For those who are reading these prayer points for the first time – do read the information at the bottom of this report which includes how this started and tips and pointers to help you during this COVID time.
Just the other day I read in my Bible the remarkable story of Joseph in Genesis. I posted some of his story on my Facebook page – some of you might have seen it, but for those who didn’t, let me share it here again. Joseph was hated by his brothers – they were jealous of him. They had planned to kill him but at the last moment, he was sold into slavery. He didn’t see his dad and brothers for 20 years. He was then accused of something he did not do and was put into prison. He was forgotten about by someone who had been on the receiving end of his kindness in providing an interpretation of a dream – he forgot him for two years! But God had not forgotten him! No matter what he went through it says that God was with him and gave him success, even in prison! Then in an instant God raised him up and he became the leader in Egypt – the only person who had greater authority was Pharaoh himself. What an incredible story!
No matter what your circumstances or where you find yourself remember God is with you! Woohoo! He is always with you – no matter what you face! He has not forgotten you! (The Lord says in Isaiah 49:15 – Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion for the child she has borne, though she may forget, I will not forget you!) Do remember in this crazy world which is full of fear, anxiety, stress, despair and immense pain, God has NOT forgotten us! And especially remember from this story that God can change your circumstances – in an instant!!!!
There is so much in this world to pull us down – I’m sure Joseph experienced heartache, pain, disappointment and at times despair, but let’s remember as we begin to pray that God is able to change things in an instant. Let’s pray remembering and holding this story in our hearts.
PRAYER POINTS FOR FRIDAY 29th January 2021
- Praise God the statistics for people testing positive is still coming down. Even the hospital admission rates show a small decline. Please do continue to pray that the death rate comes down in every part of the UK. You cannot have failed to hear that the death rate has gone passed 100,000. Pray for many who have lost loved ones – many in our nation will be in mourning! Please continue to pray that people will continue to obey the rules of the lockdown and that eventually we will soon see greater improvements in the statistics.
- Pray for our Government – for our Prime Minister, for every Member of Parliament – whatever party they belong to. Pray that they will have wisdom to know how and when to allow the restrictions to be lifted. Pray for good and faithful leaders – pray for favour for them. Pray for our Royal Family too. God calls us to pray for our leaders so let’s do that and encourage them in any way we can. Pray for leaders right across the world – so many are facing difficult challenges – do continue to pray for the USA too. Pray for peace for each nation and for wisdom for each National Leader and pray for God’s will to be done on earth as in Heaven.
- Praise God for the NHS – the nurses, doctors, surgeons in fact everyone in the health care system – they are all working so hard. They are giving all they can to help those who are sick, so let’s encourage them and pray for them. We pray for good health and strength for them. Pray that the kindness of God will be seen in and through them. Pray for their physical and mental health at this time. Pray for those who work in care homes too. Pray that they will show kindness and love to all their clients. Pray for God to reveal his love to him as they serve in this way
- Pray that the vaccine will be given to all as quickly as is physically possible. Pray that the second jab will be able to be given too. We are so fortunate in this country to have three vaccines available. These vaccines are being released so quickly and over 7 million people have had the first jab already. Do continue to pray that all the statistics come down as many receive their vaccine. Do please continue to pray against fear – there are many fears about the vaccines but we do not and must not partner with fear in any way. Let’s pray for peace for us all as we walk into the future.
- Pray for school children – we now know that they will not be going back to school until March at least. Many children are struggling as they cannot see their friends and so many are finding it difficult to do their school work at home. Parents are finding home schooling very difficult – so do pray for them to have patience whilst at the same time pray for encouragement for them all. Particularly pray for parents who are working from home whilst trying to juggle home schooling etc. It’s not easy and it can cause tension and an increase in stress and anxiety. So, pray for peace and much joy in our homes.
- This lockdown is not helpful for our economy, so please pray for businesses all over the country – small ones as well as big ones. Pray that each owner will find a way of earning money during the lockdown. Pray for wisdom for them. Pray also for those who have lost their jobs. The news told us this week that unemployment is at an all-time high. Do pray that jobs will be found during this time. Pray also that the lack of money would not cause problems between family members. Pray for a spirit of generosity and kindness in each family in our nation. Pray and ask God for ways to be able to encourage and build hope in your friends and neighbours.
- Above all, pray that many will come to know the Lord at this time. We are living in a time when more and more people are open to knowing if our God exists and if he can help them. Let’s not be afraid to tell others about the faith you have and the way God has helped you. Tell stories of his undying love and his amazing grace to us all. Our world needs God right now and he is looking for ways in which to engage with many. Keep praying for a move of God like never before. Let’s use the lyrics of this song once more to see a Great Awakening across our world:
Lord, pour out your Spirit
On all the peoples of the earth
Let your sons and daughters
Speak your words of prophesy
Send us dreams and visions,
Reveal the secrets of your heart
Lord our faith is rising
Let all Heaven sound the coming of your day
There’s gonna be a great awakening
There’s gonna be a great revival in our land
There’s gonna be a great awakening
And everyone who calls on Jesus
They will be saved.
Lord pour out your Spirit
On all the nations of the world
Let them see your glory
Let them fall in reverent awe
Show your mighty power
Shake the heavens and the earth
Lord, the world is waiting
Let creation see the coming of your day
Written by Ray Goudie, Dave Bankhead and Steve Bassett.
Do you need prayer? What a joy it has been to pray for those who have asked for prayer in recent months. We are seeing many answers to our prayers. Remember if you or others need prayer do drop us an email and we will pray. Don’t forget our prayer line if you or others need prayer – prayer@ngm.org.uk
We are living in the most incredible time – a time when there is an openness to our God like never before. Let’s show people through our kindness, love and generosity who our God is. Joseph was used to save the known world at that time – read the story (Genesis 37 – 50) and you will see what God did through Joseph. He can do the same through you. Show love, kindness and humility and ask God how you can help others at this time. Ask people if they would like you to pray for them. Don’t get involved in negative disputes and conversations particularly about those in leadership in our country, the States or in our world. There is so much negativity around, let’s not add to it, but instead let’s speak positive and encouraging words. Let’s take a hold of this unique time where many are open to the message of salvation. Let’s show who our God is by our love and kindness. Sending you all loads of love
NANCY GOUDIE
For those who are reading these prayer points for the first time, do read below:
Setting the scene
On 20th March I called for a National Day of Prayer, not only for the UK, but also for others who live further afield. A few days after it was over two friends contacted me and asked if I would do a National Prayer Day every Friday, and asked if I would continue to give some pointers each week for prayer. After prayer, I took up the challenge of doing just that. Thank you for joining us. To read previous prayer points and encouragements – go to www.nancygoudie.com/blog/
Helpful instructions/suggestions:
- Set your phone, your watch, your alarm clock or whatever to remind you to pray throughout the day. I would suggest praying every hour for a few minutes or for as long as you wish, but make a time that is suitable for yourself.
- Maybe pray for one of the above pointers every hour – or take one for each day of the week.
- Every time you wash your hands, which should be often – then pray a ‘Heal Our Nation’ prayer – sing or speak the lyrics of ‘Heal our Nation’ and ask God to pour out his Spirit on this land. ‘Heal our Nation, Heal our Nation, Heal our Nation, pour out your Spirit on this land.’ Sing or speak that twice. And finish with the first line from the verse ‘Lord we long for you to move in power’ – and ask God to move in the UK but also move in our world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoZwje7Ogkg
- Keep reading Psalm 91, Psalm 121 and Psalm 46 to encourage yourself and your family with the truth of the word of God. Perhaps try meditating on Psalm 62:5-6 – Find rest, O my Soul in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will not be shaken.
- Use the UK Blessing – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUtll3mNj5U Play it in your home – make this as a wonderful blessing on you and your family, your children and their children. When you go a walk pray it over your neighbourhood. The song was written in Elevation church, USA. You can watch here and discover how the song came together in the presence of the Lord – no wonder this song is being used at this time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp6aygmvzM4&feature=emb_rel_end
