Saturday 16 May - Let us Pray

First Magherafelt

Give thanks for those involved in producing and delivering some 40 CD's and DVD's every week. Pray for all who receive them that they would know God's blessing as they listen to the services.

University and students 

Pray for universities and students asking that God would enable a good end to the academic year under unusual circumstances. Ask for a sense of God’s peace for graduates facing uncertainty about future employment prospects.

Pray for students and staff at Union Theological College as work continues to enable online assessment, asking God to give clarity and accuracy in final marking to reflect and reward a good year’s work interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Friday 15 May - Let us pray

First Magherafelt

Pray for the church family quiz night this evening that as we meet for fun this would help us to grow closer as a church family.

Retail and manufacturing 

Pray for retailers who provide us with essential items for everyday living, asking that God would help them overcome financial and staffing challenges caused by the pandemic’s interruption of the service they provide and begin to resume trading when the time is right.

Pray for the poor and vulnerable working in garment factories around the world who usually produce many of our clothes and are now being laid off without pay, asking that God would meet their needs and that the industry would find better, more just practices to reward their labour in future. 

 

Thursday 14 May - let us pray

First Magherafelt Give thanks for the opportunity to come together to pray each Thursday on zoom. Emergency services Pray for first responders to those experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus in the ambulance and paramedic services, asking that God would use them to bring care and comfort to those experiencing illness and distress, while keeping them safe.   Pray for those serving in the PSNI and Garda Síochána, adjusting to new ways of policing, asking that they would continue to be able to help keep our communities safe and that God would protect them from the effects of coronavirus while they are serving the public.

God Claims “Dibs” on Our Battles

May 13, 2020 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH God Claims "Dibs" on Our Battles SCOTTY SMITH The Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s. 1 Sam. 17:47 This is what the Lord says to you: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chron. 20:15 Heavenly Father, thank you for claiming “dibs” on our battles. Though warfare is a daily part of life, and you give us armor to wear (Eph. 6:10–18), you’re the Divine Warrior that wins the day, and our hearts. You’re not calling us to be disengaged pacifists, but fully engaged worshipers—beholding the salvation of the Lord. We’re never more than little David facing gargantuan Goliath, or Gideon facing a Midianite Army. It’s not our pebbles, pitchers, and torches, but your presence than fells giants and scatters armies. Whether it’s a mere skirmish or an all-out assault, the battle belongs to you. Fear and discouragement are not the order of the day; faith and peace are. When we fear politics, pandemics, and power abusers, turn up the volume on the laughter of heaven (Ps. 2). Let us see Jesus joyfully, sovereignly installed as our reigning Savior-King. When we’re under attack by the seducer, accuser, and condemner of the brethren, once again let us see Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He is our wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30–31). What we need, you have given us in Jesus. When we get pulled into petty fights with our spouse, kids, or anyone—humble and center us with the Gospel, and bring us back to “faith expressing itself in love,” as our core relational commitment. It’s not about who wins, but who loves the best. When our own divided heart wages war within, come to us in the storm, Jesus, and make peace. So very Amen we pray, in your near and glorious name.   Wish you had roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2020 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

Wednesday 13 May - Let us pray

First Magherafelt

Pray for the meeting of small groups this evening as we gather to look at 1 John together.

Easing of restrictions of lockdown

Pray that as the focus moves from containment of the coronavirus to responsible lifting of lockdown restrictions, that decision makers will offer good leadership and that society will follow necessary ongoing restrictions with patience and perseverance.

Pray for businesses as they grapple with the need for modifications to working practices and conditions in the workplace, asking that God would give creativity and the ability to safely and flexibly begin to resume their work.

Tuesday 12 May - Let us Pray

First Magherafelt

Pray for the "crafty ladies" group meeting on Zoom tonight 

Care homes and hospital patients

Pray that as care homes become the new frontline in the battle against coronavirus, that God’s sheltering hand would be known among residents, his protection experienced by staff and his reassurance granted to family members unable to visit loved ones.

Pray for those in hospital at this time, whether suffering from coronavirus or battling other illnesses, that God’s presence would be very meaningful and real and that loved ones unable to visit would know his comfort, strength and peace.     

Heavenward: When Mother’s Day Is Easy or Not

May 10, 2020 view online HEAVENWARD by: Scotty Smith TOPICS BLOGS SECTIONS REVIEWS EVENTS DONATE When Mother's Day Is Easy or Not Scotty Smith And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 Dear Jesus, I dreaded this day for decades. In the church of my youth, on Mother's Day you wore a red rose if your mom was living, and a white one if she had passed. What 11-year-old kid wants to be reminded of the day his mom died in a car wreck? I never wore a white rose, and I stopped going to church on that day. Seven years later, I came to know you, and I discovered that great verse, Romans 8:28. But I started using it like a band-aid on a corpse, so wanting an instant cure for the deadness in my heart. But like all forms of denial, it collapsed under the weight of reality. Jesus, you are a healer, not an illusionist. Thankfully, I now realize Romans 8:28 claims us. we don't claim it. This great promise is a journey, not as a moment—a womb in which new life is being born; not a panacea for pretenders, or a spiritual-epidural for temporary relief. Jesus, thank you that whatever our wound, loss, betrayal, or heartache, you are faithfully at work for our good, healing, and freedom. The wounds we carry can become a portal through which your mercy, grace, and love flow to others. I miss my mom fiercely, and I so look forward to being with her one Day. Help all of us for whom Mother's Day isn't an easy day (for whatever reason), not be defined by our "white roses," to rest more in your love, and grow more compassionate towards others. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name. FORWARD THIS TO A FRIEND SUBSCRIBE TO RECIEVE DAILY UPDATES MONTHLY UPDATES HELP TGC CONTINUE TO PROVIDE FREE RESOURCES LIKE THESE DONATE © 2020 The Gospel Coalition,INC. All Rights Reserved. The Gospel Coalition · PO Box 170346 · Austin, Texas 78717-0021 · USA update email or unsubscribe.

Monday 11th May - Let us pray

First Magherafelt

Pray for youth leaders as they meet this evening and for our young people at home, as they study and for those who are out working..  

Global mission  

Pray for PCI’s global mission workers, thanking God for his health and protection during the pandemic and asking his continued blessing upon their witness to the love of Christ despite the many limitations placed upon them during the current crisis.  
Pray for the work of PCI’s development partners Christian Aid Ireland and Tearfund, as they deliver coronavirus emergency initiatives amongst poor and vulnerable communities around the world. Remember Christian Aid Week (10–17 May), which this year has moved online, asking for generous giving despite our present difficult financial situation.

Sunday 10th May - Let us pray

VE DAY Sunday

On this Sunday when we mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day 

Pray for those who work for peace and freedom throughout the world, that their efforts will bring an end to injustice and oppression.

Pray for ministers of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland who serve as chaplains in the armed services on deployment at home and overseas, that their witness will be fruitful and effective.

Pray that as we remember the sacrifice and resilience of those who lived through the war years and the sense of closure and healing they experienced on VE Day, that our generation would be inspired in their ongoing resolve in facing the present pandemic crisis.