Lord, where do we begin? We want to talk about the dashing of hopes, the failure of inspiration, the death of expectation. Afghanistan has fallen out of our consciousness as Ukraine falls into our attention, and now there is what’s happening in Iraq, as army and separatists clash and thousands flee. Monoculture (rubber trees) has […]
Prayers for Europe
Record heat, and then the wildfires: much of what is prayed for Europe here follows a warming continent, along with floods and rivers like the Rhine falling too low for cargo to move. These prayers also hold the millions of Ukrainians who found refuge here and the long effort to bring Russia and Ukraine to direct talks.
Relative and Absolute Poverty: A Prayer for Those Slipping Into Want (March 31, 2022)
Creator God, I am so privileged that I don’t know I am! Living here in the first world it is striking to hear someone explain the difference between “relative poverty” and “absolute poverty.” We pray that we are forgiven our attempts to pray for the whole world while neglecting to centre ourselves on You. As the seasons […]
This Little Light of Mine: A Prayer Around the Continents, One Month Into the War (March 24, 2022)
God you are light. Your light reflects within us and shines forth as we connect with one another in your Love moving through us, shining forth. All around the world we hear children in all languages sing of this light… This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it […]
Code Red for Humanity: Prayers for Wildfires, Famine in Tigray and Madagascar, and Afghanistan (August 12, 2021)
Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name. Lord, Creator of the world, the time has gone when we can glibly say we are sorry for the way we treat the beautiful world you have given us. Following the Climate change report, ‘Code Red for Humanity’ of 9th August 2021, and the Water […]
Jesus Is Risen: An Easter Prayer Amid Grief in Brazil, India, and Tanzania (April 1, 2021)
At the last minute I substituted for the scheduled writer, and found myself thinking how little different our current world situation is from that of the first Easter. The same uncertainties, political. military, social and civil unrest, and divisions were being played out, while families and communities struggled to live and raise future generations while […]
Be Strong and Courageous: Prayers for Nigeria’s Protests and Western Wildfires (October 22, 2020)
“I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Dear God, Our world is changing in ways that we never imagined. We are in need of your unwavering love. We live in a world which holds so […]
Come, Lord, Take Our Fear Away: Tennessee Tornadoes, Floods, and Children at the Borders (March 5, 2020)
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. … (God said) I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon […]
The Prince of Peace in a Weary World: A Christmas Prayer for Refugees and the Poor (December 26, 2019)
As we approach the end of another year, we tend to reflect and look back over the last year or decade but unless this informs our choices and behaviours going forward it is in danger of being an empty and futile activity. So many have expressed frustration, anger or disconnectedness with the political process in […]
A World Surrounded by Protests: Prayers from Chile and Ecuador to Hong Kong and Barcelona (October 24, 2019)
Creator God, we give thanks for the privilege of praying. Hear us as we try to pray for our world. Our world seems to be surround by protests. We pray for those in Chile and Ecuador who protest against income inequality. We pray for those who protest about corruption in Iraq, Egypt, and Lebanon. We […]
Listening for God’s Voice: Prayers for Hurricane Dorian and Burning Forests (September 19, 2019)
There is a voice ringing throughout the universe; throughout all space and time; seeking to reach our ears, to touch our hearts and souls. Gracious God, help us to listen for Your voice, calming and clear, throughout the chaos of our frenzied lives, the voices in our heads, and the roaring sounds all around us. […]