Many of us over the last year or so have had to deal with loss of health or even loss of life of a family member or friend. When I heard that the Queen had lost her husband of 73 years, my heart went out to her and I am sure many of you felt the same. Any loss is hard, but losing your beloved husband who has been a strong support through the years and certainly was her best friend is so sad – especially when she is 94 years old. I lost my own husband in 2016 and so I know how hard it can be. We had been married for 43 years and loved each other immensely. Through this week of mourning, let’s remember every day to pray for the Queen who has said that her husband’s absence will cause a huge void in her life. I know when I lost my husband, I could not have gone through it without my relationship with my Heavenly Father. He loved me through it and continues to do so every day since. Let’s pray that the Queen will sense a deep awareness of the presence of a wonderful God who keeps close to the broken hearted. According to Prince Andrew the Queen described his passing as a miracle. Sophie, the Countess of Wessex said that his death was so peaceful “it was like someone took him by the hand and off he went.” Let’s remember the Queen, but also look out for others in our society right now who are suffering loss too. Death is never easy to navigate, but when you have a close relationship with the Lord, that really helps. Today and every day, let’s thank God for his constant care for each of us. And let’s introduce others to the one who has loved us and cared for us like no other.
PRAYER POINTS FOR FRIDAY 16th April 2021
- What a joy to know that the statistics are still coming down. We have been praying for this for a long time, so make sure we all tell the Lord we are so grateful. It’s so wonderful to know that the death statistics, the hospital admissions and the cases continue to fall despite the schools being back etc. Let’s pray that even as lockdown continues to be relaxed, that the statistics would continue to fall. Praise God too for the vaccinations – we now have over 32 million people with the first jab and over 8 million with both jabs. Do pray that the jabs will not produce any dangerous side effects whether in this country or abroad. Let’s continue to pray for mainland Europe – so many countries are struggling to control this virus. Continue to pray that they are able to get supplies of the vaccine out to their people and that soon they will be able to get Covid-19 under control in each individual country.
- This week lets pray for our Queen and for the whole of the Royal family. Prince Philip’s funeral will be held tomorrow (Saturday) so let’s remember our precious Queen in particular. I know how difficult a funeral can be and of course at the age of 94 it is even more difficult. Pray for the presence of God to surround her at this time. As I said in my blog, her children have mentioned her strong Christian faith and in particular how miraculous Prince Philip’s home call was. Do pray for the Lord to be close to the Queen at this time. She is broken-hearted and I know again from experience how much the Lord is close to the broken-hearted. Let’s also pray for the turmoil in the family at this time with the interview of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Pray that family rifts will be healed and that the Queen would be comforted by having her family around her. According to what we have seen and heard in the newspapers and from experts she is particularly fond of Prince Harry. May his presence there be a comfort to her at this time. Let’s continue to pray for our Prime Minister too. Pray for all MP’s and for unity and support to be shown through trying to walk forward out of this pandemic. Pray for wisdom for all.
- We continue to pray for our NHS and for all who work within its walls. Pray for health and strength for them all and pray that compassion and kindness remain a top priority at all times. Praise God that the hospital admissions continue to go down. Also pray for those who work in Care Homes or work as a carer for those who need help at home. Praise God for kind and good carers who through their wonderful generosity and kindness bring healing to many.
- Mental health remains a top priority for prayer at this time. So many have been deeply affected by the lockdowns etc., and doctors are finding that more and more people approaching them for help. Do pray for the mental health of our nation. Pray that as lockdown happens, many will find the return to some sort of normality comforting, but also that they will find Jesus at this time. Pray for people who know and love God to come alongside them and point them in the right direction. Pray for counsellors to give good and wise advice that will lead to healing and wholeness. Pray for supernatural dreams that will lead many to know and love the Lord
- There are still riots and demonstrations happening – so let’s continue to pray for peace in our nation particularly in Northern Ireland. Pray for our police force and pray for protection for them all. Pray too against violence and racism. Pray for the riots in Minnesota too. Pray for peace and joy in our world. Pray for wisdom for all. Pray that the government and all world leaders will give wisdom through their words and deeds. Pray for peace for the whole of the UK and also for our world.
- We praise God that some parts of the economy are now back to normal. Praise God that the shops are open and that businesses are able to proceed again. Pray that the lockdown dates will be upheld by the statistics. Pray for success for our economy and that it will bounce back well. Pray for hope to remain in our land. Pray for those who cannot yet get back to work, like conferences, hospitality, theatres etc. Pray that they will have the wisdom to know how to ride out the restrictions on them. Pray for those who have lost jobs through this pandemic. Pray that each person would find a good reliable and enjoyable job.
- We continue to pray for the spiritual side of our nation. We long for a nation that acknowledges God and who loves the Lord our God. Pray for many to turn their hearts and minds towards him. Pray for supernatural occurrences in many lives. Pray for God to have freedom in many hearts that have been closed to him for so long. Continue to pray for Heaven’s armies to be released to bring salvation, repentance and freedom. Pray for the UK but also pray for the world. Every country needs to know the love and power of our God.
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
Our God never fails us – no matter what you face in life, he is the answer! When life is tough and when our peace and joy are threatened, let’s remember to sing our praises of our God. Let’s worship him despite our circumstances. Let’s not deny what we are going through but let’s put our trust in the one who can change our circumstances and who can bring good out of every bad situation. The Lord told me this week when I was on a prayer walk with him to look up! He said, “Nancy, look up and see the beauty of the world I have made.” As I looked at the sky, the sunshine, the colours God had created, my heart began to sing and a smile came on my face. So today and every day, let’s look up – let’s look into the beauty of the face of God. Let’s look at his creation and see the beauty that surrounds us every day, but that we can so easily miss because our troubles seem so hard. Let’s light up our dark world with the love and presence of our God. Don’t look down, instead look up and see his beauty all around us. Enjoy this day – and every day that our dear Lord gives us. Sending you all loads of love and a huge amount of encouragement,
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
