St. John the Baptist, Burscough

Monthly Prayer Letter

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

Sunday

Pray for the influence of our Advent series of talks, where we look forward to the coming kingdom of God – God with us. Pray that each one of us will draw closer to God, keeping our hearts free from all the phoney glitter and busyness that fills the world at this time of year. Pray that many will look with joy and wonder for the coming of the Prince of Peace. Pray that as we listen and watch, the Holy Spirit will be at work in us.

Monday

Thank God for new friendships and deeper knowledge as we conclude the Alpha course this month. Many people have been moved on in their faith and understanding, and we need to give thanks and praise to God for answered prayers. Pray that we will not stop wanting to meet together in His presence, especially those who are not yet members of a house group. Pray that what we have heard and understood will take root and flourish in the weeks and months ahead, for this is His purpose for His people and our prayer will surely be answered.

Tuesday

Christmas time can be a very distressing time for many people, especially those who have lost loved ones. Pray for them, that the Lord by His Holy Spirit will come and minister to them and give them His blessed assurance. Pray too, for people in nursing homes and for any who are sick either at home or in hospital and pray for children—not all will have a happy time; cover them with His love and ask God to seek out those who could make a difference, perhaps with an invitation.

Wednesday

Pray for all our services, that everything will be done to honour the coming King. Please include the services at Hoscar and Crabtree Missions in your prayers – these faithful little outposts where a warm welcome is always given to all comers; may the Lord bless them mightily, especially in their carol services. Thank God for their faithfulness to their outlying communities over the years. Ask for the Lord’s blessing on all the various services at St John’s. May we all be prepared by the Holy Spirit to reach out with His love and grace to new faces around us at the Christingle service on 13th, the Little Stars service on 16th, the carol service on 20th and midnight Communion on 24th, and may we all receive a special blessing on 14th at the Advent Meditation; ask the Lord to fill us anew with wonder and joyous anticipation for the coming of the Kingdom. May we feel blessed, as indeed we are when we open our hearts in welcome to the Lord Jesus.

Thursday

Thank God for all those who serve so quietly and graciously in the running of the church which always looks so beautifully kept both inside and outside thanks to them. They are at work, often unnoticed by the rest of us. Pray for more volunteers – there is always work to do in a busy church. Pray especially for Jean and her office helpers, so busy always but especially at this time of year. Pray also for Richard and his team: in spite of extra work loads and activity, may they also spend time with God, allowing Him by His Holy Spirit to refresh them with His rest and peace, so that the extra load becomes bearable and the Spirit can hold sway in all that they have to do.

Friday

There are lots of activities and services in December at which we will be making contact with those who do not regularly attend church (carol singing, school assemblies, baptism preparations for parents and Godparents, Family Fun day, Jazz concert). Pray that we may all assist the Holy spirit in his work by giving the lost a taste of the joy, peace and transforming power which knowing Jesus brings to those who love Him. But first we must open ourselves fully to Him; pray that we may be willing to do this as we welcome and worship with strangers, and as we work, shop and spend time with our families, neighbours and friends.

Saturday

Pray for the Posada Christmas initiative which culminates in a special service on Christmas Eve and thank God for the willing involvement of all three primary schools. Three separate caskets of nativity figures will be used to introduce the Christmas story into village homes and a short prayer given; the caskets will be passed from home to home so that each house will hear the story and prayer. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s blessings and a warm reception in the hearts of all who are visited, especially the children.