Prince Philip bows out of public life
04 Aug 2017
Prince Philip, the 96-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth, bowed out of public life on 2 August with a final solo appearance at an official event, ending a distinguished royal career (also marked by occasional gaffes landing him in hot water). Prince Philip has been by the queen's side throughout her 65 years on the throne and she has described him as 'my strength and stay'. Arthur Edwards, a Christian, who worked with the royals for years, remembered his royal duties with fondness. He described the prince’s best attribute as kindness, saying ‘We saw that with Diana at her time of trouble. He's a good Christian man, he attends a church service most weeks and when I've watched him in church he doesn't just sit there - he has his own private thoughts and prayers.’ See https://www.premierchristianradio.com/News/UK/Royal-photographer-pays-tribute-to-good-Christian-man-Prince-Philip.
Update - NHS worker’s legal battle
04 Aug 2017
Last week we prayed for religious freedom to be protected and upheld in the UK when Victoria Wasteney took her legal case to an Employment Appeal Tribunal. (see: http://www.prayer-alert.net/british-isles-ireland-pa-site/item/9618-christian-nhs-worker-s-legal-battle ) This appeal was refused and she is now taking her case to the European Courts. Victoria's career has been damaged simply for reaching out to a Muslim colleague with whom she had a friendly, positive relationship, and who at the time seemed grateful for her Christian support. The ensuing court cases have not displayed justice. It evidences the increasing hostility towards Christians and Christianity in the UK.
Intercessor Focus - Brexit smooth transition
04 Aug 2017
It is now time to pray for the many ‘transition arrangements’ that are currently being talked about by government ministers ahead of the UK’s transition from EU control to British sovereignty. Financiers, bankers and investors believe transition arrangements will become the battleground of Brexit, and could become as controversial as the subject of membership itself. Different aspects of the UK’s departure from the EU will progress at different speeds. Some negotiations will take months to complete, some may take years. The Department for Exiting the EU estimates that 57 policy areas are affected by Brexit, producing potentially 57 Brexit varieties. Pray for God to establish strong, clear, negotiations for the break from EU control in each of the legislations and policies for agriculture, fisheries, customs, repatriation, immigration and justice. All very comprehensive with many dimensions, may God be in the new details and implementation at every step towards completion on 31 March 2019. (Linda Digby Prayer-Alert Team)
Friday Focus- Youth festivals
04 Aug 2017
Festivals are often ‘mountaintop experiences’ where we feel the presence of God and hear his voice as Jesus did at the Transfiguration. Each summer we gather thousands of young people, seeing many encounter God in life-changing ways. The vital thing they – and we – must hear is that they are beloved children of God with whom he is well pleased.Mike Pilavachi, Soul Survivor.
Declaring His Greatness
04 Aug 2017
God is advancing His Kingdom in Turkey, despite last year’s attempted coup and the president’s cruel retribution on his people. Christian media are reporting more and more Turks having vivid dreams of Jesus. Christian prayer groups are springing up, people watch Christ preached on the Internet and respond. New Christians are evangelising openly to friends on the Internet. May God give protection, wisdom and boldness to the new converts living in dangerous areas.
A spiritual awakening in the White House
04 Aug 2017
Some of the most powerful Americans are gathering weekly to learn from God's Word. The Trump Cabinet Bible Study is making history. They've been called the most evangelical cabinet since Jimmy Carter - men and women who don't mince words when declaring where they stand on God and the Bible. Also on 11 July evangelical leaders spontaneously prayed with President Trump in the Oval Office during a day-long ‘listening session’ with the Office of Public Liaison. A former Liberty University vice-president posted pictures of the prayer time on social media saying, ‘It shows a substantive relationship between the evangelical community and this administration,’ See: http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2017/july/faith-leaders-enjoy-open-door-at-white-house.
Palestinians are breaking with tradition
04 Aug 2017
Palestinian women are scoring a sweet victory against gender discrimination in the West Bank by breaking with tradition and working alongside men at the largest pastry factory in Nablus. They are ignoring prejudices and competing with men for jobs that traditionally belonged to men. However the women only earn half of the amount of the men, even though they have proved to be more competent than the men. Now the factory, supported by women’s rights organisations, plan to provide pastry courses for other women who want to work.
Emergency Prayer Guide
03 Aug 2017
In a world of uncertainty our new prayer guide is written to bring hope, encouragement and faith.
Just last week a reader told us that this was very helpful during the loss of a loved one.
We want this resource to be a blessing to everyone who reads it, and a vital tool in times of emergency.
What to pray when Crisis happens in life.
Whether it's loosing your job, ill health, sudden loss or a terrorist attack, this comprehensive prayer guide will give you practical direction on what to pray when things go wrong.
Split into easy to follow sections this prayer guide is 40 pages long and full colour throughout, written by Rebekah Brettle, the founder and director of Neighbourhood Prayer Network.
To order the Emergency Prayer Guide, CLICK HERE.
There are options for single copies, bulk packs for Churches and a discount for larger Church orders.
Some of the topics covered (in no particular order) are :-
• Bereavement
• Church Disappointment or Hurt
• Depression and Anxiety
• Fire - Major Incident
• Financial Crisis
• Homelessness
• Infertility or difficulty conceiving
• Marriage Problems
• Missing Child
• Persecution for being a Christian
• Miscarriage and Ectopic and Still Birth
• Victim of Rape
• Rejection or Betrayal
• Shock Diagnosis
• Suicide
• Sexual Sin
• Emergency Surgery
• Terrorist Attack
• Aftermath or a Terrorist Attack
• Terminal Illness or Facing Death
• Unemployment
Each section is broken down into subsections and has a Biblical emphasis to the suggestions for prayer made.
Drawing on years of experience as a Doctor of General Practice and experience through A&E, Rebekah provides insights to prayer that we might not have thought of ourselves.
This is a great resource for individuals, prayer groups and Churches alike.