News from Proyecto Alas in Honduras We have received a newsletter from Steve and Lindsey Poulson updating us about their work for CMS in Honduras. Over the summer several church teams from the USA visited to complete work projects, run youth activities, and celebrate the project's ninth anniversary. In August, they hosted leaders from five Latin American CMS groups. They held a community "cultural afternoon" in Talanga featuring music and dance from all the visitors.
Elizabeth is now a walking, talking toddler. She has a Spanish-speaking part-time caregiver which has helped develop her Spanish alongside the English her parents speak with her. Steve and Lindsey ask for your prayers as they navigate the unique blend of family and mission life. They would also appreciate your prayers for their upcoming travels to the USA in November and December to visit supporting churches and friends and be with family over Christmas. Please click here to read more. Copies of their newsletter are also in our churches.
Father God, help us to still our hearts and centre ourselves on your saving grace.
As our Psalm this Sunday says, you are our shepherd; you lead us beside still waters and restore our souls. We thank you that even in the darkest valley we need fear no evil, for you are with us.
As we come before you, against a backdrop of so much pain and suffering in the world, we are compelled to pray for those in mortal danger and distress. We remember the people of Ukraine as another winter approaches, with homes and power supplies still under attack. May the faltering talks between the parties bear fruit, and lead to a just and lasting peace.
We pray for the Holy Land, as this week marks three years since the attacks of 7th October. We ask for your protection over the people of Gaza and the West Bank, where suffering continues despite the ceasefire; for aid to reach those who need it; and we ask you to comfort grieving families on every side, and all who still wait for news of loved ones.
We remember too the people of Sudan, where war, hunger and disease have brought one of the gravest humanitarian crises in the world, a crisis so often far from our headlines.
In this time of heightened anxiety and uncertainty on the international stage, we pray for the calmer voices of diplomacy to prevail; that we might see a return to peace and stability in the global economy as well as areas of conflict. We pray also for the security of our own nation, and give thanks for those who work quietly and often unseen to keep us safe.
Here at home, we lift before you our monarch - King Charles. We pray for his continued good health, as well as blessing for his family. Be close to the Ministers that lead his government, especially as they prepare for the Budget and face difficult choices over the cost of living and the public services on which so many depend. Inspire those in positions of influence and responsibility as decisions are made.
In our Benefice, we ask that you would bless the leaders at our churches - Gavin our Bishop, Ben, Jane and the entire ministry team. May we support them, practically and in our prayers, as they lead the devotional life of the Benefice through the autumn season. We remember too Sarah, our Archbishop, in her first year at Canterbury.
We pray for our congregations across the Benefice, for health and wellbeing and for the depth of our spiritual journey together. As the evenings draw in and autumn deepens, we thank you for the harvest and for all the good gifts of this season. We remember children and young people now settled into the new school year, and students beginning or returning to university; may they find friendship and purpose. And as World Mental Health Day falls this weekend, we hold before you all who struggle quietly in mind or spirit; may they know that they are not alone.
Finally, Lord, thank you that you are with us in times of grief and distress. We commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, to the mercy and protection of God our Lord and Father.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.