23rd January 2026

Yesterday, at the World Economic Forum in Davos Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had reached an agreement with Resident Trump regarding US security guarantees for Ukraine. Today, Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators are heading to Abu Dhabi for conservations around bringing hostilities in Ukraine to an end.  The full details of the talks have not yet been released.  Zelenskyy said the future of land currently occupied by Russian forces in the east of Ukraine was unresolved but peace proposals were “nearly ready”. Trump claimed that both Putin and Zelenskyy wanted to reach a deal and that “everyone’s making concessions” to try to end the war. 

Loving God, we ask that your Holy Spirit will move among these conversations and direct the delegates granting wisdom, understanding and a genuine desire to end the violence.  We thank you that the meeting is taking place and pray that your will shall be done.  Be with all in Ukraine and Russia who have been impacted by war and conflict. We pray for the healing of those injured, your comfort for all who grieve, and compassion to all who suffer as a result of homes, livelihoods and communities being destroyed. May love prevail over hate and humanity over division and hurt. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Verity is seven years old and lives in Shrewsbury, UK and has taken on her very own triathlon challenge raising finds for Hope House children’s hospice.  Verity's mother said Verity wanted to combine her interest in sporting activities with her desire to raise money for charity.  So, Verity completed a 50-metre swim at the Quarry Swimming Pool, before also tackling a 1.5km cycle ride and 600-metre run around the Quarry – raising a total of £800.  The triathlon in the Quarry is an official triathlon distance for children over eight-years-old, so Verity did exceptionally well to complete it at just seven years old. Harriet Richards, fundraiser with at Hope House, said: “We are so grateful to Verity for raising such a wonderful amount of money and for taking on the triathlon. What an amazing achievement.  The money raised will go towards us helping local children with life-threatening conditions to live their best life and to receive the expert care they and their families need, free of charge.” 

you can find out more about Hope House Children's Hospices here.

Almighty, creator God,

I give your thanks and praise

for giving me life.

 Each breath I take,

each moment of my life is a gift from you. 

When I am surrounded by darkness

you give me light.

You are my God.

I am yours!

My life would be empty and meaningless,

without your constant companionship,

and your unbounded love and care for me.

You fill my heart with peace.

You light my path.

Your Holy Spirit directs my thoughts.

You have opened the gates of heaven to me

through the death and resurrection of your Son

Jesus Christ.

You have enabled me to share in his victory over death.

Praise and thanksgiving,

glory, honour and majesty

be to you

amazing, loving, merciful

and eternal God.

Amen.