Prayer Booklet 80
Dear Reader, (Please see notes in Paragraphs 2 & 3)
Welcome to Booklet 80 of reflection and thoughts for prayer from the Presbytery Prayer Promoters’ Group. As usual, let me graciously remind you that we understand that for some of you, you will have your own prayer guides and ways of approaching God, but we hope that many readers will enjoy these reflections and use them to help guide their thoughts in prayer. Please share these notes as widely as possible, especially where you know someone who has expressed that they struggle with knowing how to pray.
I have decided to have a few weeks presenting something different, but always with the focus on prayer. Let us learn from the lives of devotion to God from some of his faithful servants. I am starting with some of the wisdom of Corrie Ten Boom. In case you don’t know about her let me share briefly that because of her faith and her family’s decision to help Jews and Dutch underground workers in Holland during the war, her family was eventually captured and imprisoned in Ravensbruck Concentration Camp where she witnessed the cruel death of her sister. She found refuge in God alone and in her later life became a powerful orator and writer about many aspects of living the Christian life and especially about prayer. She lived until she was 91. I advise reading her amazing book, ‘The Hiding Place.’
We continue to pray for our churches (notes included again at the end), COP 26 (Notes at end) and the local house explosion tragedy in Ayr. (Prayers on each day…) This is a lot of work, but I believe essential and worth it… Thank you)
If you would like to comment or have a story you would like to share then feel free to contact me: christistewart@btinternet.com Amen
Sunday, 24th October, 2021
This Sunday (24 October), Christians across the country – and further afield – will continue to join together in prayer and reflection at 7pm in response to the pandemic.
This week’s letter:
“Today, there are many voices crying out to be heard. The voices are of those who suffer and who are broken, and of those who are isolated and alone. These voices are intermingled with many others that cry out, whether for good or ill, and seek to be heard. Truly, there are many voices crying out to be heard.
“The Gospel of Mark records an occasion when Jesus heard a particular voice crying out to be heard. The voice was that of Bartimaeus who was determined to be heard even in the face of the crowd.
“The voice of Bartimaeus was raised in spite of the rebuke of those who told him to be quiet. As he is told to be quiet, he shouts all the more: “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
“Jesus hears his voice and calls him into His presence: “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus hears his voice and responds to the depth of his need: “Go… your faith has healed you.” (Mark 10: 46-52)
“From the depths of the crowd, Jesus hears our cry and wills to answer and to bring healing.”
We pray:
Lord, hear us,
Graciously hear us,
As we turn to You and cry for mercy:
Hear our voice today,
Even from the depths of the crowd,
And answer our cry.
Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Lord, hear us,
Graciously hear us,
As we turn to You and cry for mercy:
Hear the voice of those who suffer,
Even in their brokenness,
And answer their cry.
Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Lord, hear us,
Graciously hear us,
As we turn to You and cry for mercy:
Hear the voice of the lonely,
Even from their place of isolation,
And draw them into the community of Your people.
Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Lord, hear us,
Graciously hear us,
As we turn to You and cry for mercy:
Hear our voice today,
Even as You heard the cry of Bartimaeus,
And inspire in us faith and bring to us healing.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Monday 25th October, 2021
I promised in the first booklet that we would begin each new one offering this reflection and prayer of praise and hope (After week 70, I now only use it to remind us). because it is so appropriate from Paula Lennox, a member of both the Mission Committee and the Prayer Promoters’ Group:
As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more (Psalm 71:14)
In this time of anxiety and uncertainty, let us remember there is always someone we can rely on. May we start each day thanking him for all he has done for us and holding this gratitude before us as a beacon of hope.
Prayer
Father, we thank you for your promise to always be with us no matter our circumstances and we hold on to that promise now, as we feel anxious and uncertain as each day goes by. May we remember that through you all things were created, that you have supremacy over everything and nothing is impossible for you. You are our hope and we praise you. Amen
Prayer points are all about praising God:
Praise Him for the little things, we previously took for granted
Praise Him for nature that continues to flourish
Praise Him for more time to spend in His Word
Praise Him that whatever happens he is our hope Praise Him for…Now just talk to God about whatever is on your heart…he wants to bless you and give you peace as you trust in him. Amen
From Corrie Ten Boom:
“The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being able to do something, and enter God’s realm where everything is possible. He specializes in the impossible. Nothing is too great for His almighty power. Nothing is too small for His love.”
Clearly, Corrie believed implicitly in the words of scripture which reminded her of God’s sovereign power, like the words I printed in the urgent prayer request of last Tuesday morning from Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble…” (v1) and “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (v 10)
Note, that the Psalmist does not say God always removes trouble – we still live in a broken, fallen world. The amazing presence of God with us in the midst of trouble is what we need, as Corrie found during her horror years in the concentration camp. She did witness some miracles, but above all she valued the knowledge of the presence and loving-kindness of the Lord.
Let us Pray about Kincaidston:
- We confess, Lord, that we do not understand why tragedies happen, but they do. Help us to see your presence in the midst of trouble and to reflect that nothing is too difficult for you.
- We pray for the family at the centre of the tragedy – in three hospitals (at the time of writing). Show them your love in their trauma
- Grant wisdom, knowledge and loving hearts to all who are treating them and trying to find a way to heal them.
Tuesday 26th October, 2021
From Corrie Ten Boom and Jesus:
If it’s dark everywhere, you can become so discouraged. You might doubt whether light still exists. But even if you can’t see the Lord, He sees you and me. Jesus said, ‘And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’ (Matt. 28:20).When it’s necessary,He suddenly says, ‘I’m still here!’
Let us pray about Kincaidston:
- Lord God, we come to you as your disciples in our time and humbly ask you to teach us to pray – let us understand all that is spoken when we say the Lord ’s Prayer (say it now, thinking about each few words), and teach us how to approach you when we pray. Speak to us as we wait quietly before you…
- We thank you for the realisation that you are everywhere and that includes Kincaidston where there is currently so much trauma. Forgive us that so often we do not know your presence, and we cry out to you on behalf of those who are completely unaware of you. Lord pour out your healing love in this area. Give strength to the exhausted; grant clarity of mind to those too confused to think straight; give rest to those who don’t know how to stop…
- We thank you for everyone dedicated to helping provide for the needs of others, especially those who go above and beyond the call of duty wherever they see a need. Bless every piece of work done and bless those who have shared from their own resources. Draw them to those who need them…
Wednesday 27th October, 2021
From Corrie Ten Boom
“I have experienced His presence in the deepest hell that man can create. I have really tested the promises of the Bible, and believe me, you can count on them.”
“Nobody can take away from you those texts from the Bible which you have learned by heart.”
Reflect and pray:
What promises of God are you counting on today? If you are like me, you will have been encouraged to learn Bible verse by heart when you were a child. I am grateful so often for the way in which they come to mind as I need them. In situations like Corrie’s, she could call on them when she had no opportunity to read His word, and they gave her great comfort…
Prayers for Kincaidston:
- Our Father, we thank you for your written word and we pray that it will bless many as they call it to mind in these most difficult circumstances. We thank you for the Living Word of Jesus – may he be known as a friend to many at this time.
- Lord God, the pictures of the devastation in Gorse Park cause us to feel panic, not knowing where to begin. Bring order out of the chaos. Thank you for every calming influence, and every ordered mind with a plan of action. Bless all those who are trying to make a difference. Grant renewed strength.
- We pray for all those who cannot see a way through the problems created for them by this incident, and for all those terrified that they are vulnerable. Send your peace, Lord.
Thursday 28th October, 2021
From Corrie Ten Boom:
“Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?”
From Jesus:
“ Give us each day our daily bread.” Luke 11:3
Reflect and pray: We believe Jesus to be our Lord and Saviour. He is also our greatest teacher. I think Corrie was reminding us to pray always, as Jesus did when he taught us ‘the Lord’s Prayer’. Give us this day our daily bread. We have to come to God freshly each day trusting Him for all He provides.
Prayers for Kincaidston:
- Loving God, we thank you that one of your names is Yahweh Jireh – ‘God who will provide’. We humbly ask you to grant us what we need and thank you for all that we have. Today we pray especially that you will provide all that the people of Kincaidston need. You see even those needs that are hidden from us…grant answers, even miracles of provision.
- Today, Lord, open our eyes to those in need around us. We pray especially for the Food Banks. Show us how to be generous in our giving without being critical of those who find themselves in need. Show us what we should do.
- Father, there is no doubt that in the community of Kincaidston, many plans, hopes and dreams will have been shattered by this explosion and many relationships will be at breaking point. May all relax into the shelter of your love which we ask will be seen everywhere around. We praise you that the essence of your being is Love. Be present for all.
Friday 29th October, 2021
From Corrie Ten Boom:
“I prayed to dispel my fear, until suddenly, and I do not know how the idea came to me, I began to pray for others. I prayed for everyone who came into my thoughts – – people with whom I had travelled, those who had been in prison with me, my school friends of years ago. I do not know how long I continued my prayer, but this I do know – – my fear was gone! Interceding for others had released me!”
Reflect: What an experience of prayer. Surely we can learn from this woman who was taught in the school of tragedy and despair how to pray for others. Sometimes we learn more when life is difficult…let us be faithful in bringing others to the Lord, and find His blessings of peace in our lives.
For Kincaidston today I have chosen to go back to the original prayer I sent out the morning after the explosion, with slight amendments. Of course, you should feel free to include your own thoughts and prayers – the more the better – and pray specifically for those known to you… Psalm 46 v1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble…” In Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
And from Mark 12:30:31: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbour as yourself. “There is no commandment greater than these.”
For now, I simply offer a prayer to unite us and to encourage us to continue praying in our own way: Loving and gracious God, thank you that in Jesus, and by the presence of your Holy Spirit we are never alone. Thank you that not even a sparrow can fall to the ground without your loving care.
We thank you that you are present in the tragedy and trauma of this explosion in Kincaidston. Grant the family and neighbours healing and peace.
May your grace be poured out through all those who are there to bring relief; grant them renewed strength in their exhaustion and healing rest to enable them to continue dealing with it all
Pour out your loving-kindness on all who are caught up in the heart of this devastation and who suffer loss, shock and hurt. May loving strength, wisdom and energy be given to all those directly caring for the hurt, the bewildered, the confused, the traumatised.
Help those searching to find answers and deal with the problem
May those who can, be quick to provide support that is needed.
May others be devoted to praying for your loving and healing presence where we cannot have direct involvement.
May we be willing to share from our resources of money, goods, loving-kindness, talents and time.
Loving God, may you be seen at work quietly and constantly through your people at this time and may your name be honoured, as we pray in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7
Saturday 29th October, 2021
SOME CHURCH DETAILS FOR PRAYER PURPOSES (Repeated)
I have written the churches in their groupings mainly as assigned by plan A in the Mission Development Plan, simply for a way of assigning them to prayer. (Some are still linked as they are currently -as I used the yearbook. Also, I have no intention to pre-empt decisions still to be made). In each group I have named the Area Grouping Convener/Secretary. Please pray for them and everyone involved in discussions. I suggest we all pray the Lord’s Prayer over them plus other words of scripture. Take time and make your requests fervently and earnestly to God for His will to be done in these very difficult days for the church and the Testimony of Jesus our Lord and Saviour.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name;
Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done;
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation;
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
The power and the glory,
For ever and ever. AMEN
- Pray for the Convener and Secretary of each area group that they will find God’s grace to them sufficient for the task.
- Pray for all who attend any meetings that each will look on the other with understanding, and that anger and bitterness will have no place as people honestly strive to understand the issues and present their situation honestly and openly.
- Pray that all will seek God’s will to fulfil the commission given by Jesus to reach out to others in His name
- Pray that care will be taken to keep the light of Christ shining brightly and strongly across our Presbytery
- Pray God’s grace on all who serve on the Mission Committee
- Pray that ministers currently in service will not be driven from their calling by sheer physical exhaustion; that they will not be over-extended; that they will not be in a situation where they are forced to withdraw from mission activities already in place where these are successfully reaching and touching the lives of many and drawing them to Jesus.
- Pray that people will keep their eyes firmly focused on the Lord, and that congregations will still choose to worship even where there could be sadness about the effect on their area, and the ‘fate’ of church buildings
- Let no-one make decisions for the sake of man’s approval – only to fulfil God’s will.
- Pray for the Mission Development Committee – that they will be able to focus on helping churches to build Mission and Outreach with new initiatives; new additional posts and new funding ideas.
- PRAY FOR REVIVAL ACROSS OUR NATION.
North Area Grouping (Rev Dr S McKenna/Mrs L Rankin)
“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
“As for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7
Craigie Symington/Prestwick South
Minister: Rev Kenneth Elliott; OLM: Rev Tom McLeod; Session Clerk: Mrs Doreen Tait (CS); Alan Moir (PS)
Dundonald
Minister: Rev Lynsey Brennan; Session Clerk: Bob Stewart
Monkton & Prestwick North – Locum: Rev Stewart Birse; I.M. Rev Brian Hendrie; Session Clerk: Pending
Prestwick: Kingcase
Minister: Rev Ian Wiseman; Session Clerks: Alastair McIntyre & Libby Syme
Prestwick: St Nicholas
I.M. Rev David Gemmell; Locum: Rev Fraser Aitken; Session Clerk: Margaret McIntosh.
Troon: Old
Minister: Rev David Prentice-Hyers; Session Clerk: Andrew Fell
Troon: Portland
I.M. Bill Duncan; Locum: Rev Mary Elizabeth Prentice-Hyers; Session Clerk: John Reid
Troon: St Meddans
I.M. Rev James Hogg; Locum: Rev Andrew McGurk; Session Clerk: Elaine Rodger
May God sustain them and enable them to work in harmony to the glory of His name.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.” John 14:27
Central Area Grouping (Rev Mandy Ralph/Paula Lennox)
“Trust in the Lord forever…the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:4
Alloway: Minister: Rev Neil McNaught;
Session Clerk: Eric Ness;
Ayr: The Auld Kirk
Minister: Rev David Gemmell; Session Clerk: Kate Lockhart
Ayr: Castlehill
Minister: Rev Paul Russell; Session Clerk: Douglas Owens
Ayr: Newton Wallacetown
I.M. and Locum: Rev Rona Young; Session Clerk: John Bell
Ayr: St Andrews
Minister: Rev Stanley Okeke; Session Clerk: Ian Lamberton
Ayr: St James
Minister: Rev Barbara Suchanek-seitz; Session Clerk: Bill Mackie
Ayr: St Columba
Minister: Rev Dr Scott McKenna; Session Clerk: Robert Bartholomew
Ayr: St Quivox
Minister: Rev John McCutcheon; Session Clerk: David McMahon
Ayr: St Leonard’s/ Dalrymple
Minister: Rev Brian Hendrie; Session Clerk: David Murdoch (St L) David Cottrell (D)
May God sustain them and enable them to work in harmony to the glory of His name.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
East Area Grouping (Rev Paul Russell/Dr David Lewis)
“… For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Annbank/Tarbolton
Minister: Rev Mandy Ralph; Session Clerks: Mrs Audrey Brown (A) and Mrs Maureen McNae (T)
Auchinleck/Catrine
Minister: Rev Stephen Clipston; Session Clerk: Molly Sunter (A) Pending (C)
Coylton/Drongan
Minister: Rev Dr Alwyn Landman; Session Clerk: Anne Howat (C) Margaret Clarke/Anne Hope (D)
Mauchline/Sorn
Minister: Rev Allan Vint; Session Clerks: Mrs Kirsty Murray (M) and Mrs Christeen Dunlop (S)
New Cumnock
Minister: I.M. and Locum Rev Ken Yorke; Session Clerk: Morag Ferrans
Ochiltree/Stair
Locum and I.M. Rev George Fiddes; Session Clerk: Isabell Montgomerie (O); Mrs Ghislaine Kennerly (S)
Muirkirk/Old Cumnock Trinity
I.M. Rev Alwyn Landman; Locum: Rev Scott Daily; Session Clerk: Sylvia Gallacher (M) Kay Mitchell (OCT)
Old Cumnock: Old/Lugar
Minister: Rev John Paterson; Session Clerk: Ian Ronald (OC); Pending (L)
South Area Grouping (Rev Dr A Vint/Mr Gordon MacDonald)
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
Ballantrae/ St Colmon
Minister: Rev Theo Corney; Session Clerk: Claire Strain (B) Lynne McIlwraith (St C)
Barr/Dailly/Girvan South
I.M. and Locum: Rev Edgar Ogston; Session Clerk: Sharon Trotter (B) Ronald Turnbull (D) Ken Johnstone (GS)
Girvan North
I.M. James Anderson; Locum: Glenn Ronald; Session Clerk (acting): Ian Fitzsimmons
Crosshill/Maybole
Interim Moderator: Rev Paul Russell; Locum: Rev John Lochrie; Session Clerk: Pending (C) Lynne Rankin (M)
Fisherton/Kirkoswald
Locum and I.M. Rev David Hume; Session Clerk: Elspeth Carter (F); Elizabeth Veitch (K)
Dalmellington/Patna Waterside
Interim Moderator: Pending; Pastoral assistant: Barbara Jenkinson Session Clerk: Jean Barclay (D); Gordon McCrone (PW),
Kirkmichael/Straiton
Minister: Rev Gerald Jones; Session Clerk: Janet McFadzean (K); Margaret Logan (S)
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27 AMEN
Nothing is too great for His almighty power. Nothing is too small for His love.” Corrie Ten Boom
COP 26 from “Pray for Scotland” More details on their web-site and from Christian Aid…
“Pray for Scotland” is producing prayers for 21 days prior to the conference in Glasgow. I share from day 1 with you…
Pray for:
- All involved in planning and preparing for COP26, that everything will be done to the highest standards.
- The peace, safety and security of Glasgow, the rest of Scotland and the UK before, during and after the conference.
- The churches and Christian organisations preparing for outreach and other activities on the streets and throughout the city – that many would come to know Christ through them.
- The senior officials in the national delegations who are Christians – that God’s favour would be on them to be ‘influencers for good’ in advising their leaders.
May we also pray for all delegates, that they will come to the conference with goodwill and determination to take care of God’s creation – whatever their spiritual or secular beliefs.
Prayer Ideas from Christian Aid:
Join us at COP26
COP26 is a huge moment for the world to stand together against climate change. The church in the UK and around the world has a crucial role to play. We can influence political leaders to be ambitious and to take steps to end the climate crisis.
Churches can speak up with a strong moral voice. Together, we can mobilise members to challenge the abuse of creation and insist on the value and dignity of every human being. Churches can offer powerful witness, in words and actions, for a future where everyone can flourish.
The countdown is on to COP26. Now is the time for action. Find out how you and your church can join the movement of people around the world who are calling for climate justice.
There are many resources and prayer ideas on the Christian Aid website at www.christianaid.org.uk