Prayers for February
Sharing God’s love with our community
“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.”
Psalm 17:6
This month please pray especially for the residents of Coombe Vale, Lancercombe including Otter Close, and Sidmouth Road.
2nd February – Presentation of Christ in the Temple – Lord, you fulfilled the hope of Simeon and Anna, who lived to welcome the Messiah: may we, who have received these gifts beyond words, prepare to meet Christ Jesus when he comes to bring us to eternal life; in his precious name. Amen.
3rd February – We hold before God tonight’s meeting of the Mission Community Wardens. Pray for all with responsibility for the churches across the Otter Vale as they seek to serve all who live in their parishes.
3rd–9th February – Children’s Mental Health Week – Heavenly Father, please watch over all young people, protect them from physical and mental harm and where they are suffering guide them to the help they need.
4th February – Healing Lord, on World Cancer Day we pray for the many unique individuals and their families affected by a cancer diagnosis and the treatment that follows. Bless them all with stamina and courage.
7th-9th February – As Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) from across the Diocese gather in Torquay for their annual LLM Conference we pray that they may discover afresh God’s call on their lives and be filled with his Spirit. We pray especially for our own LLMs, Caroline and David.
7th–14th February – National Marriage Week – Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of marriage. Bless all married couples and those preparing to marry. Unite them in their hopes and dreams, that they might lovingly support and encourage each other to fulfil the plans you have for them. We continue to pray for Toby and Cami following their wedding here last month.
10th February – We hold before God the members of the PCC as they meet this evening with a particular focus on safeguarding.
10th–14th February – Almighty God, we pray for those gathering in London for the latest meeting of the General Synod where matters being discussed include: the Makin Report and Safeguarding and ‘Living in Love and Faith’. Protect your Church from division, Lord, both in England and the wider Anglican Communion. Grant wisdom to all who speak, that they may do so with grace.
Following the withdrawal of the USA from the Paris Climate Agreement, we pray for all working to communicate the current science, that the leaders of nations may understand the seriousness of the climate crisis and take the action required to pull us from the brink of disaster.
17th–21st February – Heavenly Father, bless our church school community during this half-term break, that children and staff alike can find rest.
20th February – On this World Day of Social Justice we pray that God may grant wisdom and success to all who campaign for a fairer world, so that everyone may have access to life’s basic resources, justice and human rights, and that they may be valued and respected.
21st February – On World Care Day we celebrate the sacrifices made by all who give care and pray that they may have they help they need to advocate for the needs of those they care for.
God of health and wholeness, we thank you for the miracle of our minds and bodies. Where they fail us may you guide us to a place of healing. Where those we love are suffering bring your comfort and peace. At this time we pray especially for Alan & Lizzi and Gilly and others we know.
The process for appointing a new Archbishop of Canterbury is now underway. During February and March there will be widespread consultation on the needs for this key post at this time in the Church’s history. Please pray for wisdom for all involved.
28th February – On the 3rd anniversary of Russia’s invasion we persevere in our prayer for peace and an end to the horrific violence meted on the people of Ukraine. Pray God’s blessing on all who are suffering. We pray too for the ceasefire in Gaza, giving thanks to God for the exchange of hostages and the opportunity for aid to reach the needy.
“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” Martin Luther