Prayer Diary November 2017
Wednesday 1st All Saints’ Day Crossroads school assembly
In most of our churches today, saints and All Saints Day are
largely overlooked, but the Apostle Paul called the Christians in
Ephesus and Philippi ‘saints’ and we follow in their footsteps.
Let’s live in that calling through this month, from today on!
Thursday 2nd Keiss Session meeting, Joint Session meeting
Some of the Canisbay office bearers have delivered the Annual
Appeal letter over recent days. We need to paint the exterior of the
church and urgently require funds. Please pray for a generous
response.
Friday 3rd Keiss School Assembly
Tomorrow there is the monthly gathering for PRAYER AND PRAISE
from 10.30 - 1.30 in the Castletown Free Church. All friends who
know the value of joining together in prayer will be made very
welcome. But even if you can't manage along, be encouraged to
know that our County is lifted up in prayer. You can always join in
in spirit!
Saturday 4th Canisbay Show Stovie Supper and Trophies
On this first Saturday of a new month, Messy Church is probably
meeting at Dunnet. Give thanks for Ruth and the team who work
so faithfully with the children in the community. Seed sown in
young lives and watered with prayer can yield a great harvest!
Sunday 5th Psalm 43; Matt. 23. 1 - 12
Og & Dt – Ben MacGregor; K & Cb – Ian McCree
We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We
teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring
each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No
more, no less. That’s what I’m working so hard at day after day,
year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously
gives me. ( Col.1.28-29 The Message)
Pray that this may be the aim of each person conducting services
today!
Monday 6th
Blythswood Boxes (see also item on 14th November)
Many people at this time of year fill Shoe Boxes with basic items that will be distributed among the needy in several countries abroad. We are so fortunate to have enough and by simply taking time to get together a few things and pack them in a shoe box we will be able to bring happiness to those less fortunate than ourselves. We ask God's blessing on those who donate and those who receive the boxes.
Tuesday 7th
November can be a dark, dreich month but gusting rain and storms make us appreciate sunshine and warmth even more. Thank you for our seasons, Lord, and the changes that they bring to the land around us - we know that after this period of rest comes Spring!
Wednesday 8th Canisbay and Crossroads School Assemblies
Please pray that with Brexit comes a clean break from the ties with Europe and that Church leaders, who have great responsibilities, stand up for the truth of God’s Word and for a re-establishment of Christian laws and principles in Scotland. It has been said that the church in Scotland, and indeed through most of the UK, is asleep. “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, and Christ will give you Light!” Ephes. 5:14
PARLIAMENTARY PRAYER SCOTLAND Oct.’17
Thursday 9th
May God be merciful and bless us. May His face shine with favour upon us. Ps.67.1
Friday 10th
With so much focus on mental health recently, we pray for all those who are in a dark place just now that they may know the love that surrounds them. We pray for those who care for them and try to support them,that they too may feel God's love in the difficult days dealing with depression and anxiety.
Saturday 11th Armistice Day
99 years ago today, the First World War ended in Europe. We
remember all those who gave their lives so that we might be free.
We pray for all who are victims of conflict - whatever their
nationality or belief - and pray, too, that we may learn to live
peacefully with each other
Sunday 12th Remembrance Sunday Ps. 70; Matt. 25. 1 - 13
Olrig & Dunnet – Lyall; Keiss & Canisbay – Ian McCree
We are committed not to forget the sacrifice made for us and
we shall remember whether we gather at a War Memorial, attend a
service or watch such on TV. As usual on this Remembrance
Sunday, there is a soup and sandwich lunch in Canisbay Church
Hall.
Monday 13th
Recent weeks have brought some terrible weather with horrific winds. I think of Jesus’ words in John3 v 7 ‘You should not be surprised at my saying, "You must be born again" The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it comes from or where it is going.So it is with everyone born of the spirit.(RH) Give God thanks that everything is within His control and purpose!
Tuesday 14th
BLYTHSWOOD SHOEBOX APPEAL 2017
The Lorry will uplift the boxes from the County tomorrow. Please pray for a
good, generous response to the Appeal, safety for the drivers who
collect throughout Scotland and for the drivers who distribute the
gifts throughout Eastern Europe.
Wednesday 15th Pastoral Partnership meeting
In these days of uncertainty concerning the delivery of Health
Services, it is encouraging to know that strong links continue
between local clergy and medical staff. Lyall and Esme gladly
support this long established initiative. Please pray for us.
Thursday 16th
In the calm before the next onslaught, please pray for the leaders of all political parties, in particular, those who are Christians. Please pray that they will find rest in Him, peace in Him, a confidence and strength in Him and will be directed/corrected, if necessary, by Him to seek the best for the UK in and out of Europe. The people have spoken, please pray that the leaders and negotiators will hear His voice in taking the UK into a bright new future in Him. PARLIAMENTARY PRAYER SCOTLAND
Friday 17th Keiss School Assembly
Gracious Lord, Your goodness is amazing! As we read these prayers, we have a roof over our head, food, drink and clothes to keep us warm. Thank You! Thank You!
Saturday 18th Joint Guild Meeting in Wick St Fergus Church
Guild Week starts tomorrow and Guild members from Church of Scotland churches will be taking part in special events to which all are invited. Caithness Presbyterial Council are holding a get together and act of worship in St Fergus Church, starting at 2.30 pm.Do please try to come along if you can.
Sunday 19th Guild Week
Og&Dt- Archie & Anne; K&Cb– Lyall (Communion)
Ian McCree is at Pulteneytown and Thrumster today where the congregation will say their farewells. He has served faithfully as Locum and they now eagerly anticipate their new ministry. Please remember Ian and the folk in Wick.
Monday 20th
Merciful Father, we pray for anyone undergoing treatment for cancer. Whether it be surgery, radiation or chemotherapy - it is tedious and sometimes uncomfortable and will affect the whole family. Wrap Your arms around them, Lord and let them know Your peace.
Tuesday 21st
Loving Lord, we pray for babies and small children everywhere. May they be well nourished, cared for and come to know Your love. They are our future generations.
Wednesday 22nd Canisbay School Assembly I am sorry, Lord, for not sharing that which I have. I have let people go hungry, thirsty and without warmth and shelter. I turned away when help was asked of me. I will find ways to give more.
Thursday 23rd
We pray for all those who have suffered a loss. The pain and sadness can feel overwhelming but we trust You, Lord, to lift our burden.
It will get easier, in time, we know.
Friday 24th Induction at Pulteney Church
This will be the Third Autumn Induction in Caithness Presbytery!
Is there ANYTHING which our God cannot do! Obviously, we are keenly aware that our Pentland Parishes, soon to become Pentland Parish with union in 2018, continue in vacancy, having passed the 14th anniversary. Lyall continues to serve faithfully and we hope to see a part-time worker appointed to help, but surely God has a Minister for us. Please pray on and join in person or in spirit in the service at 7.00 pm. this evening.
Saturday 25th
To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. (Nelson Mandela)
This modern saint certainly knew what he was talking about! In this month which began with All Saints Day, it is surely worth pausing to reflect on the words above and to let them make a difference in our life today and in the days ahead.
Sunday 26th Christ the King Sunday Ps.100; Matt. 25. 31 - 46
Og & Dt – Lyall (Communion);K & Cb -Roger Bamfield
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat, this is my body.’ (Matt.26.26,NIV) Risen Lord Jesus, as Your people gather today to celebrate and receive the Sacrament, give to each one great joy. May no-one take this for granted.
Monday 27th
There is a great deal of injustice in the world today . We pray for victims of deceit and lies, for the devastating effect it has on their lives. We remember how it impacts , not only on them but on close family and friends. Pray that perpetrators of these injustices may see the evil of their ways and make amends.
Tuesday 28th Canisbay Guild
Gracious God, be with Anne Macarthur tonight as she tells the Guild of her work as a Street Pastor. This is one of the Projects which Guilds are supporting this year. Open our ears, concentrate our minds and encourage us all to actively become Your disciples in our own communities.
Wednesday 29th Crossroads School Assembly
Christ… works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. (Ephes. 1.10,11 NIV)
There is nothing allowed of God in the life of His children that has not a purpose, though He may send mysterious things that are beyond human explanation, if we take the things He sends us in the right way, they can only lead to a blessing. (A. St. John Thorpe)
Thursday 30th
This is St Andrew’s Day. Our Patron Saint has always been a great example of the type of person Jesus is looking for in His followers today - friendly, approachable and imaginatively looking for opportunities to introduce others to their Master. Pray that each of us may be more like Andrew, attracting others to Jesus.
