The ministry of reconciliation, part 2
Last week we asked God to unlock doors that are bolted, and change hearts and minds to see God’s way forward as we await the outcome of the Conservative leadership election. This week, let us continue to focus our prayers on bringing reconciliation to divided families, divided communities, and divided nations within the UK. Pray a blessing on those who have a different Brexit view from you. Pray that our politicians will choose their words carefully and that they will engage in constructive discussion, not negative argument - seeking to reach an agreement - not score party political points. Pray for a divine breakthrough - a 'suddenly' of God, bringing a Brexit solution that will last. May we move on and focus on other pressing issues for our nation. Pray also for a blessing over Europe. May God move mightily in bringing revival to the church and transformation to nations.
Ongoing prayer in London for the nation
On 16 June the Neighbourhood Prayer Network and others encouraged churches in London to join a prayer walk initiative because ‘whatever happens in London affects everyone of us. When we see London in revival, the whole of the UK will follow.’ London Prayer Loop is a step of faith in obedience to God, calling for an end to violence and all that is not in God’s purposes for our capital and our nation. Each of the 24 sections of the London Loop were prayer-walked by the churches. From 21 to 23 June, further prayer will go out on the loop, focussing on whatever God places on people’s hearts, and praying for the well of salvation to be opened and for God’s glory in London. Londoners and people from other parts of the UK will be prayer-walking the loop, and there will be opportunities to meet in the centre of London to pray together.
Aftermath of floods
Nearly 600 homes around Wainfleet, Lincolnshire, were evacuated after the River Steeping burst its banks. Residents still in their homes were told to avoid using toilets, showers and washing machines due to a strain on the sewerage system. Pumps began to reduce the water level by 19 June, and they missed the storms in the south-east the following day, but there is still much to do. Pray for families living in alternative accommodation while their homes are being repaired. The impact of flooding will be felt for many months to come. Cleaning, drying out and repairing flood-damaged properties is a major undertaking.
A bishop, a vicar, and Mermaids
As reported in May (see ), Rev John Parker resigned as governor of his local Church of England primary school after being silenced for raising concerns about a very young child being allowed to transition gender, and the school inviting transgender lobby group Mermaids to provide training to staff and governors. Recently his bishop, Stephen Cottrell, sent a letter to clergy in the area suggesting that John (and others) had made false claims about the circumstances surrounding his resignation. Now, in a turn of events, other ministers in the area have publicly backed John. They said the bishop had on various occasions told 30+ clergy that if they disagreed with the approach the diocese is taking on matters of human sexuality, they should follow their consciences and leave.
