Throughout the last year and five months that I have written these blogs to go with the prayer points, I have often encouraged each of us to show love and kindness to others. We never know how a kind word or deed might affect others around us. Recently I have been on the receiving end of an act of kindness from strangers who are now friends. Since my husband died in 2016, I often go to the island of Jersey in June as it holds special memories for me. When my husband and I decided to become boyfriend/girlfriend we discovered that on the very next day, we were both going on holiday to Jersey. He went with a group of boys and I went with a group of girls. We all met up many times in Jersey and had a great time. A year later, Ray and I went back to Jersey on holiday. When we got married, we had our honeymoon in Jersey and then when it was our 25th wedding anniversary we received a gift of a holiday there. So, you can see the island holds many special memories for me.
I decided this year to go during the time that would have been my 48th wedding anniversary had my husband still been alive. As you can imagine, I am always a little apprehensive going down to the hotel restaurant as I am always the only one at a table on my own. Each time I came down the stairs for breakfast or dinner, I was always praying that God’s presence with me would be so evident and I wouldn’t feel alone. One night, a couple who were sitting at the table next to mine, started a conversation with me and we discovered that we loved walking along the same beach not far from the hotel. When they left, they said they might see me later walking along the seashore. I didn’t see them at all, but the next morning at breakfast they came to my table to chat and asked if I would like to walk that beach with them. They had been there the previous day, but we hadn’t seen each other. On that day, as we walked along the beach, I discovered what an interesting couple they were. They had so many stories of work and holiday trips abroad which I really enjoyed hearing about. Later on that day, we sat in the gardens of the hotel together chatting further. The next morning, they asked me, as the weather wasn’t great, if I would I like them to give me a tour of part of the island that I hadn’t seen before. I took them up on their offer and we went out for a number of hours together, exploring the island in their car. There was not a lull in the conversation as we discovered beautiful bays and places to have coffee. Unknown to them, this was the day that would have been my 48th wedding anniversary. I hadn’t told them that information, but their kindness to me that day meant so much. I had asked the Lord that morning to show me what to do on that day, and he provided two people who didn’t really know me to take me out for the day! Their act of kindness was such a blessing. I wasn’t alone on a day that could have been difficult for me.
You may never know what your random deed of kindness will mean to others, but let’s look for opportunities to be kind, considerate and loving to those around us. You never know what another person is going through and perhaps your word or deed of love and kindness might be exactly what they need at that time. With that thought in mind, let’s pray for our nation and for our world.
PRAYER POINTS FOR FRIDAY 16th July 2021
1) The 19th July will soon be upon us and it looks as though most things if not everything will open on that day despite Covid cases rising. The good news is that although the death rate is increasing slightly, it is not rising significantly and it seems as though most of those who have been fully vaccinated are being protected from the virus. Around 65% of our nation is fully vaccinated now. Do pray for the government and in particular the Prime Minister – pray for wisdom for them in this difficult time. Pray for unity, even within the parties, with regards to Covid-19 and the way forward. Do pray too for wise decisions from people from 19th July and that people would listen to the guidance even though it is not now law.
2) We praise God for our much loved NHS. We really do have a wonderful health care system. Do pray for each worker – from cleaners to surgeons. Pray for protection for them and for wonderful strength to keep them going in the midst of tough and difficult circumstances. Thank God too for the vaccination programme and that 65 -70% of the population are now fully vaccinated. Do pray that the hospitalisations due to Covid do not rise any further and that those who do go into hospital will recover quickly. Pray too for capacity in the NHS to increase in order to allow treatments that have been forgotten for the last 18 months to recommence and that backlogs start to be cleared. Do continue to pray for care home staff and those who work in people’s own homes too. Pray that these precious people who put their lives on the line for many every day will be protected and strengthened.
3) Let’s pray against the fear and anxiety many people are feeling at this time because of Covid-19. These feelings are affecting the young as well as the old and much of it can lead to poor mental and emotional health. In particular many young people who are not yet vaccinated are experiencing fear because they will be vulnerable when the economy opens up fully. Do pray for all who want to be vaccinated that they will get their jabs quickly.
4) It is becoming more and more evident that loads of people have struggled through the last year and a half with mental health problems. Do pray for many to find the way to peace through Jesus. We know that only the peace that passes understanding can guard our hearts and minds – so let’s pray that many find Christ during this time. Pray for churches everywhere to find ways of reaching those who need to experience the peace of Christ.
5) We really do need a radical change in our media reporting. So much of what we hear is at best a twisting of the truth. So much of it is causing pain to others. Let’s pray for those who work in the media or in journalism to be men and women of integrity and honour. Pray that many of the good stories around the world will be published in the papers or read out on the news. Pray too that we as people will not be eager to hear gossip. Many of the tabloids say that what they print is what the public want to hear and know. So, let’s pray for a change of heart in ourselves and in our nation.
6) Pray for our economy opening up again. Pray for a safe way of doing that for everyone. Pray for those who are now required to work in the office rather than at home. Pray for our economy to bounce back quicker than expected. Pray for provision for those who have suffered loss financially during the last year and a half.
7) We continue to seek God for a move in our nation that changes the hearts of us all. Let’s continue to pray for revival and a deep awareness of the love and power of God. Let’s pray for the truth because we know that the truth sets people free.
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
I hope you are still finding these prayer points helpful. As the Prime Minister has said, Covid-19 is not going away, it is something that we will need to live with, however I believe as we pray, we can see the effects of this virus taken away through the love and power of God. So let’s keep praying. Let’s keep our hearts and minds fixed on our Lord and not on the circumstances. The next National Day of Prayer for Covid-19 will be on 20th August. I will be back in touch then. Just to let you know that although I will only be preparing prayer points monthly – I am going to release more blogs for you to read should you wish to do so. Watch out for them on social media or visit my website – www.nancygoudie.com/blog
Sending you much love and huge encouragement – your friend – NANCY x
