
and encouragement. If God can work through us, may we be faithful!
Friday 28th
We read and hear daily of cuts which affect education, social work, vital services. Some of us are relatively unaffected. If so, help us, Gracious Lord, to be gtateful and to pray imaginatively for those who are affected and who may struggle to cope. All of us are Your family.
Saturday 29th
Continue to pray for Syria! A Syrian believer said recently, ‘We are refusing to see death any more in Syria – we are declaring the resurrection of Christ in our beloved country.’ They haven’t given up and we must support them. (from Open Doors)
Sunday 30th Psalm 119. 137 – 144; Luke 19. 1 - 10
Olrig & Dunnet-Marcus Cornah; K & Cb – Roger Bamfield
God our Saviour, help us to expect to hear You speaking as we
gather to worship You today. Some will be genuinely unable to
attend a service today. Lord, You know us and You know our
hearts. Help us to draw near to You and to hear You speak.
Monday 31st
Now that the clocks have changed, the days will increasingly shorten and the hours of darkness lengthen. For some of us that thought alone can tip us into a depression. Let’s be alert to remember any whom we know who struggle to cope with winter. Jesus, Light of the World, shine into the hearts and homes of those who need Your Presence in a special way at this time.
