Birmingham s constituencies Edgbaston Erdington Hall Green Hodge Hill Ladywood Northfield Perry Barr Selly Oak Sutton Coldfield Yardley PRAY FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION We vote differently, different issues engage and enrage us. Christians are told to pray for our leaders that they will bring peace and safety. Here are some prayers we can all pray however we vote Lord may we have a national debate and discussion that reflects what is on your heart We pray protection from terrorist and cyber attack and from the fear this brings. We pray for truth and against lies and manipulation Help us to disagree with respect, your heart is for unity - let your church be filled with your grace and compassion. We pray for all Christians standing for election, to walk close with you in this demanding time World Prayer Centre
Pray for Birmingham s Arts and Media Birmingham Repertory Theatre The Hippodrome Symphony Hall The arts To promote good values To be a vehicle for the cities creativity For Christian artists to flourish and prosper in the city The media Honest and true reporting For a positive presentation of Christian activities To bring news that will bless and protect our city For editors and journalists
Pray for Birmingham Bless our City Birmingham is a diverse and constantly changing city of just over one million residents, with 46% of the population aged under 30. It the largest UK city outside of London and one of the youngest cities in Europe. Birmingham ranks as the 9th most deprived local authority in the UK, with significant pockets in the top 1% most deprived areas nationally. High proportion of teenagers traumatised abuse, bullying, poor parenting and poor prospects 37% of our children live in poverty the third highest in the country, Ladywood at 47% is highest in the UK. Birmingham needs approximately 80,000 extra dwellings between 2011 and 2031 to meet expected demand Life expectancy is 77.1 for males lowest is Shard End 72.8, females is 81.9 lowest is 78.4 in Shard End. Birmingham is seeing business growth 2.5 times higher than national average but we still have low skill levels and high levels of unemployment Work to see that the city where I sent you as exiles enjoys peace and prosperity. Pray to the Lord for it. For as it prospects you will prosper. Jer 29.7
Pray for Birmingham s children, families and schools Carl Rice Cabinet Member for Children and families Andy Couldrick, CEO, Birmingham Children s Trust It s not easy be a child or parent in Birmingham. We are a city with many needs and issues Many young people struggle with confidence and their identify. A commission on children in the city reported on the critical importance of relationships. Children are crying out for love, support and care Schools report a big increase in pastoral issues due to Cyber bullying, bullying by adults, self harm, sexual exploitation, poor job and economic prospects, racial tensions, absent fathers and poor fathering. Prayer Protect our young people from abuse, bullying, mental health issues and crime Heal broken families Bring hope to our young people Bless our social services and teachers, give them wisdom Bless Christian agencies including TLG, Urban Devotion, Worth Unlimited, The Message, youth workers, etc. Bless and equip Christian teachers, governors, school staff and pupils
Pray for the Church in Birmingham Prayers for the church For unity, respect and honour across your church in Birmingham That your Holy Spirit will fill your church and point us to Jesus That thousands of Brummies will fall in love with Jesus
PRAY FOR JOBS AND BUSINESS IN BIRMINGHAM Paul Faulkner, Chamber of Commerce Richard Butler CBI Andy Street Mayor of the West Midlands Building economic growth across the region HS2 the fast rail connection to the north and London is the biggest catalyst for growth and regeneration in the city centre for over 100 years. Birmingham s unemployment rate is 6.3% compared to 2.3% nationally, young people in particular need more job opportunities Birmingham aims to be a world leader in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, digital technology, green technology Business Leadership Prayer pointers We pray for more jobs, The cities role in growing the wider West Midlands region Innovation Ethical business, ethical pay Many Christians working in business may Jesus be seen in our workplaces Steve Bavington Chaplaincy Plus spiritual support to business community I believe one of the next great moves of God is going to be through the believers in the workplace. -Dr. Billy Graham God is marshalling his people in the workplace as never before in history. God is up to something. The next spiritual awakening could take place in the marketplace. -Henry Blackaby
PRAY FOR BIRMINGHAM S POLITICAL LEADERS Leader Coun Ian ward Cllr Ian Ward Leader Cllr Brigid Jones Deputy Leader Cllr Carl Rice Children, Families and Schools Cllr Majid Mahmood Commercialism, Commissioning and Contracting Cllr Stewart Stacey Transport and Roads Cllr Lisa Trickett Clean Streets, Recycling and Environment Cllr Paulette Hamilton Health and Social Care Cllr Peter Griffiths Housing and Homes Cllr Brett O Reilly Jobs and Skills Cllr Tristan Chatfield Community Safety and Equalities. Deputy Leader Coun Brigid Jones Conservative leader Councillor Bobby Alden Liberal Leaders Councillor Jon Hunt Prayer Pointers Wisdom as they handle huge challenges Integrity and transparency A positive relationship with the church A strong understanding of the needs and issues in the City For their role in protecting the city
Preet Gill MP Edgbaston Khaled Mahmood MP Perry Barr Jess Phillips MP Yardley Liam Byrne MP Hodge Hill Shabana Mahmood MP Ladywood Birmingham MPs Andrew Mitchell MP Sutton Coldfield Steve McCabe MP Selly Oak Roger Godsiff MP Hall Green Richard Burden MP Northfield Jack Dromey MP Erdington
West Midlands Police - is the second largest police force in the country, covering a population of almost 2.8 million. They handle more than 2,000 emergency calls for help every day, and respond to incidents 24/7 Vision four key areas Police to listen and reassure Prevent crime and harm Preventing crime and offending before people can be harmed. Respond at pace to problems in communities. Ready to learn and adapt CRIME ISSUES Murder Armed crime guns and knives Drugs gangs new gangs fighting for territory Terrorism and Prevent High levels of anti social behaviour, violent crime and vehicle crime Sex trafficking and human slavery Domestic violence Pray for Protection Pray for Justice ACC Alex Murray Chief Constable Dave Thompson Pray for justice, compassion and mercy in our prison and law courts John Butcher Force Chaplain