Author: Laura Thomas

We have been invited to join churches across the city to pray for Bristol at this time in the run up to the elections and after the unrest of the recent protests. So far 50 Churches have committed and it’s running from 6 April- 6 May.
We are committed to pray on 30 April for one day.

The vision is that there would be a canopy of prayer and worship over Bristol as we all join as one church praying. 

“Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare”. Jeremiah 29:7.

You can sign up through the 24/7 prayer page here to choose a timeslot for your prayers on 30 April

You can pray however, or wherever you like. Perhaps you would like to gather 5 others and have a prayer walk? Tom and Sara are planning one for 11am that day so contact Tom  if you’d like to join them Or simply pray where you are.

Feel free to pray for the whole hour or if you have less time, then simply pray for half an hour. There may be people already signed up for your chosen timeslot but do still sign up for that time – the more the merrier!

If you have any words or pictures, do send them to Tom and he will forward them to the ’30 days of prayer for peace’ Whatsapp group.  

We will also have two dedicated times of prayer together online:

Prayer Breakfast at 8am on Zoom

Morning Prayer on Facebook live at 9.30am.

We’re supporting the National Day of Reflection on 23 March, the first anniversary of the UK lockdown, to commemorate this tragic loss of life and to stand together with everyone who’s grieving.

Organised by Marie Curie, and supported by the Church of England, the National Day of Reflection looks to reflect on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.

Take a minute’s silence at 12 noon on 23 March to show your support for the millions of people who are bereaved and take a moment to connect with someone.  You could light a virtual candle here

You can download an Act of Prayer that you can do from home during the day

Reflect

Loving God, 
You hold all our times in your hands, our past, our present, our future. Be close to us now as we remember all the difficulties and disappointments of the past year. Be especially close to all of us who are thinking of someone we loved and knew, but see no longer, whether family, friend, colleague or neighbour. Help us to trust that they are at peace with you, and comfort us with your presence. 

Connect

Loving God, 
You place us in families and communities, and we give you thanks for all those around us who serve us and help us in so many ways. Give wisdom to community leaders, to our schools, hospitals, care homes and other agencies who make a difference to our lives. Help each of us to have the courage to reach out with thanks and kindness to those around us and to speak words of faith as we share the good news of your love.

Hope

Loving God, 
As we journey towards Easter, help us to live as people of hope, knowing that beyond the pain of the cross lies the joy of resurrection. Inspire us in our worship, through our churches and in our homes, that we may bring glory to you and joy to others. Be with those who are struggling in mind, body or spirit, and give courage to those who are facing uncertainty and change ahead. Help each of us to keep our eyes fixed on you, that we may reflect your light to all whom we meet.