St. John the Baptist, Burscough

Monthly Prayer Letter

This is the Prayer Letter for November.  Please use this list to target praying in your group over the next month.  The prayer requests focus on quality rather than quantity.

Sunday

Please pray for those on the basics course. The last meeting (“Into the arms of love”) takes place on 6th November, and then the group will start to meet at the home of Glen and Joan Bemment for the Converts to Disciples course. Thank the Lord that this couple is willing to open their home and provide hospitality for their new friends. Ask the Lord to richly bless them as they go on with Jesus, learning more about Him and learning to trust Him. Pray that this new group will grow in love together, supporting one another in the ups and downs of life.

Monday

There is to be a graveyard tidy on 25th November. Pray for good support for this necessary work. Thank God for those whose ministry keeps our churchyard looking so good throughout the year; so often these faithful servants are forgotten in our prayers. There is always so much to do to keep on top of things in our environs. Thank God also that we shall be benefitting from the Burscough upgrade. Let’s pray that this will bring the church nearer to the people of Burscough and encourage more of them to join us in worship. The Lord has provided a large car park; let’s pray that it will be filled with His people!

Tuesday

On the 18th November there is to be a meeting with the Bishop of Paraguay and other churches, to discuss long term plans for the work to be done in that country. Thank God for all those called to serve overseas to show love and compassion in a practical way to people whose needs are so much greater than ours. Thank Him, that through our riches, we are able to be a blessing to others, and so become blessed ourselves. Thank God for the tremendous response to the appeal for the Paraguay Project (another consignment of medical aid, specs, tools, clothes etc. has recently gone there) and the Honey bee appeal; the Lord loves our generosity; let’s pray that our gifts and the commitment of those who spearhead this work of love will soon make a difference.

Wednesday

Continue to pray for St Mark’s Scarisbrick as they come to terms with a future without a full time priest. Pray that they will be able to move forward in faith and trust. Pray particularly that they may join together in prayer for all their needs and for a strengthening of links between the church and church school next door. Pray for new faces and open hands and hearts so that the Holy Spirit can come and do His work in them.

Thursday

Our youth group for the 16+ age PUSH (pray until something happens) is doing the M3 course this month. Pray for these youngsters that they will discover their God given gifts and be encouraged to use them in His service. Pray for their leaders as they seek to nurture them in their faith. Pray particularly for Sarah; ask the Lord to guide her and give her wisdom. Thank Him for her enthusiastic and lively personality which is just right for this ministry. These young people are our church’s future; giving them encouragement at this stage can make all the difference for them. Let’s support them in any way we can, particularly in prayer.

Friday

Pray for the youth led service on 19th November. Pray that our congregation will turn out in force to encourage these young people. Pray for the planning of the service, that it will be Spirit led and that our Lord may be glorified, but that we may also do our part by loving and supporting them, by taking the trouble to get to know them, by praying for their homes and families. Pray particularly for Katie Lowe as she speaks. Young people need much prayer. Let’s thank God for them, and their willingness to worship with us.

Saturday

Pray for the “Refresh” service on Saturday 25th November. Pray for Peter Short and Jennie Cosslett and any others who will plan this event. Ask the Lord to inspire them by His Spirit and lead them in worship and praise. This is another new ministry within our church, being led by new ministers. Thank God for His tremendous provision for us at St John’s. Pray for Neil and Simon; keep them covered in prayer, remembering they are marked men. Pray also for Brian at present on holiday; pray for a complete recovery from his health problems and that he will return to us invigorated and refreshed, ready to continue the Lord’s work within our parish. Pray for all who lead us, in whatever ministry; may the Lord continue to bless us mightily as we seek to serve Him.