Sunday 2 December. The Bishop Pray in thanksgiving for the life of our diocese in all its rich particularity.

Transcription

1 2 December Advent 1 The Bishop Pray in thanksgiving for the life of our diocese in all its rich particularity. Kuwait: The Anglican Church in Kuwait, St Paul s, has three - English, Urdu and Mandarin - congregations. There are three English worship services in a week and two of them are held at Ahmadi on s and Sundays. The Centre hosts nineteen other congregations We give glory to God Almighty for the special blessing of St Paul s Church as we recently commemorated 70 years of Christian witness in Kuwait on 16 November, We rejoice with humility in the freedom to worship granted to Christians by the Amir of the State of Kuwait and the Kuwait Oil Company for maintaining the Church and the Rectory. We are hopeful that within the next six months our Home Prayer Group will grow strong and provide opportunities for the understanding of God s word through Bible Study. We need to open up space for others to join the Church through activities that are user friendly to new comers to Kuwait, including social outings and games attractive to children. We pray that favourable policies in Kuwait will give stability to expat Christians who will settle for a long time, and hopefully the Church will grow. God our Father we are thankful to you for all the countless blessing we receive from you for which we do not deserve. Pour your grace upon us that we might behold your love and serve you faithfully and grow your Church at St Paul s, Kuwait. Amen.

2 9 December Advent 2 Those being confirmed Pray for the Holy Spirit to be with all who walk the path of the Christian faith. Limassol St Barnabas: Limassol is the principal port of Cyprus and a vibrant cosmopolitan city. Pissouri is a village with significant tourism and many second homes. We have wealth and poverty around us and among us. British military bases are nearby. We serve British expats and other English speakers from a fascinating variety of nations, countries and cultures We praise God for continuities and new beginnings, for our parish priest, Fr Andrew Mayes, who also serves as the Diocesan Spirituality Adviser. We celebrate the rich diversity of these churches, the gifts of young and old, the spectrum of cultures and traditions. May we be one body in Christ, with singleness of vision. We look forward to the future with hope and confidence, praying for utter openness to God and for active alertness to the needs around us. We intercede for all who struggle in this city and its environs, including the homeless and refugee, the bereaved and lonely, the stressed and the seeking Recalling that Acts 15:26 describes Barnabas as one who risked his life for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray for courage, steadfastness and patience as we move forward under God. Father God, unlock the gifts you have placed within us, release fresh ministries and hidden talents, deepen our apostolic charism of bringing the encouragement of Jesus to all we meet, for the sake of your Kingdom, Amen.

3 16 December Advent 3 The Archdeacon in Cyprus Pray for his ministry, for the parishes of Cyprus, and for justice and peace across the island. Abu Dhabi: St Andrews is a compound based in Abu Dhabi with a daughter Church in Al Ain, called St Thomas. We have recently celebrated our 50th anniversary. We seek to provide Christians of all traditions a safe and legal environment to worship We are thankful for our recent service of celebration, remembering 50 years of ministry in this place: for the many ways in which God has nourished faith and enabled St Andrews to build bridges with our local community. We are so thankful that people find a welcoming, spiritual community in this place: for the vibrant youth and children s ministry, for the thrift centre ministry, for pastoral outreach through the healing and wholeness service. Please pray for those in our community who struggle with uncertainty and financial insecurity due to a changing economic environment. We pray for wisdom and discernment in meeting the diverse spiritual and pastoral needs of our transitory community: may we always be open to hear and respond in love to the needs of others. We continue to ask for God s provision and wisdom in the ongoing completion of All Saints Church, Mussafah a Church which will minister to people living and working in the industrial area of Abu Dhabi. Gracious and Holy God, give us the wisdom to discover You, the intelligence to understand You, the diligence to seek after You, the patience to wait for You, eyes to behold You, a heart to meditate upon You, and a life to proclaim You; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus, our Lord. Amen. (St Benedict)

4 23 December Advent 4 The Archdeacon in the Gulf Pray for his ministry, for the nations of the Gulf archdeaconry, and for all who live in them, citizens and others. Al Ain: St Thomas Church is supported by St Andrew's, Abu Dhabi. We worship at a golf club, but have been granted our own land. We are from many backgrounds and nations, but we are united in our desire to see Christ lifted up amongst us and to help more people experience the joy of knowing Jesus St Thomas has a friendly atmosphere where all experience God s love and share in fellowship together. Pray that this will be the experience of more and more people. We are thankful that we have been able to worship in the Golf Club for the last 7 years, but are excited at the prospect of worshipping in our own building soon. We also give thanks for the success of the new style Messy Church and Praise Services each month. The plans for the new build are progressing well. Please pray for wisdom and discernment as we seek to move this project forward. Our congregation is made up mostly of teachers and health professionals. Long working hours can mean that people become inconsistent in church attendance. Pray that the services may always be a place of spiritual refreshment, so that people do, therefore, make it a priority to attend. As we move forward with our New Build we are keen to ensure that we retain all that is good with St Thomas and that we continue to be a nurturing, friendly, welcoming church, where people of all ages find a spiritual home and experience the love of God. Council: May they be given wisdom to lead the church forwards. Community: May we experience the joy and peace of knowing Jesus amongst us. Church Building: May the project move forward smoothly, and may we never lose sight of the fact that church is people, not a building, and that we are here to glorify God and be the hands and feet of Jesus in the local community and beyond.

5 30 December 1 st Sunday after Christmas Synod Pray for those who will soon attend diocesan synod and for wisdom and vision in all they plan and do. Nicosia: At St Paul s Cathedral we welcome all those who come through our doors -- as worshippers and pilgrims, as visitors and sightseers, in prayer and in communion -- whether local to Nicosia, visiting us from elsewhere in Cyprus or coming from overseas from anywhere in the whole world January God our Father in heaven, we thank you for the care of children and young people. In the power of the Holy Spirit may the seed of the Gospel be planted in their hearts and may they always love and worship you in your Church. We give thanks for their participation in the Cathedral Eucharist and pray for those preparing for Confirmation. We rejoice, O Lord, in the love and fellowship we share with our brothers and sisters from around the world; especially in the work with refugees and with the new Pilipino Church. May our joyful celebrations bear the light of Christ to all people. O Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who came to heal the world. We pray for healing in mind, body, and spirit of ourselves and our loved ones, and for peace around your beautiful world. We pray that we may face the financial challenges presented to us. That we may continue to give with a generous heart in response to the generosity of God. We pray for the struggles that many face in Nicosia, those sleeping rough in the parks, those arriving from foreign shores, those who for whatever reason are finding life very difficult. We give thanks that the Cathedral can be a place of peace. Help us all to be better disciples to take care of your children. God, we lift up to you all the ministries in this Cathedral and ask for your blessing and guidance to be poured upon them in their various activities. Eternal God, the light of the minds that know you, the joy of the hearts that love you, the strength of the wills that serve you, that they may truly love you, so to love you that they may freely serve you, to the glory of your holy name. Amen

6 6 January The Epiphany Standing and Finance Committee Pray for synod s standing and finance committee and its stewardship of synod resolutions. Dubai: Holy Trinity is a Church compound in Dubai hosting Christian worship services of various denominational churches including Anglican churches. Pray that the new regulations of the government may not adversely affect our function and the uniqueness of the HTC Compound is maintained Thank God for the youth camp 2018 which was held in October. Youth from six churches and a total of 87, including the volunteers, participated. The theme of the camp was You are God s masterpiece. Everyone was refreshed and rejuvenated. Praise be to God! We rejoice in the Lord for Holy Trinity Church Compound which provides opportunities to serve his people. We recently added a Burmese congregation. During summer months we served free cool drinks to worshippers. The advice clinic which is held once in a month helps people in need. We are hoping to get permission and approval to renovate our Resource Centre (Christian Book Shop). We appreciate your prayers for the renovation of the basement of the Chaplain s residence for the use of our youth and music band. We also hope to develop a theological library. Please pray for the guest congregations, that they will be able to comply with the new regulations that have come upon them. Pray for God s wisdom to run all activities smoothly and effectively. Pray for the members of our Church Committee and all volunteers, that they may be fair and just in their service and that their voluntary work may bring peace, joy, unity and fellowship among the members of the church. Pray that volunteers are further strengthened and blessed by our Lord. Dear Lord, you have placed us in the body of Christ, the Church. Help us to recognise that you have organised this church and you have placed us together in this time of need. We pray that we may live according to your call and live as a faithful community in this land. Amen.

7 13 January Baptism of Christ Epiphany 2 Finance Pray for generosity, responsibility, and imagination in the use of money and resources. St. Martin s Anglican Church, Sharjah, UAE, a spiritual oasis in the midst of a physical and spiritual desert, is an exciting church with a focus on Word and Sacrament and mission (especially the Migrant Labour Ministry). St. Martin s also facilitates worship for over 120 guest congregations of various languages and nationalities We praise God for His faithfulness, especially with the choir, the Home Groups, the new Drama ministry, the new Thrift Centre, the Perspectives Course, and many other initiatives. We rejoice in the newly baptized, those being confirmed, and the opportunities for ministry in various labour camps. We also rejoice in the opening of a new bank account in Sharjah. We hope for new possibilities of building a new church in Sharjah, a new church in Fujairah, and for the collegiality of the clergy and people in the Chaplaincy of Dubai and Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. We are struggling with the busyness of life and living as salt and light in a very worldly place, and hope for revitalization in our men s ministry. We pray for all those working in labour camps and who are religious, economic, political, or other forms of refugees. O God, who is glorified in Saint Martin both by his life and death, make new, we pray, the wonders of your grace in our hearts, that neither death nor life may separate us from your love; through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

8 20 January Epiphany 3 Ministry Pray for those who minister and serve to follow the example of Christ the Servant and High Priest. Yemen: The congregation of Christ Church is currently not meeting due to the security situation in Aden. A functioning expatriate population has not yet re-materialised because of the instability, and threat of kidnapping. Please pray for the people of Yemen, and our staff at the Ras Morbat Eye Clinic Praise continued for excellent relations with the community and government, and continued opportunity to minister compassion and healing in the midst of turmoil. We give thanks for the dedication and perseverance of our staff, through economic, political, and threats to personal safety. We are especially blessed that their character and faithfulness express the values associated with the Church where they work. Pray for resources to acquire new surgical equipment to improve treatment we can offer to patients of all ages, and the challenges of ongoing training opportunities for our staff at the eye clinic. Resources are always a struggle. We are thankful for faithful monthly support from many individuals and churches. We need to spread the wonderful story of the work of Ras Morbat Clinic to increase that support. Pray for resolution of the conflict and the careful reconstruction of the country. Pray for those working for peace and relief in spite of impediments imposed by the antagonists. May God give wisdom and courage to those who serve in reconciliation and restoration work, and protection from dangers that abound in abundance. Amen

9 27 January Epiphany 4 Diocesan Director of Ordinands Pray for all involved in discerning and encouraging vocations. Paphos: The Parish has 3 places of worship: The church of Ayia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa, Paphos; the Church of St Stephen in Tala and the Church of St Luke in Prodromi which serves the town of Polis, the resort of Latchi and surrounding villages February 2 Praise God for the ongoing strength and witness of our wedding ministry, for its sound administration and that bookings have held up better than expected. Praise God, as well, for a better than expected end to the financial year. Rejoice in the fact that despite a number of families returning permanently to the UK, we continue to see good numbers especially visitors. Pray that they would find refreshment while on holiday and through their attendance with us. Pray for the successful recruitment of a new House for Duty Priest and their move to Paphos, their efficient civil licensing for their involvement with the wedding ministry and for the provision of good rented accommodation. Pray for the on-going pastoral work with ageing and elderly parishioners, that they would be realistic concerning their needs and that their families, in the UK, would be sympathetic and mindful of their, often, difficult situations. Pray for the challenges that Brexit poses for our long-term retired parishioners. Pray for their peace of mind and for the challenge of meeting a changing pattern of those retiring here - on a short-term basis rather than permanently. Loving God, we give thanks for your provision, especially for the outreach of our Christmas Fayre. Comfort the elderly, the frail and the lonely and lead us as we work with a new priest in the coming year.

10 3 February 5 th Sunday before Lent Friends of the Diocese Pray for those who pray for us. Mission to Seafarers Bahrain: The mission agency, funded entirely by voluntary donations and legacies, offers a comprehensive ministry of care to all who live and work at sea. There are seafarers centres in 121 ports around the world We praise God for the openness He has given here to minister and serve the seafarers; along with our differences. We rejoice in God for the opportunity He has given us to work alongside the Bahrain International Seafarers Society and for the full support of the board members. We pray for the two Centres which serve the seafarers; that it may be the place which will reunite them with families and friends and where they can relax and engage one another with the fun of indoor games. We pray for the seafarers who do not receive the opportunity to go ashore. May the agents offer needful help, and may the seafarers find relaxation and refreshment when on land. We pray for our relationship with the port authorities and for the cooperation we receive from the officials; that the seafarers will be able to fully enjoy our services. We pray for the ecumenical spirit we have with other churches who support our ministries Sacred Heart Church and guest congregations in the St Christopher s compound.

11 10 February 4 th Sunday before Lent Diocesan Retreat House Katafiyio Pray for all who need refreshment, light, and peace. Baghdad: St George's church re-opened in 2003 to receive Iraqi people from different Christian denominations. It has now become a compound with a clinic opened in 2007, kindergarten opened in 2011, Mother's Union branch and a big hall for festivals and meetings. Hope Cultural Centre & School under construction Praise the Lord, all you nations. Extol him, all you people. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. We thank God for giving us faithful people and a beautiful place to worship at St George s where we can meet and hold various activities that help us to know the Word of God in a deeper way. We pray that all ministers, staff, and congregations throughout our diocese remain safe by the grace of God. We pray that there will be peace in our country and throughout the world. We pray for the end to persecution of any individual or community in the world because of religion, nationality or race. We need the Lord to intervene and according to his will, change the hearts of those who kill innocent people in his name and who believe that by doing so they serve the Lord and will gain entry into his kingdom. God, we lift up to you all our ministers in the Church and ask for your blessing and guidance to be poured upon them in their various activities. Amen.

12 3 rd Sunday before Lent Anglican Consultative Council Pray for the life of the whole 17 February Anglican Communion. Larnaca: St Helena s is a small parish that sits at the heart of Larnaca town. It is primarily a working Greek Cypriot town, with fewer holiday visitors than most other southern Cypriot towns. Our congregation is very varied and consists of: expatriates from several countries; seasonal swallow visitors; holidaymakers; plus a core of loyal local people. It is a great blessing to live and to minister in and around Larnaca We praise you Lord for the many ministry opportunities that you have gifted to us. We praise you for the time and talents available within our Church community to allow us to spread your Word as widely as possible. Father God, we are immensely grateful for the diverse nature of our congregation, both regulars and visitors. We rejoice in the freshness that this brings to our Church and to all our worship. St Helena s Church has a continuing steady programme of publicising our existence throughout the Larnaca town and district areas, which is gradually bringing rewards of new members. We continue to hope to attract more, younger families and children. Our two charity shops continue to thrive, for which we thank God. And we thank God also for our teams of volunteer helpers in the shops who continue to work tirelessly to make a success of this key contribution to our parish financial solvency. The key challenge for St Helena s is to make ourselves and our services much more widely known throughout the Larnaca area, to bring God to more people and to bring more people to God through our Anglican worship. Dear Father, St Helena s Church has been blessed with so many gifts by you. Too often we are guilty of taking this for granted and for not giving you thanks. We ask, Lord, that you guide us to be better disciples to do your work throughout our parish.

13 24 February 2 nd Sunday before Lent Spirituality Pray for our hearts, minds, and souls to be enlarged and enlightened. Bahrain: St Christopher's Cathedral is in Central Manama with a church in Awali; the oil compound that meets on a. We are a relatively small, but very international community, hosting many other congregations of varying traditions who use our compound during the week March 2 We praise God for the group of both adults and young people who were confirmed in January, for the encouragement of seeing them grow in faith. We rejoice in those who have visited us in recent months: for the encouragement from Katherine Lyddon from Exeter, for our Club team, and all that ordinand Tom Pote is bringing currently. We continue to pray that our Building project will soon be completed and for God s continued blessing of our ministry with children. We pray for all whose lives are a struggle especially those without work, with significant debt and banned from travel outside the country. We pray for whoever will be appointed as Dean and for the challenges he/she will face in a new community and country. You call us to patient waiting, until worship is transfigured by your glory, life is given its meaning, and we are given purpose again: seized by you and claimed to make your glory known. (Alan Gaunt)

14 3 March Sunday next before Lent Diocesan Office Pray for those who conscientiously and skillfully serve the administration of the diocese. Kyrenia: St Andrew s is located in the heart of the beautiful port city of Kyrenia. The congregation consists mainly of resident expatriates, seasonal visitors (swallows), and tourists. St. Andrew's is also greatly blessed by the presence of a large population of multi-national students who have been welcomed and found a home among us Thank God for the continuing witness of St. Andrew's in the community in spite of the difficulties we have been through over the past number of months. Give thanks for the faithful support of all who continue to keep St. Andrew's as a vibrant, worshipping community, and for all those who have enabled us to restart several activities which have lapsed over the past while. Pray for those who have the responsibility for choosing a new Chaplain for St. Andrew's, and that we may continue to grow as a living, loving and welcoming place for those seeking God in their lives. Pray that we may overcome the strife and divisions of the past and move forward only and ever to the glory of God. Pray that the people of St. Andrew's will come together to face the future with confidence, supporting only that which promotes unity and peace. God the Holy Spirit, come in power and bring new life to St. Andrew's; renew us in love and service, and enable us to be faithful to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

15 10 March Lent 1 Readers Pray for the licensed public lay ministers of the diocese. The Epiphany Church in Doha has six congregations of more than 600 people. Worshipping in Four Languages English, Tamil, Marathi and Igbo. It is truly a global church with members of more than 30 nationalities. It is a growing church with active children and youth programs Praise God for blessing the church to spiritually grow amidst all numerous circumstances; for ACMF (Men s Fellowship), M&M (Martha and Mary Women s Ministry) and Prayer Ministry. The Labour Camp and Prison ministries are important areas of growth. Rejoice that God continues to carry out His mission according to His perfect plan by rising up Godly men and women. We rejoice in the Lord for the blessed ministry of the clergy team who continue to bring joy and God s peace. Rejoice with us for the growth of different ministries in the Church. We continue to hope and pray that The Church of Epiphany will touch and influence many people and be a blessing in this land in particular and the region in general. We hope that the congregation will continue to be a shining light for Christ s glory. Due to economic downturn and uncertainty of the job market the income of the church has gone down considerably. The church is facing a severe budget deficit. Job insecurity is a major problem in Qatar. It is hard to say farewell to members who are part of the Church of Epiphany. Pray for those who leave the country and seek employment elsewhere. Also pray for those who work here with uncertainty and doubt. Father God, bless this Church and use us in your service to be channels of your love, joy, peace and hope. May we know your guidance and security as we follow your prompting for the glory of your name. Pray for all families and members that worship here; especially the children. Pray for the ministry team, for the clergy and their families, for the Wardens and the Church Council.

16 17 March Lent 2 Cathedrals Pray for St Paul s and St Christopher s Cathedrals, their people, their deans and clergy, and their canons. Ayia Napa: Christ Church serves the local English speaking community from the coastal areas of Ayia Napa, Protaras and surrounding villages. This includes an active Migrant Worker group and throughout the year holiday makers of many different nationalities We praise God for His guidance and help in our personal lives and in the life of His Church We rejoice with the people engaged in the activities to spread the Gospel in word and deed. We hope that the Ammochostos Parish will grow from strength to strength. We pray that the Lord may help us to confront and overcome the struggles which we may find in our daily pilgrimage. We are thankful for the challenges we have and for our prayers for them. Lord, send your Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us as we travel on together with all men and women of our Diocese, and with those of good will in your created world. Amen

17 24 March Lent 3 Retreat Ministry Pray for those who bring energy and depth to the work of giving others time and space. The Retreats Ministry has its office in Nicosia run by the Retreats Facilitator. The main ministry being that of the Katafiyio Retreat House in Cyprus, the running of group and individually guided retreats in the Diocese and Province, and the giving of spiritual direction Thank God for the numbers of people who are benefitting from regular spiritual direction and meetings with a Spiritual Director on Retreats in Daily Life. Praise God for the number of people who used the Katafiyio Retreat House in 2018 and pray that God will continue to draw people to meet with and be refreshed by Him there. Pray that there will be more opportunities to run retreats for parishes. At the time of going to press, we still do not have Caretakers to look after Katafiyio in Pray that we will have the help needed, so the Retreats Facilitator can be free to lead retreats. Life continues to throw many challenges on folk, causing them to be pressured, to be busy, and consequently not have good time to rest and be still. Pray that people will be drawn to putting more space in their diaries to stop, rest and listen to God. Lord God, we give you thanks for the varied opportunities you give for us to meet with You on retreat. Give us the desire to want to spend time with You. Make us creative in the use of our time and resources that this desire can become a reality. Then send us back out, better able to live for Your praise and glory. Amen.

18 31 March Lent 4 Mothering Sunday Link with Thika Diocese Pray for Bishop Julius Wanyoike, his clergy and people, and for the continued relationship between us in the three-way companion link with Exeter. Mission to Seafarers Cyprus: The Mission to Seafarers serves all those who venture on the oceans of the world by offering care and service to all in need who visit this island regardless of nationality or faith. 1 April We give praise and thanks to God for opening doors to help our service to the seafarers continue to grow and provide a brief haven in their difficult times. We rejoice in the planning and preparations for our new Centre in Limassol and all those volunteers who patiently support the work even in times of great challenges. We hope the access issues for the seafarers to the Centre will reach a solution for the good of their welfare, that once again we can meet their needs and provide the much appreciated care and support they rely on. With the privatization we have had to face many challenges and struggles in maintaining the important service we offer, and though slow, progress, we pray, will continue to be made. May hearts be softened and justice prevail, so those who need us may have free access to our facilities to lighten their burdens and raise their spirits. Lord bless our efforts in building your kingdom and establishing your work. Caring for those, whose lives face daily perils, on the seas of this world, so that we on the land may enjoy the fruits of their labour, in bringing us all that we have. Amen

19 7 April Lent 5 Passiontide Link with Exeter Diocese Pray for Bishop Robert, his clergy and people, and for the three-way companion link with Thika. Jebel Ali: Christ Church is part of the Chaplaincy of Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. It hosts 42 diverse congregations including the resident Anglican Congregation. It has a broad ministry but 350 weddings annually make them a particular feature. Daughter church St Catherine s meets in a music school in Silicon Oasis We praise God for the Wedding ministry to the community in Dubai; that it may continue to be an opportunity for the newly wedded to reconnect with God. We rejoice in our partnership with CNI, CSI and other ecumenical partners; helping us to embrace our unity in diversity. We pray for our new worshipping venue for St. Catherine s in Silicon Oasis; that it may be a place of church growth. We pray for other Christian communities in Dubai, who struggle to find a proper worshipping location due to the current regulations. We pray for the transient nature of our congregation, especially those who are returning to home countries in the near future or for those who have recently arrived in Dubai. Almighty God, we ask for your help and for your blessing to be upon us. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us in love and service to you and others living in the community around us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

20 14 April Palm Sunday Jerusalem and the Middle East Church Association Pray for those who promote and support our Province. Famagusta: St Mark's is a church in a predominantly Muslim city. The vast majority of Christians in Famagusta are international students in the local university and thus our church's membership is mostly students. We are a lively church with strong desire to serve God We give PRAISE that Jesus the living stone is not only in this place, but moving among Christians and non-christians alike. We REJOICE that God is not only reconciling, but also providing for the needs of our congregation and those in the community around us. We HOPE that our words and deeds might be signs pointing to Jesus so that God alone might receive the glory. That we might stand fast in our STRUGGLES of witnessing and humble service within a wider Muslim and increasingly unhelpful environment. That the CHALLENGE of lack of resources for the chaplaincy and ourselves, might not distract us, but rather keep us humble and thankful for all the blessings we do have. Holy Spirit, continue to move among us, open our hearts and minds, our eyes and ears to what you would have us do. May we only move forward or backward, left or right, in accordance to Your will, to Your glory.

21 21 April Easter Day Clergy with permission to officiate Pray in thanksgiving for clergy who offer voluntary ministry. Oman: The Protestant Church in Oman is an historic partnership between the Anglican church and the Reformed Church of America. We serve around 1,000 people in four English language congregations, an Arabic and a Korean congregation and host about 60 other congregations in our two compounds PRAISE God for the good relations enjoyed with the government and people of Oman. Pray that our witness for the LORD would be backed up by lives of integrity. Give THANKS to God for those who actively seek to serve the body of Christ here in Oman. Pray that we would deploy people wisely and well, according to their gifts and abilities, for the glory of the LORD. Pray that the LORD would grow prayer among Christians in Oman, that there would be an upsurge in people gathering to intercede for the church, the nation and the world. Pray that there would be a clear separation of the management of the church compounds, and, the investment in the spiritual life of the congregations we directly oversee. May it be that this leads to God-centred growth in both management and discipleship. Pray for inter-denominational harmony, and the resourcing and encouragement of the many different pastors/priests who use the various church campuses in Oman. (A prayer based on Isaiah 35) Almighty God, strengthen our feeble hands, steady the knees that give way, transform that which is desert into streams of living water. Come in saving power among your people in this land, so that Your great Name may be glorified in and through your church in Oman.

22 28 April Easter 2 Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East Pray for our fellow dioceses of Egypt, Iran, and Jerusalem. Deryneia: St John the Evangelist congregation within the Ammochostos parish. We meet in the Orthodox church of St Fanourios at the invitation of the Orthodox bishop and local municipality. We serve the needs of Cypriot neighbours and English-speaking people of all nationalities living in the towns and villages of the District. We work to play our part, alongside other churches, in the mission of God in our spheres of influence May We give thanks to God for his gift of an Orthodox church in which we praise and worship God. We give thanks for our many outreach ministries. We pray for our life groups that meet on s and s to have fellowship, to learn and share our experiences and to deepen our Faith. We pray for all those who are involved with our hospital visiting group that have now extended their care for those ex pats in need to other hospitals in our area. Pray also for our Pastoral group that it may strengthen and develop its outreach to those in our church life that are in need. We are praying for the future of our church in its developing responsibility within the Ammochostos parish. We hope to embrace with enthusiasm the new opportunities of the present and the future. We give grateful thanks to God for his faithfulness to his people in this place, the love that we share with one another, and the joy of welcoming the stranger and visitor into our midst. We pray for God s continuing help and guidance in the building and growth of Christ s ministry here at St.John s in Deryneia.

23 5 May Easter 3 Parishes and Chaplaincies Pray for the network of congregations that make up the diocese and for their work and witness. Ras Al Khaimah: St Luke s is a vibrant, loving fellowship with members from all over the world. We host more than 100 congregations and run a Junior Church for all denominations. By God s grace we strive to bear the light of Christ through word, sacrament, and charity We praise God for the many ministries and fellowships; especially the newly formed Food Bank. May we at all times strive to live lives based on Gospel values; being Christ to others and seeing Christ in others. As we celebrate our diversity may we rejoice in our unity as brothers and sisters in Christ; strengthening relations with other congregations who worship on the compound; including surrounding Churches. We pray that St Luke will remain for so many a place of prayer, sanctuary, and refuge. May we be a beacon of hope for the hopeless and a place of belonging for all who are seeking and searching. We pray for all who are sick and suffering and in any kind of need; for God s healing in body, mind, and spirit; and for a steadfast trust in His love. We pray for strength and guidance to all those seeking work and fair wages; and for God s blessing upon those who are struggling with transition in life. Almighty God, you called Luke the physician, whose praise is in the gospel, to be an evangelist and physician of the soul: by the grace of the Spirit and through the wholesome medicine of the gospel, give your Church the same love and power to heal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (The Collect for St Luke)

24 12 May Easter 4 Ordinands Pray for those currently in formation and training for ordained ministry as deacons and priests. Mission to Seafarers, Dubai: The Revd Dr Paul Burt leads the work of the Mission to Seafarers in Dubai Praise for our occasional success in arranging for abandoned seafarers to return to their families. Rejoice because of the standard of living we enjoy because of the dedication and sacrifices made by seafarers. Pray for progress in setting up ethically run seafarers employment agencies so that exploitation of seafarers can be reduced and eventually eliminated. Pray for strength to meet the needs of hundreds of seafarers in dozens of ports in the UAE and beyond. Pray that seafarers families will be able to overcome the challenges of separation, when salaries are not paid, and poverty. Pray that MtS chaplains will always be able to prioritise the demands made on them in ways that serve seafarers before all else.

25 19 May Easter 5 Licensed Clergy Pray for ordained clergy, both stipendiary and self-supporting, with licensed responsibility. Sovereign Base Areas of Cyprus: The Sovereign Base Areas are administered by the UK Ministry of Defence with over 3000 British service personnel, civil servants and their families living and working for peace in the area. Eight congregations are served by military chaplains from three denominations, assisted by Officiating Chaplains to the Military Praise God for former service personnel in training for Anglican ordination or licensed lay ministry, and for all Christian people serving within HM Forces and the MOD. Pray for Alpha Forces and the Armed Forces Christian Union. Rejoice that God s people who gather to worship each week in military churches within the sovereign base areas are growing in commitment to Christ by serving the wider community. Please pray for commanders and troops deployed in challenging and often dangerous roles; for the strategic mission of British Forces Cyprus in its work for peace and security. Pray that the resident team of BFC Chaplains will work effectively together and collaborate with military and civilian colleagues to the glory of God. Please pray for refugees and asylum seekers throughout Cyprus. Almighty God, protect all who serve in HM Forces; strengthen them in danger and temptation; give them courage and loyalty that they may remain true to the highest traditions of their profession; and keep them steadfast when faced with the perils of action in war; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

26 26 May Easter 6 Communications Pray for thoughtful, courteous, and stimulating communication across the diocese. Fujairah: The faithful of St Nicholas are small in number but great in generosity, heart, and spirit; worshipping in a beautiful Emirate where we enjoy the company of the people, the sea and the mountains all of God s creation June We praise God for his goodness and for the many blessings he bestows upon us in our everyday lives. We give thanks for the love and fellowship we share with one another in the breaking of bread. May we be Christ to others and see Christ in all people. We pray for wisdom and guidance in acquiring land to build a Church to the glory of Almighty God. For all who are sick and suffering and in any kind of need we pray for God s healing in body, mind, and spirit. Help us to foster deeper relationships with other congregations and to form partnerships for social outreach to minister to the people of Fujairah despite race or creed. Almighty God, as we give thanks for the life, work, and witness of Saint Nicholas; so may we also learn from his example. Make us ever mindful of the needs of others and, as we have received, so teach us also to give; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.