Have you noticed how the scriptures can change our mood, encourage our spirit and brighten our day?  I woke up one morning some time ago feeling tired, worn out, feeling as though I had the weight of the world on my shoulders, but then as I always do, I spent time in the word of God.  My reading (I use my Bible Planner to read the whole Bible each year) that morning was the Psalms 115 – 118!  Wow!  What encouragement I received.  Here are a few of the verses God used to speak to me: 

The Lord remembers us and will bless us (Ps 115:12). 

May the Lord make you increase, both you and your children.  May you be blessed by the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth (Ps 115:14-15). 

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.  Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live (Ps 116:1-2). 

Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you (Ps 116:7). 

For you O Lord have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living (Ps 116:8-9). 

How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me (Ps 115:12)? 

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid, what can man do to me?  The Lord is with me; he is my helper.  I will look in triumph on my enemies (Ps 118:6-7). 

I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me.  The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation (Ps 118: 13-14). 

By the time I was finished, my heart was revived, my soul was no longer down, I was encouraged and blessed.  The word of God has a way of doing what other things cannot do.  It changes us from the inside out. 

 Are you feeling tired, worn out, feeling like everything is getting on top of you?  Is this Covid virus weighing you down?  Have you got problems that feel much too heavy for you to carry?  Then, can I suggest you read a Psalm or two – read the word of God until you begin to feel better.  Keep reading the scriptures until you meet with God and discover his unchanging love for us all.  You may even have brought the pressure on yourself, yet God forgives us and changes us from the inside out.  As the psalm says – The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid!  Trust in him and believe what he says. 

PRAYER POINTS FOR FRIDAY 24^th September 2021           

• The government have continued to tell us that the virus has not gone away – and from all the statistics issued we can see this to be true. However, we have loads to thank God for because his amazing grace and his faithfulness to us means that although we may be feeling hard pressed on every side, we are not crushed or in despair (2 Corinthians 4:8) because we know he continues to show us a way through this virus.  Praise God that the death rates in the UK and the hospital rates in the UK are not huge and pray that they will decline in the coming weeks.  We have seen the trend differ from what the scientists predicted before – so let’s continue to pray for this.

• Let’s continue to hold the NHS and the health care practitioners around the world up before God. Pray for good health and strength for them all and for wisdom and kindness to pour from all they do.

• Fear is one of the biggest threats to us all. Let’s pray against the fear in ourselves and in others.  If we allow fear to go unhindered then we could see many more die from this virus.  Pray against fear and pray for a genuine Biblical hope (an expectation that something good is about to happen) to begin to grow in us all.

• Let’s continue to pray for those who have relatives abroad that they have not seen for some time. I personally can identify with this.  I have a son and daughter in law in the States and haven’t seen them for over two years now.  Pray for international travel to open up when it is safe to do so.  Praise God that many have been able to travel within Europe to see relatives or to have a holiday.

• Pray that we will be generous and kind to others. Pray that we will make sure our neighbours, friends and family have enough to live on.  Ask the Lord to open our eyes and ears to the cries of those who are living on the breadline.

• Pray for those who struggle with mental health. So many smiling faces around us mask the hidden grief and pain underneath.  Again, pray that we would all follow God’s nudges to contact a friend or speak to a neighbour who needs help at a time of crisis in their lives.

• Let us never forget that this is a rare time we are living in. It’s a time when we, as the church, can see God move in extraordinary ways.  Let’s be people who hear, obey and trust God and see many come to know and love 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 

I feel it is important to keep praying and therefore the next National Day of Prayer for Covid will be on October 22^nd.  As I said last month although these prayer points are only issued monthly, let’s keep praying daily as this virus hasn’t gone away.  Many are still getting Covid and some are sadly dying.  Our prayers are making a difference to our nation so let’s be encouraged and keep praying!  Let’s continue to pray for a move of God that changes not only our nation but also our world.  Also do remember that although I am not doing the prayer points each week, there is a new blog every so often on my website: www.nancygoudie.com/blog

Keep going and do not give up.  God is with you all the way!  As Psalm 116:1-2 says, I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.  Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. 

With love, your friend – NANCY 

For those who are reading these prayer points for the first time:  do read below:

 Setting the scene

On 20^th 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:

1. 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.
2. Maybe pray for one of the above pointers every hour – or take one for each day of the week.
3. 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

4. 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.
5. 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

Many years ago, my soon to be husband spoke some words to me which I found difficult to believe.  No one had ever told me this before or if they did, I really didn’t take the words in.  Ray said to me, “You are beautiful.”  Those words astonished me and at the time I wondered if he really meant them.  However, as life went on and we got married, those words and many other ones were whispered in my ears many times.  I remember one day waking up with Ray lying next to me staring at my face.  As I opened my eyes, he told me he was just lying there thinking how beautiful I was!  To be very honest, it took a long while until I really began to believe the words he spoke.

I wonder how many of us believe that we are beautiful.  God has made each of us special, unique and beautiful.  He looks at each one of us and says, “I love and value you – you are beautiful in my sight.”  Do we really believe that this is true?

One thing that Ray struggled with for a long time in life was to know that God loved and valued him.  The day he heard God whispering in his ear, “You are my beloved son in whom I am well pleased”, it changed his life for ever.  As the words found a resting place in his heart, he dissolved into tears and he was transformed.  At times throughout his life, he could hardly hold his tears back as he talked to others about the love of God.  He was overwhelmed by gratitude that no matter what he had done in his past, he was loved, valued and forgiven.  He was beautiful in God’s sight.

Today take time to sit in God’s presence and just ask him a question, “Lord, how do you see me?”  Sit a while soaked in the presence of God and hear his voice whisper in your ear – “You are beautiful, you are loved, valued and are extremely precious to me!”  His healing words will bring much joy as you begin to believe the truth he speaks.  The truth is you are beautiful, loved, valued and so very precious in the sight of God.  Woohoo!

Just recently I went by car to see a friend who lives in Yorkshire.  On the way back home, the queue of traffic that I was in suddenly came to a halt on a busy motorway.  I had to urgently put my foot on the brake and managed to stop in time thus avoiding hitting the car in front of me.  I looked into my rear mirror to discover the car behind me struggling to do the same.  He narrowly avoided hitting the back of my car.  I was shocked at how quickly and easily an accident could have happened.  I was so grateful and I immediately thanked the Lord for keeping me and everyone else on the road that day safe and praised him with gratitude for his steadying hand on our lives.  It could have been so different. 

In the days we are living in, we can often face sudden and sometimes shocking situations but it’s important to know that our God is facing them with us.  It’s important to know that he has his hand on our lives and that we can trust him.  It’s important to know that he loves us and that he cares deeply about us.  When we don’t know these things, we can allow fear to take a hold of us and cause us to live restricted lives.  I could have said I would not travel again on a motorway for fear that on my next journey I would not be able to stop in time.  I was not travelling over the speed limit and yet an accident could have happened so easily.  We face so many things these days where fear can easily take a hold of us, whether because of Covid and the fear of getting the virus, or perhaps of worrying what others think of us if we express a different view to the one that seems to be accepted by the majority in life.  Perhaps we allow fear of illness or fear of being rejected to dominate our lives and cause us to live a life that God did not intend us to live.  It could be that as we hear and see through the media of the many terrible things that have happened in our world (the horrific situation in Afghanistan, the out-of-control fires in Greece, the earthquake in Haiti, the shootings in Plymouth, the severe flooding in Germany and other European countries etc) that despair and fear of the future seem to overcome us!  Let’s take a hold of our Father God’s hand and trust him to lead us through life’s many problems.  Let’s trust him with our lives as we live as he intended us to live – life in all its fullness.  Let’s not allow fear to restrict us, but instead let’s allow these things to lead us to pray for ourselves and for others.  Let’s trust God to bring us into freedom – even in this pandemic.  We have every reason to trust God – so let’s do that and show others by our words and lifestyle that we need not be tied up or restricted by fear.  We have such an amazing message to show our world today so let’s not live by the world’s standards, instead let’s live in God’s grace and with his wisdom in our hearts.

PRAYER POINTS FOR FRIDAY 20^th August 2021      

• There are many reports from the government and the scientists telling us that although Covid is not gone, we are on our way back to life looking much more normal. So, let’s start these prayer points by thanking God and praising him for his amazing grace and for showing us a way through this difficult pandemic. The Lord loves to show us a way when to us there seems to be no way!  Let’s spend time praising him for his goodness to us all.

• The statistics tell us that the cases are coming down, deaths and hospital cases are not growing at an alarming rate. So, let’s thank our God for health care practitioners around the world.  In the UK, lets praise God for our NHS.  Health workers all over the world have been stretched to the limit with this pandemic, so let’s pray for each willing and faithful worker and ask God to renew their strength.

• Let’s continue to pray against the fear and anxiety many people are feeling at this time because of Covid-19. Many are struggling with knowing whether to have the vaccination or not.  Let’s pray that fear would not stop people from having the vaccine, but that they would seek God for wisdom as to what to do.  Let’s praise God for each vaccine, but also pray that the vaccines would not affect even one person in a negative way.  Pray that as the world begins to open up more and more, people would have confidence to walk into the future.

• So many people all over the world whether young or old are struggling with Mental Health issues. Let’s pray for a way through this hard, difficult and awful situation.  Do pray that the churches up and down our land will find good and positive ways of showing the love of Christ to each sufferer.  Pray that those who struggle in this area will discover the peace that passes all understanding and that many find Christ during this time.

• It’s good to see that international travel is beginning to open up. Do pray that people will soon have a way of not only being able to go on holiday safely, but they will be able to see their loved ones soon.  So many have been separated at this time and are longing for the day when they can safely travel to see them once more.

• Praise God that our economy has opened up again. Do continue to pray that we will all adhere to the government guidelines and make sure we stay safe.  Pray for those who have suffered financially through this time and pray that they will discover that God is faithful and he will provide all we need.

• It has been wonderful to hear stories of people coming to know the Lord through this pandemic, however we long for many more. Do pray for a move of God that will change our hearts and heal our nation.  We know the Lord longs to draw us all closer to him, so let’s continue to seek and live in his presence.  When we do, we will know his love and show that unfailing love to all around us.  Ask the Lord to heal our nation and heal our world.  Take some time to pray for Afghanistan and for all the situations (and more) that I have mentioned in my blog above.    

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 

The next National Day of Prayer re: Covid-19 is on September 24^th.  Although I am only issuing these prayer points monthly, let’s not stop praying as this virus hasn’t gone away.  Our government still need wisdom.  The health care workers still need our prayers.  Many are still suffering with fear and anxiety and our Lord cares for them all. So, let’s continue to pray for a move of God that changes the face of our world.  Let’s not be silent, but instead let’s pray knowing that our prayers are making a huge difference.  Do remember that although I am not doing the prayer points each week, there is a new blog every so often on my website:   www.nancygoudie.com/blog

I am hoping to see many of you at my Spiritual Health Weekend in Birmingham at the Hilton Metropole Hotel on February 11^th – 13^th 2022 – for details follow this link:  http://nancygoudie.com/spiritual-health-weekends/    I would love to meet you in person and be able to say to you a huge well done for your prayers and encouragement to others.

Keep going and do not give up.  God is with you all the way!  With love, your friend – NANCY 

For those who are reading these prayer points for the first time:  do read below:

Setting the scene

On 20^th 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:

1. 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.
2. Maybe pray for one of the above pointers every hour – or take one for each day of the week.
3. 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

4. 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.
5. 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

Just recently I was tidying my office and going through some cards and papers.  I have kept cards and letters to Ray and myself from our sons and also from each other.  I wanted to keep the cards from over the years so that I could have them as a record of what we had said to each other.  As I went through some of them recently, I was astounded at the love Ray had for me.  Of course, I knew he loved me and I loved him, but to see his adoring words on paper was so very special.  Tears came to my eyes as I realised afresh just how much my husband had loved me and I loved him.  He is no longer here to tell me how much he loves me – so it was wonderful to read them again.  I also read the amazing cards that my two sons gave us through the years – it was such a blessing to read each one.  However, it was two cards from my son, Aidan, that made me weep with tears of joy.  His beautiful and wonderful words of love touched my heart again and again.  He has a wonderful gift of being able to lay his emotions out in display within his words.  He talked about how much he loved us both and how he appreciated the childhood he had through the years.  He spoke too about how he wanted to be a man like his dad and how he felt he had the best mum and dad in the world.  His beautiful words reduced me to tears.  I am so glad I kept these cards.

My son’s love for Ray and I displayed in his card is just a small reflection of our Heavenly dad’s love for us.  We are all loved unconditionally.  Ray and I were not the best parents in the world, but we did try to be.  We didn’t always get it right, in fact at times we both had to apologise to our sons for getting it wrong, but despite our failures, our sons both love us without conditions.  That is worth more than gold.  The wonderful truth is that we are all loved unconditionally.  Our God pours out his love over us every second of every day.  His loving words are spoken in the Bible as well as whispered to each of us – the still small voice is not just for a few – it’s for all of us.

Can I encourage you to re-read his words like I did with Aidan’s – it will reduce you to tears to know how much you are loved.  If we really knew how much we were loved by God, it would change us completely.  We would never be the same again.  Read the words of Jesus when he says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”  Or what about reading 1 John 3:1 – which says, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God – and that is what we are!”  Or what Jesus says in John 15:9, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.  Now remain in my love.”  Or what about verse 15, “I no longer call you servants…. but instead I call you friends.” Then verse 16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you….”  We are loved so much – let’s read God’s incredible words in the Bible and let them bring tears of joy to your heart. There is no one more loved than you.  Listen to the Lord’s still small voice – you are valuable and precious.  Hear him say in Isaiah 43:1, “You are mine.”

There is no doubt about it – let’s sing and rejoice with tears of joy as the Lord whispers, “My child I adore you!”  Let’s eat and believe the words he speaks to each of us.

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 25^th 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 48^th 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 48^th 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 16^th July 2021 

1)     The 19^th 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 19^th 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 20^th 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

Today I was called a witch!  Someone I didn’t know posted a comment on my Facebook video that I had made encouraging people to sign up for a free study on Joy and Peace.  When I saw it, I have to say my first reaction was to laugh!  I have never been called a witch before and certainly not for talking about joy and peace!!  My second reaction was to feel sad for the person who had posted it.  He is obviously in a bad place and so I did three things.  I blocked him from being able to contact me again, I deleted his comment and I prayed for him.

I’m sure most of us have noticed that recently there has been so many people posting horrible comments on social media platforms often about football players, royalty, actors or anyone who is a public figure.  I have been shocked and disgusted at the recent racial comments on the England squad.  To see those comments on social media is just unbelievable and yet this is the kind of world we live in.  Over the last number of months/years, some people have been so vocal about others they have never met.  People judge others and often believe what the newspapers write about them and add their hurtful comments that are so unkind.  We have seen this happen recently to royalty and I have noticed that some of these comments even come from people who claim to be Christians.  It reminded me of a time when the band I used to be in called Heartbeat was releasing singles into the charts.  One particular newspaper interviewed my husband, Ray and printed what he was supposed to have said in this national newspaper.  They said, Ray Gale (they even got his name wrong) says, “I hate the church!”  Those of you who knew my husband when he was alive would know that Ray would never have said that statement.  Ray loved the church, yet we received so many terrible letters from Christians who believed the newspaper report and rather than asking Ray if it was true, they wrote to condemn Ray with strong language.  Can I remind you, not everything you read in a newspaper is true!

Let’s not condemn others and put in print on social media what we think of them when we don’t know what their story really is.  My heart has been heavy particularly during the last few days/weeks/months from seeing all the negative comments that have been said about people we don’t know.  These comments go deep into some people’s hearts and cause great pain – and sometimes as we have seen, those negative words can have dire consequences.

On the other hand, I have seen so many beautiful and encouraging comments on social media which should be encouraged.  The Bible (Proverbs 18:21 – The Message) says this:  Words kill, words give life; they are either poison or fruit – you choose!  Let’s choose to build others up and not tear them down.  Let’s choose to see people’s faces light up as we tell them how wonderful and special they are.  We have the ability to tear down and destroy others with our words but we also have the ability to build up and encourage others with words of wisdom, love, blessing and respect.   What are you going to do with your words?  As I have already said – the Bible clearly says, Words kill,  words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose!

LOVE NANCY X 

Friday 18^th June 2021

This week I want to remind you of a verse in the Bible that says: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has planned for those who love him.  Do you know that the Lord thinks of you constantly – he absolutely loves you and has plans for your life.  Whether you are a Christian or not he loves you.  Whether you love and obey the Lord or not, he has plans for you.  We can all miss out on what God has planned for our lives by refusing to believe that what he has planned for us is possible and is good.  Our God is good all the time whether we are in a pandemic or whether we are not.  Life can be very hard at times but God’s plans are good.  So why do we suffer, why doesn’t God magically take away our suffering and pain? 

Well, the answer rests within the truth that this world as it is now is not the way God created it.  God did not create evil, this was something that we, through Adam and Eve initially, allowed into the world by wrong choices.  God did not make us as robots, instead he gave us free choice – and every day we make choices that are good and some that are not so good.  I remember Bob Geldof asking our government and other governments of the world to do something to help the devastation that was happening in Africa.  I remember hearing him tell them, “Don’t blame God for what is happening in Africa, this is happening because of man’s greed.  There is enough food for everyone in our world and we in Europe are hoarding it rather than sharing it with those who are dying from starvation.”  He reminded them that Africa is only 8 miles away from Europe and that we surely cannot, because of greed, withhold food from our neighbours who were dying such painful deaths.  Let’s not blame God for what is happening in our world at this time, instead let’s thank him that he walks through our problems and difficulties with us and that his heart cries for the sorrow and pain he sees in our world.  Let’s make good choices in our lives and allow what God has planned for us to happen.  Do remember too that his plans are so much better than we could ever ask, think or imagine.  Let’s pray knowing he loves us all immensely and that he is always close to the broken-hearted.

The next National Day of Prayer re: Covid-19 will be on July 14^th 2021.  If you want to be sure of seeing and receiving these Prayer Points – then do send me your email address and I will make sure you are put on our mailing list – you will never miss it then!  Send email to nancy@nancygoudie.com or zoewickham@ngm.org.uk

PRAYER POINTS FOR FRIDAY 18^th June 2021           

• The government has told us that everything will now open up in 19^th July instead of 21^st June because of the increase in the Delta variant cases. Do please pray for wisdom and discernment for our government.  There are many voices saying that to extend the final release of the lockdown is a good thing whilst others are saying that it should be unlocked now.  Let’s pray for our Prime Minister and for the government at this time.

• Let’s continue to thank God for how well our vaccination programme is working. Praise God we have so many of the adult population fully vaccinated.  The death rate is still very low and so are hospitalisations, but we can see that the cases are still rising.  Do continue to pray for the NHS staff and care home staff and those who work in people’s own homes too that these precious people who put their lives on the line for many every day will be protected and strengthened.

• Pray for our young people as it seems to be mainly the young ( school age and up to 30 years old) who are getting the virus and inflating the cases. Praise God that most of them do not have serious illness with this virus, but pray that if the vaccine is suggested for the children of our nation, that it will be completely safe for them.

• Please continue to pray for those with mental health issues. Pray that many will not only find God to be their peace but would also find it easy to trust in God through this pandemic.  Remember to look out for those around you who need a kind word or a listening ear. 

• Let’s pray for our media to be filled with kindness instead of twisting the truth and causing pain in others. Unkind and many times untrue words can cause huge pain in people’s hearts, so let’s pray for people with integrity to work for the newspapers and media outlets.  Pray that greed would not cause the truth to be twisted just because it seems to sell the newspapers.

• Pray for our economy – and in particular for those who have suffered financial loss during the pandemic. Again, pray against greed, and pray that every business would charge good and fair prices rather than putting on huge charges at this time.  Pray that our economy would bounce back quickly and that many will find that their business is blessed.  Continue to pray for those who can’t open their business as yet and also for those who don’t have jobs.  Let’s pray they would find good jobs soon. 

• We know that ultimately everyone in our nation needs to hear the good news of Jesus. Our God brings peace, joy and life – these are the things people are looking for particularly at this time.  Let’s pray that they will find the truth as they search for answers.  Let’s be great signposts to Jesus to our friends, neighbours and family.

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 

Remember that we may be the only expression of Jesus that people will see.  So, let’s be a great shining example of our glorious and beautiful God.  He loves everyone – no matter who they are or what they have done.  Let’s not be the judge and jury of everyone around us, instead let’s shine with the light from Heaven and show the glory of our Heavenly King.  Let’s remember how much our Heavenly Father loves and adores us and then let’s live life in that love daily.  Have a great month filled with glory and grace!  Sending you much love and huge encouragement – your friend – NANCY 

PS – Don’t forget to send me a note of your email address if you want to make sure you continue to receive these prayer points

For those who are reading these prayer points for the first time:  do read below:

Setting the scene

On 20^th 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:

1. 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.
2. Maybe pray for one of the above pointers every hour – or take one for each day of the week.
3. 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

4. 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.
5. 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

A few weeks ago, you may remember hearing about a young lad who was killed after he had been struck by lightning.  When this was reported on the news, I could not help but cry at this terrible situation.  A young boy who I didn’t know touched my heart and I sobbed because of the cruel way he had been taken from his family.  Life can sometimes be so cruel. I prayed for his parents and for those who knew him.  It can be so difficult to come to terms with something like this happening in your family.  The truth is there are so many people struggling right now with grief or with depression.  We don’t know what goes on behind closed doors but we can pray and ask God to use us to reach people who are suffering in such a difficult way.

I know when my husband died, it was my friends and my family who helped me enormously.  I knew I was in many people’s prayers, but to receive a bunch of flowers, feel the warmth of a friend standing next to me or receive a hug from my sons or my daughter in law meant such a lot.  We may not be able to say or do much, but every prayer, every kind word or every hug means a lot.  To me it said – I’m with you and I love you!  When you go through grief, it is so important to know you are not on your own.  In this world so full of hurt and pain, let’s make sure our love and the love of our God is shown to those who need it.

On the same day I cried over that young lad, I also heard of several people who had died within the last while because they had no hope.  One person’s benefits had been stopped because she had not responded to a letter the local council had sent to her, but she had not responded because she had been in Intensive care after an operation.  All her benefits were stopped and she couldn’t cope.  She died lonely and struggling in a freezing home (she couldn’t put the heating on because she could not afford it) and my heart broke for her.  If only someone had reached out to her – if only someone had known.  I believe God cries over every person who lives with such pain and with no hope.  Our God offers huge hope, let’s make sure we show people the love of our God and help them to build hope into their lives.

PRAYER POINTS FOR FRIDAY 4^th June 2021

• There has been a call for the June release date to be extended because covid cases are going up due to the Indian variant. Let’s pray for those who have the power to make these decisions to have much wisdom.  The good news is that the death rate remains very low and hospital admissions are not high.  Pray that this continues.  Praise God too that the vaccinations are increasing.  Certain areas which have been hit by the Indian variant have been asked to try and avoid meeting indoors and they have been encouraged to get vaccinated asap. Let’s thank God too that the vaccines are able to deal with the Indian variant.  Again, do remember to pray for nations who are struggling to get this virus under control.

• Let’s continue to pray for Boris Johnson and also other world leaders. Pray for health, strength and honesty in our leaders.  Pray for wisdom for them.  Let’s continue to pray for our government and for good, godly men and women advisors to guide our MP’s and our leaders.  Let’s continue to pray for the four nations within the UK.  Pray for good relationships between the leaders of England and Scotland in particular.  Pray for unity.  Pray that they will continue to find good and safe ways to bring us through this pandemic.  Let’s pray for our Royal Family.  Pray that each of them would come to know and love our Lord.  Pray for unity for them too.

• Media – let’s continue to pray for the media. It is important that our media speaks with truth and with kindness.  A week ago, we heard about how the BBC used false records to obtain an interview with Princess Diana.  Let’s pray for honesty and purity in our media.  We hear so many stories and comments that are often untrue in the media.  Let’s pray for those who are deeply hurt by something that has been falsely reported.  We need a radical change in our media – let’s pray for people who know and love God to be working in the areas that produce the news for our nation and for our world.  Let’s show kindness ourselves and remember we are not here to judge, but rather to love!

• Let’s express our gratitude to God for the NHS and for the many caring and loving people who work within its doors. Pray for all – from cleaners to surgeons.  Praise God that the hospitals are not now being overrun with Covid-19 patients.  Pray for any who are still in ICU and pray they will be discharged soon.  Pray for those who were not able to get treatment in the last year for other things and pray that each of them will receive the treatment they need.  Let’s pray for carers too whether they work in people’s own homes or whether they work in care homes.  Let’s pray a huge blessing on those who work in the caring communities.

• Let’s pray for many who are living in poverty in our nation. Pray that they will get the benefits from the government to help them.  Pray for the lonely and those who have no one to look out for them.  Pray for ears and eyes to hear and see the need in others.  Let’s be determined not to just pray for them but also to reach out to them.  There are many who are suffering in our nation, but often we don’t hear about them until it’s too late.  Let’s ask God to open our ears and eyes to see the need now.

• Pray for our economy – that it will be able to get back on its feet quickly and pray for success for each business and wisdom for its owners and managers. Pray too for those who have not had a job for the last year – pray that many will find they are able to get their ideal job soon.  Pray for hope for the hopeless and joy for those who are devoid of all joy – may many find God answering their prayers.

• Let’s pray that our nation will turn back to God. Let’s pray for an awareness of God even in the night.  Pray for God dreams for people and for those who have been searching for truth to find THE truth in Christ Jesus.  Let’s dare to believe God for revival.  Praise God that many are finding God at this time so let’s pray in faith for our friends, our families, our neighbours, our town, our cities and our land.  Let’s cry out – “God – Heal Our Nation.  We need you Lord more than we need our food or drink.  Come and pour out your grace, your love, your presence in our land.”

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 to our prayer line –  prayer@ngm.org.uk – and we will pray. 

Our God is a God of hope.  Let’s remember to tell others about the hope we have.  God is so faithful – every person is valuable to him – no matter who they are.  No one should have to die a lonely death because they could not afford their heating to be on.  Each person’s life is precious to our God – so let’s look around us.  Who can we reach out to?  Who can we tell about the love of God?  Is there anyone hurting in your family/friends’ circle?  Take time to check if they are okay.  You might be the only person they see all day.  You might hold the key to freedom for them.  A couple of kind words could mean the difference between hope and no hope/between life and death.  Let’s care like Jesus cares.  Also, I want to say a huge thank you to those who responded to my last prayer point blog – it was so good to hear how much you appreciate these prayer points.  The next one will be released on the 18^th June and from then on it will be monthly.  If you want to be sure you don’t miss these prayer points on Facebook/Twitter then do let me know your email address and I will add you to the ngm mailing – this will mean that you will receive the notes whenever I release them.  My email address is nancy@nancygoudie.com  – I have thoroughly enjoyed spearheading these National Days of Prayer for Covid-19 – it’s been a privilege!  Sending you loads of love and lots of encouragement – your friend – NANCY x

For those who are reading these prayer points for the first time:  do read below:

Setting the scene

On 20^th 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:

1. 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.
2. Maybe pray for one of the above pointers every hour – or take one for each day of the week.
3. 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

4. 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.
5. 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

I would love to hear from you regarding these blogs and prayer points.  I have been talking to the Lord about what to do now that we have been praying for well over a year and God has answered so many of our prayers for our nation.  We are not through the pandemic as yet and there are still a lot of problems around, however the statistics have gone right down and although there is still a need for prayer for our nation perhaps having one a week is too much?  I was wondering about continuing with these prayer points on a bi-weekly basis until June 21^st when the government are planning and hoping to remove all restrictions.  I was then thinking of continuing with the National Prayer days once a month for as long as it is needed and wanted, but at least until September 2021.  I still feel there is a need to call everyone to pray regarding Covid-19, but would love to know if this is something that is on your heart too?  I have noticed that since people went back to work, the responses from the prayer points have been much less which is understandable.  If you could either send me a personal message or send an email to nancy@nancygoudie.com to let me know your thoughts then that would help me to know what is most helpful for everyone involved.  Thank you!  It has been a pleasure and a privilege to lead these National Days of Prayer re: Covid-19 and I hope you, as an individual, a group or church, have found them to be helpful.   It has taken a lot of preparation to produce this every week and I am certainly prepared to continue to invest in this form of prayer, but I do want to know your thoughts to see if what I am suggesting is the right way forward.  I never imagined for one moment that when I started the first one, through the suggestion of a friend online in March 2020, that we would still be praying well over a year later.   God has done so much and I am so grateful.  Let’s continue to put our faith and trust in our amazing God – there is still so much to pray for in our nation and also in the nations of the world.  So, let’s pray!

PRAYER POINTS FOR FRIDAY 21^st May 2021

• We were told by the Prime Minister that there is a concern over the Indian variant found in Bolton, Blackburn/Darwin and London. Let’s pray that with the measures that are being taken that this is quickly overcome and does not cause a problem with the final restrictions being removed on 21^st  The good news is that the statistics tell us that the death rate is still coming down and the hospital rate is too.  This problem with the Indian variant is not causing these stats to go up.  Do praise God for this and ask God to continue to bring them down.  We really don’t want to see anyone die from this virus.  Let’s praise God that the situation is so vastly different to what it was a few weeks/months ago.  Do continue to thank God that the vaccination process is going well in the UK.  Pray for other nations too – particularly in India where we know there are many who are suffering and dying because of this virus.

• We continue to pray for the leaders of our nation and of our world. World leaders are making decisions that affect all of us – so let’s pray for health, strength and wisdom for them all.  Let’s thank God for Boris Johnson and for his government – just simply because God has asked us to pray for our leadership.  Pray with generosity of spirit and heart.  Let’s leave all our thoughts and opinions to one side and pray for those in the government who are making decisions about our future.  Pray for them and for our nation/world to prosper.  Pray for the UK and for the four nations within the UK to prosper and grow in unity together.  Pray for our national leaders, men and women, to be filled with the wisdom of God.  Pray that they will continue to find good and safe ways of bringing us through this pandemic.  Let’s not forget to pray for our Queen and for the rest of the Royal Family. 

• We were hearing recently in the news of many young people being admitted to hospital because of eating disorders – many more than before this pandemic. We were told that this is because of what has happened in the last year – many young people’s mental health has been affected and many are struggling now with an eating disorder.  Let’s continue to pray for the mental health of the nation and in particular in young people.  You may know people who are struggling too with depression, anxiety, fear – let’s make sure we offer a listening ear whilst showing kindness in a practical way.  Fear and anxiety can cause huge physical problems – do pray for many who suffer in this way – it is not easily spotted – so ask the Lord to give you discernment so that you can be his hands and feet. 

• We are very blessed in the UK because we have free health care through the NHS. So, let’s continue to pray for those who work in the health care system in our nation – pray for everyone from cleaners to surgeons.  Every one of them is important.  Pray for carers who look after those who need help in their own homes as well as those who work in care homes. The statistics tell us that the hospital admissions for Covid-19 continue to go down, but that doesn’t mean that the hospitals are empty; many who have other things wrong with them have not been able to have the treatment they need because of the pandemic.  Also, as we heard earlier, many young people are being admitted with eating disorders.  Do pray for wisdom and loving kindness as these health workers deal with these kinds of problems as well as many other illnesses.

• To speak truth, to be kind and compassionate is so important in our nation, yet some of our media stir up hatred, by releasing untruths, myths or gossip. Let’s pray for the editors and the writers. Pray that they will have a great hunger to release truth mixed with kindness and compassion.  Many read the newspapers or magazines and take it as being truth, when a lot of the time it is one person’s perspective and not necessarily what really happened.  Let’s pray for our nation to be filled with goodness, kindness, thankfulness and gratitude.  Pray for those who are Christians who have a job in the media – pray that they will stand for truth and kindness.  Pray that our nation will have compassion on our neighbouring countries and show goodness and generosity rather than only looking to our own interests.  These are godly attributes and will show others our great God. There are many hurting people in our nation – so let’s show our personal neighbours and friends the goodness, compassion and generosity of our God through what we do and say!

• We praise God that this week the hospitality sector was able to open up – we are now able to have a meal inside at a restaurant, in a hotel or in a pub. Continue to pray for those businesses who are worried that in June they will not be able to open up because of the problems with the Indian variant in our nation.  Let’s pray that all the restrictions can be lifted in June and that all businesses will be able to open up.  Pray for our economy as a whole that it would soon be able to bounce back.  Pray for those who have not had a job for the last year – pray that many will find they are able to get their ideal job soon. 

• We know ultimately that God has the answer for our nation and for our world. Our hearts cry at the injustice we see, the racism that seems to raise its ugly head and the pain that many experience through the hands of others.  Let’s also let our hearts break because of the war in the Middle East – to see the fear and the panic in both countries, especially amongst young children is so awful.  Let’s cry out for peace, but ultimately, we do know our world needs a touch from the Lord – we need an awakening that brings forgiveness, repentance and freedom – let’s pray for a deeper awakening than our nation and this world has ever seen.  We know the heart of God is to move in such a deep way that many find the truth and that his truth sets us all 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 

God is so faithful.  We have much to thank him for and we praise God for all he has done through our prayers during the last year and a quarter.  Many lives have been impacted – more than we will ever know.  Let’s keep our eyes and our hearts in tune with Heaven as we trust him for the way ahead.  Our God is good and kind so let’s show everyone around us who he is as we release his presence through us every day.  Sending you much love and huge encouragement – your friend – NANCY

PS – Do remember to let me know your thoughts on the way ahead re: these prayer points.  Thank you!

For those who are reading these prayer points for the first time:  do read below:

Setting the scene

On 20^th 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:

1. 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.
2. Maybe pray for one of the above pointers every hour – or take one for each day of the week.
3. 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

4. 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.
5. 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

This week I went for my second jab and discovered how two different people injecting you can give you a hugely different experience.  When I received my first jab, I hardly noticed the needle going into my arm.  It was done so gently and easily.  The second one was really sore!  I could tell the way she approached me with the needle that this was going to be different to the first one, although I never anticipated it being so painful.  She really jabbed it into my arm with some force and for the first time ever I felt pain in receiving an injection.  I am guessing although two people were doing the same job, one was experienced and the other wasn’t perhaps?  I really don’t know why it was a different experience, but I really would not want another injection administered by the one who gave me my second Covid-19 vaccination.  I’m sure however that she never meant it to be sore at all.  It got me thinking how in life two people’s view of the same thing can be so different. 

 When I was in my 20’s my husband and I were leading our full-time ministry team/band called Heartbeat.  I have always been a very truthful person and I could not understand how one person’s truth was not the same as another person’s truth.  I thought, truth is truth – it is black and white – it’s very clear what happened and therefore only one person can be telling the truth.  A friend of ours had preached about truth being multi-faceted and I couldn’t understand that at all. 

 A few weeks later, Ray and I flew to the beautiful island of Majorca to have a holiday.  Whilst there I went out early every morning to walk and pray.  One morning as I got to one side of the beach, the Lord said to me, “Nancy what do you see?”  I said, “I see a beautiful beach.  The sand is glorious and the cliffs at the other side of the bay are amazing.”  The Lord then told me to go to the other side of the bay.  When I got there, the Lord then said to me, “Nancy what do you see?”  I said, “Oh Lord the view is incredible.  I still see a gorgeous beach, the sand is still glorious, but I no longer see the cliffs as they are behind me, but I see what I could not see when I stood on the other side of the bay.  I see beautiful boats, and the water lapping against the rocks on the other side.”  The Lord told me to then go to the middle of the beach and sit down on the sand.  When I arrived there, he then asked me again, “Nancy what do you see?”  I said, “Well Lord the scene is still amazing; the sea is beautiful and I am able from this viewpoint to see both sides of the bay, however I am not able to see as much of the sandy beach as I did before.  The Lord then spoke and shared something with me that impacted my life and changed my viewpoint forever.  The Lord said, “The same is true about truth.  It depends where people are standing as to how they perceive the truth.  If they are standing on different sides of the bay then what they see will be different.  Even if people are in the middle and say, “I can see both points of view”, they will not see it exactly as the other person sees it.”  I learned a great lesson that morning from my Heavenly Dad.

 I went home at the end of that holiday to apologise to those in Heartbeat for being dogmatic about truth and the way I saw it.  So, let’s make sure we don’t get annoyed with someone who sees things/life differently to us.  Your experience of life may not be exactly the same and therefore you may not see it in the same way.  Let’s be kind, considerate and generous with our words rather than insisting we are right and everyone else is wrong.  Let’s keep that in mind as we pray for others who may be experiencing life so differently from us.

 PRAYER POINTS FOR FRIDAY 14^th May 2021

• What a joy to see that the Covid statistics continue to come down. Let’s praise God that there were no deaths recorded last Monday in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland and let’s keep praying that we begin to see those kinds of results every day and also in Wales too. On Monday 17^th we are seeing the next layer of restrictions released.  We can hug each other again and we can have a meal inside – this is so good!  We are in a very good place in the UK, but many other nations are struggling.  In particular let’s continue to pray for India.  There are so many who are dying and it has been awful to see the devastation they are facing.  Do pray that wisdom will be given to the leaders of that wonderful nation.  Pray against the spirit of death and also pray against the fear that this virus brings.  Pray that many will turn to God in India as well as many in our own nation.   We praise God that the vaccination process in the UK is going well.  Two thirds of all adults have had their first injection.  Many millions have had their second jab too.  Praise God for the protection this vaccination brings.

• Let’s continue to pray for our Prime Minister – whether we agree with his leadership style or his politics. God has called us to pray for our leaders and so let’s pray with good and joyful hearts rather than with a critical spirit. Praise God for what God is doing in Boris Johnson.  There are signs that God is working in this man – so let’s keep praying that he will see and know the living God.  Pray too for every MP in the government.  Pray for men and women who are filled with the wisdom of Heaven.   Pray for unity in parliament and pray also for unity between the four nations in the UK. Pray too for a united effort against the Covid-19 virus.  Pray that they will continue to lead us safely through this pandemic.  Pray that they will seek God and hear his advice and wisdom before making decisions.  We have been told this week that the UK’s four chief medical officers have said that the UK’s Covid alert level should be lowered from level four to level three.  This too is such good news.  We have much to praise God for as we look to move forward into the future.  Let’s remember to continue to praise God for our Queen and ask for God to bless her with continued long life.  Let’s continue to pray that the whole Royal Family will experience the love of God in their hearts and lives. 

• We continue to praise God for our NHS and for all who work in health care. They have worked so tirelessly during this pandemic.  Let’s continue to pray for them as they continue to deal with situations that can sometimes feel so hard and difficult.  The Prime Minister told us this week that the latest data shows the lowest death and hospitalisations rates since last July.  Let’s praise God that our hospitals are no longer overrun.  This is good news indeed.  Pray for all the staff at the hospitals in India where the situation is so vastly different.  Pray for health and strength for them to cope with the pandemic in that nation. 

• One area that has not changed so much is the mental health of our nation and in particular our young people. There are so many suffering from poor mental health – this was happening before the pandemic, but since the start of lockdown the rate of those suffering from depression, anxiety etc., has been rising at a great level.  Let’s intensify our prayers for those suffering in this way and pray that the churches up and down our land will devise ways of helping and reaching out to those affected.  Let’s cry out to God to heal our nation and for many to find peace, joy and life in Jesus.  Let’s continue to ask him to visit people in their dreams, and for God to show himself to many in the night.  Let’s continue to be on the watch for those in our friendship groupings who are anxious, worried and show signs of depression.  Look for practical things you can do to express God’s love to them.

• Let’s continue to pray for those who live under the poverty line – there are so many hurting people in our nation at this time. So many are struggling to survive.  Praise God for food banks and for many churches who are helping to run these.  Pray for generous hearts from those with jobs towards these food banks.   Pray that the government will continue to help those who are struggling in our society.  Pray too about the violence and sex attacks we often hear about on our streets.  Pray for protection for those who are vulnerable and pray for a spiritual awakening in our land. 

• We praise God that the hospitality sector (hotels, restaurants and pubs) can open up fully from Monday 17^th. Pray for those who still cannot open up fully like the entertainment industry and also airlines whose business has been deeply affected by the pandemic.  Pray for our economy as a whole that it would not take as long to bounce back.  Pray also for those who have struggled work wise – those who are unemployed as well as those who have taken any job just to bring in money.  Many have struggled in a job they don’t like but on the other hand they realise they are grateful to have any job.  Pray for many who are unemployed that they will get a good job soon.

• Now that we are coming out of lockdown, pray that the people of our land will still have an eagerness to know about spiritual things. Pray for those who have lost a loved one.  Pray that their grief will turn them towards God.  Praise God that he is always close to the broken-hearted.  We so want to see our nation discover our God who is kind and good.  Pray for churches that each leader/leadership team will have a heart for revival and will continue to pray for many to turn towards God.  Pray for wisdom for each church to know how to reach their society.  Pray for a release of salvation and knowledge of God in our land.

 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 have discovered more and more recently how people on the internet and on social media platforms vent their anger and release strong critical words to those they know and those they don’t know.  Many have been devastated by other people’s hatred and angry words.  People used to say, ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’, but words do hurt and damage people hugely.  Let’s make sure that our words are not damaging others.  Let’s make sure that when we speak, we release words of affirmation and kindness.  Let’s show our world that Christians are different not necessary because we look different but because we sound different.  Let us be the ones who release kindness, goodness and generosity.  Let’s show who our God really is – a good, kind and loving God.  We can reveal so much of our loving Heavenly Father through what we say and what we don’t say.  Let’s be the kind of friend to others that we would like to have ourselves.  Sending you much love and huge encouragement – your friend – NANCY

For those who are reading these prayer points for the first time:  do read below:

Setting the scene

On 20^th 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:

1. 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.
2. Maybe pray for one of the above pointers every hour – or take one for each day of the week.
3. 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

4. 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.
5. 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