Prayer Archive
17th April 2025
Years of negotiations culminated early yesterday as countries united under the World Health Organization (WHO) agreed to a milestone agreement on how to tackle future pandemics, aimed at avoiding a repeat of the mistakes made during the Covid-19 crisis. WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said "The nations of the world made history in Geneva today." Countries with large pharmaceutical industries strongly opposed the idea of mandatory tech transfers, insisting they must be voluntary. However, it was agreed that any transfer needed to be "mutually agreed". Co-chair of the negotiations, Anne-Claire Amprou announced, "In drafting this historic agreement, the countries of the world have demonstrated their shared commitment to preventing and protecting everyone, everywhere, from future pandemic threats." Former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark, co-chair of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, said "At a time when multilateralism is under threat, WHO member states have joined together to say that we will defeat the next pandemic threat in the only way possible: by working together."
Loving God, we give you thanks and praise that the member countries of WHO have managed to reach this agreement. May their accord be more than words and be made a reality. Help us to recognise the interdependence we have with one another across the world, particularly in the face of global pandemic. May we show concern for all and share our efforts to protect one another from ill-health. May our greed for money and control not exceed our desire to help one another in times of need. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Philadelphia Police Officer Eric Robbins hates hights - he is acrophobic. He was on patrol last December when he got a call alerting him that a child was walking along the pitched-roof of a nearby two story house. Robbins looked up and saw the child about 20-30 off the ground. “I just knew I had to get him off that roof,” Robbins said. He ran into the house, up the stairs and, despite his fear of hights, climbed out of the window onto the roof. Robbins made his way along the ridge of the roof to reach the child. Realising he might frighten the boy into falling off the roof, Robbins snuck into position to grab him. “I don’t even think he knew I was there,” Robbins said later. Robbins caught the child and managed to bring him down safely.
Today is Thursday of Holy Week
In prayer, listen to what God is saying to you through the words of Jesus
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:35-40)
Praise and glory be to you heavenly Father,
that you give us food that sustains our earthy bodies
and food that sustains us in eternal life.
Thank you that we may feed on your Son,
our Saviour, Jesus Christ
in our hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
We thank you for his comforting words;
" I am the living bread that came down from heaven.
If anyone eats of this bread,
he will live for ever." (John 6:51)
In the name of him who is the bread of live we pray, Amen.
16th April 2025
The Israeli military offensive in Gaza continues as a security guard and nine other people were injured in an air strike on a field hospital in Khan Younis, The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it struck the head of a Hamas cell. However, hopes for a ceasefire are slim. Hamas has rejected an Israeli proposal for a six-week ceasefire in Gaza. The ceasefire was predicated on Hamas giving up its weapons. A senior Palestinian official said the plan gave no commitment to end the war or for an Israeli troop pull-out. It is now six weeks since Israel allowed any supplies to enter into Gaza. A UN agency has said that "the humanitarian situation in Gaza is now likely the worst it has been in the 18 months since the outbreak of hostilities". Hamas has said it is ready to return all of those held captive, in exchange for a complete end to hostilities and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Loving God, we are sad and concerned that a ceasefire in Gaza seems a long way off and that humanitarian aid has been prevented from entering Gaza. We cry with the hostages and with the people of Gaza, all longing for killing and destruction to end. We are sad and sorry for the failure of the world's leaders to negotiate a conclusion to this conflict. We cry out for a move away from reliance on failed military solutions. May skilful negotiators be motivated by compassion and justice for all, and lead and guided by the Holy Spirit. Grant them courage and vision, and a commitment to justice and peace with justice. Hold in your care, loving God, all in Gaza, all who mourn, all those traumatised, injured and in pain. Pour out your blessing on all seeking to bring relief and love to a place of fear and violence. We pray for that day when swords will be turned into ploughshares. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Alexander Mackenzie is 11 years old from the Scottish island of Skye. He was born with Hydrocephalus, a condition where excessive cerebrospinal fluid builds up within the brain. He had surgery to have a shunt fitted when he was a baby. Now Alexander has raised £2,682 for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland after completing the 60 Miles in March challenge. He said his aim with the charity walk was “to raise awareness for a lesser-known condition like hydrocephalus and the fact that hydrocephalus affects him.” Alex actually walked w72 miles, most of them with family dog Molly for company. The local island community got behind Alexander’s challenge with generous donations and supporting him on his walks. SBH Scotland, which supports thousands of people throughout Scotland affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus, called it an “incredible achievement”. Andrew Flynn, head of fundraising and communications at Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland, said: “The mission is to help people with spina bifida, and hydrocephalus feel unstoppable, and the money raised through fundraising enables us to provide our vital support services to those living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus across Scotland."
You can find out more about SBH Scotland here.
Praise be to you O Lord,
you are the King of creation.
Praise be to you O Lord,
you reign over all things.
Praise be to you O Lord,
all that is in me adores you.
Praise be to you O Lord,
for you are the great provider and protector.
Praise be to you O Lord,
you shelter me under your wing,
you heal and save me.
Praise be to you O Lord,
for the wonder and magnificence of your creation.
Praise be to you O Lord
for your promise of eternal life
through faith in Jesus Christ.
Praise be to you O Lord
for the power of the Holy Spirit
at work in the world.
Praise be to you O Lord
Glory be to you O Lord.
Honour be to you O Lord.
Praise be to you one eternal God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
15th April 2025
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, is 29 year old. He was born in El Salvador but lived for the past 14 years in the USA. He worked as a construction worker, got married and had three children. The US government had given him protected status, and has not done anything illegal, he is not a gang member. However, he was deported by the US administration back to El Salvador where he is being held in a mega-prison. The US admits that it made an error. The US Supreme Court ruled last week that the US administration must "facilitate" the return of Mr Ábrego García. However, both president Trump and president Bukele have refused to act to allow Kilmar to come home to his family.
Loving God, we place Kilmar into your care. Our hearts go out to him and his family. Wrap Kilmar's wife, Jennifer, and their children in your warm and loving embrace. May they be upheld by friends, neighbours, and family. May Kilmar feel your presence with him in gaol. May he be treated by the prison staff and other inmates with care, dignity, and humanity. We cannot begin to imagine the distress he and they are experiencing. We pray that a way will be found so that justice can be done. We pray for compassion and empathy among both the US and El Salvadorian administrations. May your Holy Spirit guide the lawyers in the work they can do. In the name of Jesus, who himself was unjustly arrested and sentenced, we pray. Amen.
St Stephen's Church in West Bowling, Bradford, Yorkshire, UK offers hot meals to rough sleepers. That's not unusual. However, what is amazing is that they have installed a sleeping pod in the grounds of the church to provide homeless people with a safe place to spend the night. The £7,000 pod was paid for by another church and installed in 2021. It has just reopened after a refurbishment. The pod is intended as short-term shelter for each user - one-up from a tent and much safer. The cabin, which measures 2.4m by 1.8m (8ft by 6ft), has a bed, toilet and electrical supply. Michelle, used the cabin earlier this week. She said: "I'm covered, I'm warm, I've got my own door that I can close. Everything you've got in here, it's so much better than being out on the street on a bench." She added that it is better than being in a hostel because they are full of drugs. Charities Shine West Bowling and Hope Housing allocate the pod to those in need.
God of life and God of love
you are the Lord of heaven and earth.
Angels and Archangels bow before you.
With them we praise you.
We give you honour and glory.
We praise you Father God, creator of all that is.
We praise you Son of God, for redeeming the world.
We praise you Holy Spirit of God
for your work in the world revealing your truth,
renewing our lives
and bringing us to your eternal Kingdom.
We praise and glorify you,
one God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
14th April 2025
At least 34 people were killed and 117 injured, including 15 children, after two Russian Iskander-variant ballistic missiles hit the centre of Sumy in Ukraine yesterday morning. 20 buildings were damaged, including four educational institutions, cafes, shops and apartment buildings. Ten cars and trams were also destroyed. The missiles were packed with cluster munitions, which can kill indiscriminately over a wide area. Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy to Ukraine, said the attack "crosses any line of decency". UK Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer described the attack as "horrific". French President, Emmanuel Macron, wrote on X, "Everyone knows: this war was initiated by Russia alone. And today, it is clear that Russia alone chooses to continue it - with blatant disregard for human lives, international law, and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump." Volodymyr Niankin, a film director said that his seven year old son had said to him. “this is the most terrible day of my life.” Niankin added, “Many of the people who died were sitting on the bus or walking in the road. A lot of people were out and about because it was a religious festival. I think this is genocide.”
Loving God, we pray for the people of Ukraine, for all those caught up in violence, for all who mourn, for all suffering or afraid; be close to them and protect them that in this time of fear and conflict, they may know your presence and peace. We thank you for medical teams working the people injured and for compassionate neighbours and friends supporting people traumatised and fearful.
We pray for world leaders, for compassion and strength, that guided by the Holy Spirit and gifted with integrity and wisdom, they may work together so that peace may flourish.
We pray for the world that in this moment of crisis, as we may reach out in solidarity to our brothers and sisters in need. Help us to walk in your ways so that justice and peace and justice become a reality for the people of Ukraine and for all the world. Amen.
Prayer based on prayers from CAFOD.
Over £10m has been raised by UK Christian charities to provide help for Myanmar earthquake survivors. The funds raised through the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) will go towards providing life-saving aid including emergency shelter, medical care, food, counselling, and clean water. The 15 organisations that are members of the DEC are already delivering critical assistance on the ground in Myanmar, partnering with local networks and faith communities to reach those most affected. King Charles III has supported DEC's appeals through personal donations and the UK government is matching public donations pound-for-pound up to £5 million under the UK Aid Match scheme. A local partner to Tearfund in Myanmar said, "The resilience of the human spirit is as visible as the destruction around me. Despite the devastation, we are seeing incredible acts of solidarity among the people. Neighbours are helping each other. Volunteers are stepping in to provide first aid, comfort the grieving, and care for children who have been separated from their families. Even those who have lost everything are offering whatever support they can, something like food or a place to rest. The resilience and kindness of the community in this crisis are truly inspiring." DEC’s Chief Executive, Saleh Saeed, said, “We are extremely grateful to all the people who have already donated to the DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal. Once again, the UK public have shown their immense generosity and desire to help those impacted by disasters.
The 15 member organisations of DEC are: Christian Aid, World Vision UK, Tearfund, CAFOD, Oxfam GB, British Red Cross, CARE International UK, Action Aid, Save the Children UK , Age International, Concern Worldwide. International Rescue Committee, Action Against Hunger, Save the Children, and Plan International.
Almighty God,
you are robed in majesty
and armed with strength.
May the whole earth acclaim you
and sing the glory of your name
for your love for us endures for ever.
You created the universe
and by your grace you redeemed it.
Heaven and earth are full of your praises.
All honour and power, glory and praise
be to you eternal God
for your love for us endures for ever.
Glory to God,
glory to God,
glory to God in the highest
Amen.
13th April 2025
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday reported a nationwide total of over 700 cases of measles so far this year across 25 jurisdictions. Cases have been reported in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Kansas. Two children have died - the first recorded fatalities from measles in the US since 2015. Public health experts say the outbreak is not slowing. They try to reach vaccine-hesitant residents, but its a struggle. Many continue their lives as usual confused by mixed messaging from federal officials, and immunisation conspiracy theories. Measles has spread rapidly among Mennonites, a religious community of around 40,000 living in western Texas. There vaccination rates are as low as 82% whereas 95% of a community must be vaccinated to ensure herd immunity
God of love, we pray for our neighbours in the US living among a measles outbreak. We pray for families who now mourn the deaths of their children. We pray no more will die. Bless with work of the vaccine authorities. May they be able to win over those who are sceptical. May herd immunity soon be achieved to prevent this nasty and potentially life taking disease inflicting children and adults. May those who have already contracted the disease receive the medical care they need and be spared any long-term side effects from the illness. We humbly ask, in Jesus’ name, amen.
In March renewable sources accounted for 50.8 percent of U.S. electricity generation for the first month on record. Fossil fuels accounted for 49.2 percent of electricity generated in the U.S. Nearly half of the renewable energy generated came from wind and solar alone, which have been experiencing (and will continue) exponential growth.
Today our prayer is based on prayers for Palm Sunday
from Common Worship,
the prayer book of the Church of England.
Almighty and everlasting God,
in your tender love towards us
you sent your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ,
to be born a human being and share our earthly life.
He is our true and humble king,
He was hailed by the crowd as Messiah:
grant us the faith to know him and love him,
that we may be found beside him
on the way of the cross
where he suffered and died for our salvation.
Grant that we may follow him
and proclaim him as Lord and King,
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
We pray in the name of Jesus
who lives and reigns with you, our loving Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
12th April 2025
Mirjana Spoljaric, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has told the BBC that Gaza has become "hell on earth" and that what is happening in Gaza is an "extreme hollowing out" of international law. 1,542 people have been killed since hostilities resumed on 18 March, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued evacuation orders forcing 400,000 people to move. On 2nd March Israel imposed a complete blockade on the entry of food, medical supplies and all other goods despite the Geneva Convention, requiring occupying powers to ensure civilians have food and medicine, and that hospitals and health workers are protected. The UN have stated that all of those killed in the 36 recent airstrikes were women and children. UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said yesterday that Israel was continuing to bomb tents in the al-Mawasi area it had told people to go to for their own safety. She also said that the UN is "seriously concerned that Israel appears to be inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza conditions of life increasingly incompatible with their continued existence as a group in Gaza".
God of love, our hearts are heavy and sad for all whose lives have been torn apart by conflict in Gaza and Israel. We ask for comfort and compassion for all who are grieving the deaths of those they knew and loved and the destruction of their homes and communities - places of memory now obliterated. We ask your blessing and protection on medical teams working in appalling conditions to save lives and aid the injured. May relief soon be made available to people hungry, without shelter or medical supplies, people living in fear with trauma, terrified day and night, save them from despair. Strengthen and support the work of all relief organisations and guide the peace makers to negotiate a ceasefire and a lasting peace. In Jesus' name we prayer. Amen.
The Bible Society have just published a new report "The Quiet Revival" which has explored church attendance and Christian faith in the UK from a survey of 13,146 adults. One of the key findings is that church attendance in England and Wales is on the rise, reversing a decades-long trend. The most dramatic increase is among young men. 18–24-year-olds are now the second most likely age group to attend church regularly. This age group are the most likely to pray regularly, with 40% saying they pray at least monthly. The report highlights that "Rates of belief in God remain high, while both Bible reading and rates of confidence in the Bible have increased among churchgoers compared to 2018.
You can read the full report here.
My soul praises you, the Lord my God.
All that is in me praises your Holy name.
My spirit rejoices in you my God and Saviour.
All glory and honour and majesty be to you O God.
Your wisdom is beyond all knowledge,
your love beyond all telling,
and your might beyond measure.
You created the universe and everything in it
and because of your love for the world
you sent your Son to redeem it.
I join all the hosts of heaven,
and all your people on earth, to praise you.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might
heaven and earth are full of your glory,
hosanna in the highest. Amen.
11th April 2025
Lightning strikes and rain-related incidents across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh yesterday killed at least 47 people. On Wednesday, 13 people had died in lightning strikes in four districts of Bihar. Heavy rainfall, hailstorms and lightning in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, has killed at least 22 people across 15 districts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall for today and tomorrow in a number of districts in north east India and issued an ‘orange' (be prepared) alert.
God of love, our hearts go out to all who are now grieving the loss of loved ones in north eastern India. Bring them your comfort and may they feel your presence with them as you meet them in their time of sadness. May the people heed the warnings of the IMD and act to protect themselves from extreme rainfall and hail storms. Bless those who are engaged in clearing away mud and debris from flooded areas. May they carry out their work safely. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Image by Rahul Pandit from Pexels
A vacant, 120,000 square foot, (11,150 sq metres) former department store in Preston, UK, has been given a new lease of life and a powerful new purpose by Emmaus, a charitable organisation working with the homeless. The store had been empty since 2021, but over 10 weeks it has been transformed into one of the UK’s largest charity department stores — a bold example of how empty high street spaces can be reimagined for good. Stepehm Buchanan, chief executive of Emmaus Preston said, "Emmaus Department Store is one of a kind - a sustainable social enterprise for the benefit of local people." The store involves formerly homeless people in every aspect of running the social enterprise, helping them to develop skills and giving them work experience. Karen, formerly a homeless person said, "Emmaus has helped me more than I could ever imagine." She has been on the streets for 15 years, sleeping in a public toilet, the safest place she could find shelter. "What I think is most important about this department store," she said, "is that when you come through the door as a customer, whoever is supporting you to buy that chair or sofa is someone who has formerly been homeless and the money you are spending is going directly to those people."
You can find out more about the work of Emmaus here.
Image from Emmaus Preston
Prayer based on Philippians 2:6-11 (NLT)
One eternal God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
we thank you for Jesus coming into the world
to be our Saviour.
We thank you that
although he is one person of the Trinity
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
We give you praise for when he appeared in human form,
Jesus humbled himself in obedience
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
We thank you that you raised him
to the place of highest honour
and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declare
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
10th April 2025
On the 15th April the UK government will host a conference in London bringing together foreign ministers from nearly 20 countries and organisations. However, the two warring parties, the Sudanese Armed Forces or the Rapid Support Forces, are understood to be far from any peace negotiations and have not been invited to London. Diplomatic energy is thought to be best placed on securing a consensus among rival external backers that a ceasefire must be demanded and impunity for war crimes will end. The aim will be to set-up a group that steer the warring factions in Sudan towards peace. The conference will mark the second anniversary of the start of a civil war that has led to the world’s biggest humanitarian crisis. Nearly 4 million have fled to neighbouring countries and 11 million people are internally displaced and half of the population of around 52 million is food insecure.
God of love and peace, we give you thanks and praise that an initiative had begun to bring and end to the killing and devastation that has been taking place in Sudan over these past two years. We pray that the Holy Spirit will move among the delegates in London next week and that a way forward may be found to bring waring factions to a place where fighting can stop. May a way also be found to ensure hungry and homeless people receive care and humanitarian support. We ask you comfort and loving embrace for all displaced from their homes, unable to work and earn a living, and all who struggle to feed themselves and their families. Loving God, forgive us that we use our resources, time and energy to kill, and destroy. Help us instead to show one another love and compassion. How good and pleasant it is when people live together in unity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Anna is a 31-year-old housewife who lives in rural Zimbabwe,. She used to be excluded from financial and family decision-making in the deeply patriarchal society, but today, she is a driver of change in her village. Three-wheel electric bikes are offering financial opportunities for women and a newfound sense of importance. The Hamba, is a durable electric tricycle made in Africa. It is mobilizing a generation of working women and mothers. It allows women to fetch water and firewood, take family members to medical facilities, or bring and buy produce at local markets, saving sometimes dozens of miles of walking each day. Most of the women say they feel safer travelling on the tricycles than walking, and their entrepreneurial spirit is leading some to offered their services as couriers and drivers to others in their communities. One mother said, “Even my husband and in-laws have more respect for me now. No one used to listen to me, but now I have a seat when important decisions are being made.”
Watch a 2 minute video here.
Loving God, we give you thanks with our whole hearts, for the Christian family across the world
and for your love for every person.
You provide for us and keep your promises.
Your words are great,
full of honour and majesty,
and we study them carefully,
delighting in every detail.
Lord, you are known by your wonderful deeds.
We sing and shout your praise
for all the things you have done for us.
You are gracious and merciful.
and your righteousness endures forever.
Blessing and glory be to you
almighty and eternal God
Amen.
Prayer inspired by Psalm 115 1-5
9th April 2025
100 people have died and and 160 others injured in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic following the collapse of the roof at the Jet Set nightclub. This was the venue for a a merengue concert, where politicians, athletes and others were attending. Hundreds of people were inside the venue in the early hours of yesterday morning. 400 rescuers are still searching for survivors. There are fears the death toll will rise further. President Abinader wrote on X, “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred.” He visited the club and embraced those looking for friends and family. “We have faith in God that we will rescue even more people alive,” he told reporters. The club issued a statement saying it was co-operating with authorities. Its owner, Antonio Espaillat, was out of the country but returned late on Tuesday. He said, “There are no words to express the pain this event has caused. What happened has been devastating for everyone.”
Loving God, we pray for our neighbours in Santo Domingo. We pray that all who are bereaved will be comforted by family and friends. May they know your presence with them and feel your love and compassion in this time of great tragedy and sadness. We thank you for all who are working with the search and rescue effort. May they be able to find those who are alive and bring them to safety. We thank you for the medical team working with the injured. We ask your healing hand upon them that they may be relieved of pain and make good recoveries. Hold the hands of people wating anxiously for news about their loved ones. Loving God may the people of the Dominican Republic know they are not alone in their time of trial. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Uruguay is a global clean energy leaders. It made a decisive switch away from oil towards renewable forms of energy before most countries thought such a move would be economically beneficial. It has cut its reliance on imported oil for electricity from 50% in 2008 to just 9% today. Approximately one-third of its electricity is generated by wind power, two-fifths from hydropower. Following drought, which caused hydropower generation to drop, and oil price shocks, both in 2008 Uruguay identified that it was unable to meet consumer electricity demand with the budget it had set. It was also dependant on imported oil. In 2009, wind power companies from around the world competed to offer the cheapest renewable energy to the country, and around 50,000 jobs were created in the renewables industry. Now Uruguay has demonstrated that even a small nation in the Southern hemisphere can be a global leader in renewable energy technologies in the 21st century.
Lord, you are a mighty and powerful God.
You set the earth within the universe.
The sun rises in the morning
and sinks to its setting in the evening.
You light the night with moon and stars.
Yet, because you are love,
you know and care for each and every one of us.
From deep within our souls
we glorify you with songs of praise.
We are blessed to be filled by your presence.
The blind are filled with your vision.
The dumb are filled with your word.
The weak are filled with your strength.
The oppressed are unchained by your freedom.
People abused and exploited are cherished by you.
You treasure each and every one of us.
We praise, glorify and lift high your Holy name,
Almighty Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
one eternal God. Amen.
8th April 2025
33 people have died as a result of flooding of N’djili River caused by heavy rains that hit the capital, Kinshasa over the weekend. The Tata Raphaël stadium os being used to shelter people displaced from their homes. Search and rescue teams are combing through affected Kinshasa neighbourhoods and municipalities. One resident told reporters, “We lost everything and left everything behind. The rain caught us by surprise.” Kinshasa is has a population of 17 million people and sits on the banks of the River Congo. Residents sought to escape the floodwaters by wading, swimming or paddling to safety in homemade canoes. Around half of the city's 26 districts are affected. At least one tributary leading off the Congo river - the N'djili river - has burst its banks, trapping many residents there, said Deputy President Jacquemain Shabani in a statement. The water treatment pumps in the city were inundated by the floods leaving people across much of Kinshasa struggling with water shortages. The city's busiest road, which connects the centre with the international airport, is impassable, as is some of the motorway that connects the capital to the country's main port, Matadi.
Loving God, our hearts go out to our neighbours in Kinshasa struggling with the aftermath of heavy rains and flooding. Protect all who are engaged in search and rescue and guide them to people trapped by floods. We thank you for all who are providing humanitarian assistance. May the international community come to the aid of the people, support help them in their immediate needs, and in clearing away mud and debris from homes, businesses, and public buildings. We ask your comfort for all who are bereaved, and all who are anxious and fearful for those still missing. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
According to a study funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, thousands of heart attacks and strokes could be prevented with the aid of a simple £5 blood test. The test measures levels of troponin in patients which is found in heart muscle cells and seeps into the blood when hearts are damaged. Troponin blood tests are already used in hospitals to diagnose heart attacks after they have occurred, but the the inexpensive test could be used to detect “silent” harm to the heart, and help to identify a patient’s future risk of cardiovascular events. The study’s lead author, Anoop Shah, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: the test provides an extra layer of information that we can use to boost our accuracy when predicting people’s risk. We want to identify as many high-risk people as possible, so that no one misses out on the opportunity to get preventative treatment.”
Loving and generous God,
we are bursting with gratitude
for all that you give.
You have lavished us with gifts
of your grace and forgiveness,
friendship and comfort.
You provide for us in times of need
and grant us peace when our world is in turmoil.
We thank you.
We exalt You, Lord God
who has made all things.
Every atom of the universe is the work of your hand.
You know each of us
with our worries, fears and concerns.
You know our sinfulness,
our failings and weakness,
yet you love us.
You seek us out and draw us close
and you want a personal relationship with each of us.
We thank You, Lord,
for you lift us from the depths of our despair
and free us from the oppression of sin.
You heal, restore and remake us,
new creations,
by the power of your Holy Spirit.
We sing your praises.
Blessing and glory and honour be yours for ever.
Amen.