Practise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Romans 12:13-16

Prayer Points

Pray for your immediate neighbours and think if there is somethings you can do for them.

Pray that our churches will become places where good relationships are formed. Pray for those who are single (perhaps that’s you!) that special friendships will be formed.

Pray for the protection and wellbeing of asylum seekers. Pray that churches will reach out with practical help but also that many come to a real faith in Christ.

Pray for the gay community and other minority groups – that they will know Christ’s love.

     DAY 16 : ALONE

‘The most daring thing young people can do is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.’ Kurt Vonnegut.

A third of the population lives alone. 1 in 7 young people is homeless or lives in poor housing. The importance of family

and community has declined. Fewer activities revolve around local communities – and if there is a community focal point it is more likely to be a pub than the local church, which was a hub of community life for former generations. People leave home to study or work and find themselves alone – leaving parents alone. Many struggle to find a longed-for life partner. And at the other end of life, an aching void opens when a partner dies.

There is an opportunity for the church. Jesus said, “Do to others what you would have them do for you.” If you were alone, what would you like someone to do for you? Invite you round for a meal? Coffee? Out for a drink? It’s all about taking the initiative. We can make it a priority to include and befriend the lonely and the single by creating inclusive communities. ‘God sets the lonely in families.’ (Psalm 68:5,6) If our father in heaven extends his love to those who are single, widowed and vulnerable, then we can be his hands and feet by taking action.

Of course this also extends to those we might be tempted to shun as different. We all tend to gravitate towards those who are like us. Yet whole people-groups can find themselves rejected or even targets of abuse. God says to treat foreigners as we would treat fellow countrymen, to love them as we love ourselves. (Leviticus19:33-34) Perhaps the challenge is to demonstrate God’s love even to those who have made wrong choices?

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Pray

*    Pray for your ‘big issue’

*    Pray for your ‘three friends’

*    Pray for a new wave of revival.