WCBC Leadership

• Newly elected deacons, who will be welcomed into their role on Sunday
• Pray for our church moderator Rev Phil Barnard and his role In LBA. Give him strength
• Search for new minister

NHS

• Increased vaccine roll-out/boosters
• Increased peak of infection from Omicron variant
• Catch up with treatment of other cases/cancer etc

CRDC

• Increased numbers from migrant crisis
• Having to deal with clients indoors
• Large numbers of migrants being housed in and around Croydon
• Pray for helpers

Pray for Ukraine

• Pray for the city of Mariupol and those trapped there
• Pray for protection for refugees fleeing west
• Pray for the meeting of leaders of NATO, G7 and that a good outcome may come their discussion
• Pray a solution may be found to bring an end to the conflict

Pray for areas of the world troubled by unrest and division
Pray for the persecuted church

1. Let us give thanks to God for his mercy endures forever.

2. Pray for God to forgive us for the things we have done that make us feel uncomfortable in his presence.

3. Prayer for the situation in Ukraine

   • Pray for Ukraine, their leaders and the people in Ukraine.
   • Pray for the Russian leader to have a change of heart and retreat from Ukraine so the invasion can come to a complete halt.
   • Continue to pray for the countries in and around Ukraine.
   • Pray for God to be in the midst of the decisions made on how to appease the compassionate side of those around the Russian leader so he can advocate peace in that region.
   • Pray for fairness to reign during this time in Ukraine.
   • Pray for those that have signed up to host Ukrainian families in the UK.

4. Pray for the refugees in the UK. Also, pray for the refugee day centre and the incredible work they do to take care of the needs of refugees in and around Croydon.

5. Pray for parts of the world that are yet to know Jesus or know about Jesus but persecute the believers. May those persecuting people have the road to Damascus moment and give their lives to Christ.

6. Pray for us to be used as God's instruments so we can radiate the teachings of Christ to those we come in contact with.

7. Pray for the church and for those that are weak, stressed, depressed and ill amongst us.

8. Pray for wisdom and direction so we make the right decision when matters arise.

   • Pray for the renewal of spirit and for God to continue to be at the centre of our decision making at the Church, work and in our normal day to day lives.

9. Pray for the prodigals amongst us to have the conviction to return to Christ without the fear of stigma, reprisal and judgement from others.

10. Pray for those in authority in the UK to be mindful of peoples' plight with regards to the impending sporadic increments of essential amenities such as Gas and electricity.

11. Pray for God to completely eradicate Corona virus and for scientists to come up with a medication that can cure it completely.

12. Pray for us to be ambassadors of Christ from henceforth so we can continue to reach out to those that are in need amongst us.

PEACE

Let's begin from a place of peace and trust John 14:27; Matthew 11:28-30; John 16:33;
Isaiah 26:3-4; Romans 15:13; Philippians 4:4-7

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

Praising God for who He is and thanking him for his love, goodness, faithfulness etc.

PRAYING FOR UKRAINE

The Problem

Pray for peace in Ukraine and an end to war:

• Pray that troops from Russia will withdraw; that attacks on cities and towns will cease; for a de-escalation of the crisis
• Invite God's peace to reign across Ukraine; for miraculous breakthroughs to bring an end to war
• Ask for God's protection for all people; that there will be minimal loss of life

Psalm 46 (NIVUK)
¹ God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
⁵ God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
⁷ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
⁸ Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
¹⁰ He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.'
¹¹ The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

The People

Pray for the many people whose lives have been impacted by this crisis:

• For God's safety, shelter and protection for those who are living in Ukraine, those who are being or are displaced, and for refugees as they seek safe passage to other nations
• Pray for God's healing for those wounded by attacks, and comfort for those who are mourning the loss of those they love
• For capacity and resilience for soldiers and emergency services; those with practical skills who are working on the frontlines of both sides of the crisis.
• Pray for those living in Russia who have also been plunged into the reality of war; who are now facing uncertainty, financial insecurity and hardship.

The Politicians and the Peacemakers

Pray for world leaders and those who are striving for peace in Ukraine:

• Invite God's breakthrough in talks between Russia and Ukraine; that a peaceful solution will be proposed and accepted.
• Pray for wisdom and discernment for world leaders as they try to find peaceful and long-term solutions to this crisis.
• Ask for supernatural assistance and breakthrough for diplomats and peacemakers who are working behind the scenes, guiding and working to create solutions.

OTHER PRAYER ITEMS

• Refugees from other ongoing world conflicts would not to be forgotten
• Current Covid situation and NHS treatment backlog
• Anxiety of those worrying about the growing cost of living crisis
• Our church - what is God saying to us in this season?

In this season of Lent Lord make us all a channel of your peace That with love in our hearts we will serve you in word, thought and deed. That we may encourage, bless and uplift each other and in so doing bring honour and glory to God the father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.

As we invite God's presence here with us this evening, we humbly ask for the forgiveness of sins, that by the power of your Holy Spirit you will strengthen, uphold, guide and protect us.

(Please have your bibles with you)

Reading of 1 Chronicles 29 v 10-18

Brothers and Sisters, let us briefly offer up our prayers of thanksgiving to a merciful God for his faithfulness and blessings to us His children.

Now let us seek God on behalf of WCBC:

We thank God Jehovah for the successful outcome of the church meeting; that we were able to have the required number of members. We give thanks for the newly elected deacons, all the leaders of the Church and their families. We thank and praise God for unity in the body of Christ and the diversity of our congregation. We thank Him for the bond of love, peace, understanding and tolerance among the different cultures.

We pray for the development of new ministries and ideas within the church; for space for all to find acceptance and freedom to grow and develop as mature individuals within the body of Christ, being mindful of our spiritual, emotional and mental well-being. We prayer for health and healing of those who are unwell at this time.

What does the phrase "Waiting for a new Minister" mean to you?

Could we be waiting for you? Do we need titles?

Our search for a new Minister to shepherd us as a congregation continues and so does our prayers ...

Prayer for the relationship with your neighbours and your local community.

The development of the youth ministry here at WCBC and our relationship with local Croydon churches and their youth ministries.

The financial affairs of Croydon Council, crime and youth work and also social care services for the elderly.

We pray for the poor and those suffering financial hardship - that they will not be too proud to ask for help and soften our hearts that we will not be too selfish to share.

Croydon refugee day centre: overall management, volunteers and contributions/distributions.

We prayer for peace in Ukraine and the end to the war with Russia. We prayer for success in the diplomatic negotiations between themselves with Russia and Belarus. We prayer for peace in Europe and throughout the world. Lord have mercy. China and North Korea are in the wings and we prayer that the ill-wind will not fan the flames of war throughout the world.

We prayer for our Prime Minister and the entire cabinet and Houses of Parliament. We prayer for the United Kingdom and unity among the nations. May we no longer take it for granted. We prayer for peace in Northern Ireland and Eire. Lord God grant our polititians your wisdom in their negotiations. We prayer for their safety and protection. Watch over their families we prayer. We prayer that you will strengthen them.

We prayer for young people throughout the world but especially those living in countries governed by repressive regimes like Russia, Belarus and Sudan and Nigeria and other parts of Africa and the Middle East that have been fuelling a refugee crisis for the past 25 years or more. We prayer against corruption and double-standards. We prayer for integrity among Christians and non-christians in their dealings with others. We prayer for Afghanistan and Pakistan and Mexico and Latin America. Oh Lord God, hear our prayers.

Are we a praying Church? Can we afford not to prayer? Are you convinced yet that we are living in the last days before we shall see the return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

My cousin Margo, only 61 years old - no known ailments - went to bed on Tuesday night and died in her sleep. Did not wake up. We remember her family in our prayers at this sad time. Any other matters.

Gracious Heavenly Father, in your mercy, please hear our prayers.