APRIL PRAYER CALENDAR (from 8 April)
Wednesday 8 April
On Monday evening we learned that the Prime Minister had been taken in to ICU as a precautionary measure in case he needed to go on to a ventilator. As this calendar is about prayer rather than politics, let us pray earnestly for his recovery, for the nurses and doctors attending to him and to so many in a similar position, for his family and for Dominic Raab who has to assist him in the leadership of the country at this time.
Thursday 9 April
There have been changes in the advisory service to the Scottish Government too with the appointment of a new interim Chief Medical Office. Pray for Dr. Gregor Smith as he picks up this mantle : that he may quickly come up to speed with his new brief and be able to help and advise Nicola Sturgeon and her colleagues as his work develops.
Friday 10 April GOOD FRIDAY
For our whole country, this will be a Good Friday like no other. Ask that even in the midst of the current turmoil and people’s fears and bewilderment , they will find time to reflect on all that it cost our Lord to go to the Cross for the salvation of all who would trust in Him. Pray that we may hear and believe His word : “Be not afraid for I am with you always”. A good hymn to meditate on and inform our prayers is “When I survey the wondrous Cross on which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small, Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my ALL”.
Saturday 11 April
Continue to reflect on all that our Lord has done for us and as we think on all who mourned Him as He gave his life, let us pray for those mourning the loss of loved ones who have passed on because of coronavirus. For many, the fact that they could not attend the funerals of loved family and friends has added to their grief and sorrow. Ask that God will comfort and bless them as only He can.
EASTER SUNDAY: The day of resurrection
Give praise and thanks for all that Jesus accomplished by His resurrection and His promise that all who trust in Him can also be assured of life beyond the grave. It will be hard not to be rejoicing with our friends in church and singing His praise, but our Minister, Scott, will have a message for us on Facebook and his sermon and prayers will be on the church website. There, too, you can also find Messy Church Easter fun for families to enjoy together. Services from all over the country can also be found on line. . For those who don’t have these aids, a reading of the Easter story in the gospels will help to bring that first day of Resurrection vividly to life. REJOICE! FOR THE LORD HAS ARISEN!
Monday 13 April
Easter Monday and a day when many would have been on holiday or on an outing with family and friends. Pray that we may take seriously, however hard it may be, the advice to stay at home, following the government’s guidelines about how to Stay Safe, Protect the NHS and help save lives. Pray also for imagination to find things to do to help us keep cheerful and relieve the boredom which some are feeling.
Tuesday 14 April
For many, the opportunity to get out into their gardens, balconies or beside their window boxes is helping them cope, as is their daily walk, run or cycle. Give thanks for fitness to do these things and pray that all of us, whether gardening or exercising. or not, may rejoice in the signs of spring all around and marvel at the handiwork of our Creator.