monday 11th june€¦ · web viewif you are in an urban setting, pray for the people (by name if...

Mothers’ Union Thy Kingdom Come Prayer and Activity Pack

Introduction

“In praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' we all commit to playing our part in the renewal of the nations and the transformation of communities."Archbishop Justin Welby

For the past three years Mothers’ Union has been an active participant in the Archbishop of Canterbury and York’s Thy Kingdom Come initiative. Members’ prayers between Ascension and Pentecost have been focused on the coming of the God’s Kingdom in the lives of our family and friends, neighbours and colleagues and that they might come to faith.

With the COVID crisis, when we pray ‘Come Holy Spirit’ during Thy Kingdom Come 2020 we pray in the specific context of this situation, with all that we face, all that is unknown and all we are helpless before. But it is so important that we continue to pray.

We have produced this pack to help support your prayer and time between Ascension Pentecost. We encourage you to join us on our Facebook page on 22nd May 2020 at 2pm (BST) for our Thy Kingdom Global Service where we will be led in worship by members and leaders from across the globe. The service sheet can be downloaded here. We also have special Midday Prayers which we have included at the end of the pack.

Please do also make sure you take a look at https://www.thykingdomcome.global/ where there is a large selection of activities and prayers available

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses …to the ends of the earth. When he had said this…he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight…Then they returned to Jerusalem … and were constantly devoting themselves to prayer… When the day of Pentecost had come they were all together in one place... All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit... and that day about three thousand persons were added." Acts 1, 2

https://www.thykingdomcome.global/

https://www.mothersunion.org/resources-support-us-challenging-times

https://www.facebook.com/

ABC of prayer for MU@homeIn these times we have all, to a great extent, become MU@home. This template may be helpful in praying with purpose during Thy Kingdom Come, both for friends and family to experience the love and good news of Christ, and for the various ways Mothers’ Union shows Christ’s love as we put our faith into action.

A Begin by offering your praise and thanks for answered prayer so far. Remind yourself of the power of prayer and God’s willingness to answer by reflecting on appropriate Bible verses

Loving Lord, thank you for the privilege of being involved in the work of building the Kingdom of God on earth through my prayers for (mention specific names and initiatives etc.) I praise you with thankful heart for your answers to prayers thus far, in particular (mention specific answers) Truly you are an awesome God!

Thank you for your presence with me as I bring my requests and petitions.Thank you for the help of the Holy Spirit in putting needs into words, and in pleading their case before you. I commit my time to you, for the growth of your Kingdom and the glory of Christ. Amen

B Now move into praying for specific aspects of the initiative:

o As well as bringing before God your prayer points you may like to choose appropriate passage of scripture, reflect on it for a few minutes then use the thoughts God highlights to you to pray.

o If you enjoy craft activities you could also engage in them as another way to pray – especially if the project includes craft in some way e.g. knitting – pause after every

row to pray; focus on those who will benefit from the knitted item and use your thoughts as a basis for prayer

Write down any particular themes that emerge as you pray and use them as further encouragement to keep praying.

C Finish by using a Biblical blessing to ask God to bless the people and initiatives for which you have been praying

Pentecost Prayer Reflection / Meditation - Ready to Receive

This prayer reflection / meditation was written by member Sue Oxlade

The table is set:My body is ready to receive the meal set before me: the food that will nourish and sustain me.I picture a steaming, home-cooked meal, served at the kitchen table.I picture a table in a restaurant, sparkling glasses and cutlery, my friends studying the menu.I picture the family in front of the T.V. sharing pizzas which have been delivered.I picture the office workers grabbing sandwiches and drinks from a nearby shop.I picture ragged children in a faraway land with bowls containing a small serving of rice – all they will get today.

Lord – is my heart ready to receive the Holy Spirit, the gift that will nourish and sustain my life? How will it come?

I think of the messages that come from Scripture.I think of the warmth of friendship.I think of the wonders of God’s creation.I think of the joy of shared worship.I think of the conversations at church groups and meetings.I think of the warm glow that John Wesley described.I think of the wind and flames at that first Pentecost.

- and so, I pray: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart and kindle in me the fire of your love.”

Using the Lord’s Prayer to Pray with PurposeOnce more Mothers’ Union will be joining together with thousands across the world in to pray Thy Kingdom Come between Ascension and Pentecost. During this time, we pray for many to experience the love and good news of Christ. As Mothers’ Union we share this particularly as we put our faith into action.

Try using the Lord’s Prayer to pray for the various ways, both local and global, through which we show the love of Christ and proclaim Thy Kingdom Come. If still in isolation either share information before and after, or if possible, try an online prayer time together.

Pray each of the stanzas of the prayer as divided below, pausing to reflect on the words before praying and sharing as indicated

Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name,

Begin by using prayer and Bible verses to bring praise and worship to God, our holy, heavenly Father

your kingdom come,

your will be done,on earth as in heaven.

Share news, answers to prayer of the initiative which you are bringing to God - which is a particular practical example of the love of Christ and the building of God’s kingdom on earth

Give us today our daily bread.

Bring before God ongoing and new prayer needs for the initiative, for those who benefit from it, and for those who are involved in running it

Forgive us our sinsas we forgive those who sin against us.

Admit our need for God’s forgiveness for our own shortcomings as a precursor to showing any forgiveness needed e.g. for those who have made the initiative necessary in the first place; or those who may be obstructing it

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

Pray for perseverance when initial enthusiasm wanes; or opposition is proving to be difficult; when answers to prayer seem slow….

For the kingdom, the power,and the glory are yoursnow and for ever. Amen

Finish with praise for God’s power and majesty, and for his promise to build his kingdom on earth

You may like to use alternative versions of the Lord’s Prayer to encourage fresh reflection and prayer e.g.

Our Father, who is in heaven,Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come,Your will be doneOn earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment].And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Amplified Bible Our Father in heaven,we pray that your name will always be kept holy.

We pray that your kingdom will come.We pray that what you want will be done,

here on earth as it is in heaven.Give us the food we need for each day.Forgive the sins we have done,just as we have forgiven those who did wrong to us.And do not cause us to be tested;but save us from the Evil One.’The kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours forever. Amen. International Children’s Bible

Our Father in heaven,Reveal who you are.

Set the world right;

Do what’s best—as above, so below.Keep us alive with three square meals.Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.You’re in charge!You can do anything you want!You’re ablaze in beauty!Yes. Yes. Yes. The Message

Thy Kingdom Come: Resource Suggestions

One idea for engaging in prayer ourselves

Pray for five friends

Choose five people you would regularly like to pray for and write their names down onto a list. If you’re not sure who to pray for, ask God to guide you as you choose. Once you have settled on 5 names, commit to praying for them regularly by praying the following:

Loving Father,in the face of Jesus Christyour light and glory have blazed forth.Send your Holy Spirit that I may share with my friends [here, name your friends]the life of your Son and your love for all.Strengthen me as a witness to that loveas I pledge to pray for them,for your name’s sake. Amen.

Here are five easy ways to pray for five people regularly. Choose the one that suits you best.

1. PIECE OF STRINGTake a piece of string or cord, and tie five knots in it to represent each of the five people you have committed to pray for. You could carry the knotted string in your pocket, tie it round your wrist or place it somewhere that you’ll see it regularly. Use the knots to remind you to pray for each person on your list of five.

2. SMALL STONESFind five small stones (light coloured ones are best) and write each of the people on your list onto each of the stones. Place them on your desk, bedside table or fireplace as a reminder to pray. Alternatively, you could place each stone in a different room of your home and pray for each person as you enter or leave the room.

3. BUSINESS PRAYER CARD OR BOOKMARKGrab a piece of card that will easily fit inside your wallet, purse or book. Write your list of five names onto the card before putting it in your wallet or book. Use this card as a daily reminder to pray for them.

4. PRAYER ALERTSAdd your list of five people to the alerts section of your phone and set reminders topray for them. You could choose one name per day, or pray for all five across your day. Remember to set alerts for a suitable time where you can stop to pray for your list.

5. POST-IT NOTESUse five post-it notes and write one name onto each. Stick them onto your mirror, above your bed or somewhere that you’ll see them regularly and will be reminded to pray.

Some prayer ideas to share or try with families; either your own family or those you may engage with at church or Mothers’ Union groups for families. Some may need to be adapted for use in a situation of lockdown.

Pebble prayers on the beach

Use pebbles to represent the people you are praying for, before throwing them into the sea or in times like now maybe a local river or pond or even a bowl of water / bath!

You will need: a collection of pebbles, small stones or shells found on the beach; an expanse of water.

Find a beach / park / your garden with stones or shells and make a small collection. Go up to the water’s edge and, taking care that there are no people or wildlife between you and the sea, fling your pebble into the water as you shout out a prayer using simple words like, ‘Please help [Name] know Jesus’ love’.

You can adapt this activity for a lake, river or even a bucket of water in your garden.

Prayer spinners

Spinning prayers to bring people to Jesus!

You will need: circles of card (one for each child); felt-tip pens; string.

Stick a pen or pencil through the middle of the circle to make a hole. Ask everyone to use the colouring pens to decorate the circle with bright colours.

When they have done this, write the names (or draw a face) of each person you want to pray for. Thread a string through the hole and hold tightly to each end. Give a wrist flick and the circle should start to spin on the string.

The coloured prayers will all blend together as the circle spins and you can picture leaving those prayers and those people with Jesus.

Prayer walk

Pray as you walk around your urban setting, park or countryside for God’s kingdom to grow and be in these places.

You will need: a comfortable pair of shoes or boots; a drink and snack to share at the end of your walk. Optional: plastic gloves; litter picker; litter sacks; hand gel.

Start by walking in silence for a short while; walk really slowly and pay attention to everything you hear and see. When you reach the agreed point (a lamp post, gate or tree, depending on your setting), pause to share what you’ve seen or heard. Give thanks for anything beautiful and say sorry to God if things are spoilt.

If it is safe and you have a wide-open space, stride out or run to the next agreed stopping point and feel the exhilaration of living in God’s amazing world. Share how it felt to run freely and give thanks to God that we can live freely as Christians in this country.

Next, think about how to share God’s kingdom in your setting.

If you are in an urban setting, pray for the people (by name if you can) in the houses, schools and shops that you pass—that God’s kingdom will come in these places.

If you are in an urban setting or the countryside, ask God to show you how to look after his beautiful world and restore his kingdom. You may like to start by clearing up any litter. Be ready to share why you are doing this with interested passers-by.

‘Your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ Matthew 6:10

Finally, find a spot to share your drink and snack, remembering all the good gifts that God gives us.

‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it’ Psalm 24:1

Lego prayers

Use Lego to pray for people to build a relationship with Jesus.

You will need: Lego baseboard; Lego pieces.

Use the Lego to make the initial letter of the name of each person you are praying for. Either build a freestanding letter or make the letter on the baseboard.

As you build, pray that your person will know Jesus at work in their lives.

Simple everyday ways to pray

Good times to pray together are those times you do something regularly, like brushing teeth, eating a meal or going to bed.

Keep prayer times short and simple, unless anyone insists on going on for longer.

Have a photo collage of family and friends to pray for and choose a different person to pray for each day.

Say thank you to God for one of the meals you eat each day. If you don’t know any words to say, ask the children to say it.

Read a Bible story together and ask, ‘What would you like to say to Jesus now?’ and say ‘Amen’ at the end of whatever is said.

If you hear something tragic on the news, get into the habit of asking God out loud there and then to bless that situation, for example: ‘God, please bless those people affected by Coronavirus.’

If someone in the family talks about a difficult situation at work or at school, similarly, pray for it briefly and matter-of-factly out loud there and then.

Lots of people like routine and ritual, so feel free to pray the same family prayer at the same time every day.

A good simple way of helping your family bring their concerns to God is to ask this set of questions each day (and be prepared to answer for yourself)

What are you most thankful for today?

What are you least thankful for today?

When did you show love today?

When weren’t you kind today?

What would you like to say to God about today?

Pentecost Poem – The WindscaleThis poem was written by member Sue Oxlade

“Wind, wind blow on me, Wind, wind blow on me - - - the blessed Holy Spirit!”

Beaufort no.0It is calm, smoke rises vertically. Lord, as we pray, we watch the smoke from the incense and imagine our prayers rising straight to You.

Beaufort no.1Light air- but, Lord, it is enough to waft the scent of the flowers towards me. In the same way, Lord, may I feel the gentle presence of Your Holy Spirit.

Beaufort no.2Light breeze.The wind drives the clouds over the ocean, bringing rain for our needs. Lord, through Your Holy Spirit, you give us living water.

Beaufort no.3Gentle breeze with leaves and small twigs in constant motion.- and, Lord, the wings of tiny birds are in constant motion as the winds help them on their long and miraculous migrations. Lord, may we remember that the People of God are a travelling people as we follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Beaufort no.4Moderate breezeLord, we watch the sails of the windmill slowly turning, causing the corn to be ground, the water to be pumped, and the power to be generated, as Your Holy Spirit gives power to Your people.

Beaufort no.5Fresh breezeLord, we see the yachts racing across the water, and ask that Your Holy Spirit will fill us and make us eager to do Your will.

Beaufort no.6Strong breezeLord, I watch as the campfire flames leap from side to side and ask that Your Holy Spirit will burn in my heart, fuelled by Your Word.

Beaufort no.7High wind Moderate gale Near galeNow it can be difficult to stand, but one can lean into the wind; Lord, support me through Your Holy Spirit.

Beaufort no.8Fresh galeHere is a wind that blows doors open: Lord, may the doors of my heart be blown open by Your Holy Spirit.

Beaufort no.9Strong galeLord I can hear the wind howling outside, keeping me awake and fearful. Lord, please calm my anxiety with knowledge of the presence of Your Holy Spirit.

Beaufort no.10Whole gale StormLord, was this what the disciples felt at Pentecost, a wind that cause destruction? – But maybe there are things in my life that need to be blown away, to be destroyed by Your Holy Spirit? Lord may Your Holy Spirit fill my life.

“Wind, wind blow on me, Wind, wind blow on me - - - the blessed Holy Spirit!”

Midday Prayers 2020: Building hope and confidence

21st-31st May Thy Kingdom Come

In praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' we all commit to playing our part in the renewal of the nations and the transformation of communities.Archbishop Justin Welby

As part of Mothers’ Union’s engagement with the global prayer movement Thy Kingdom Come, we have produced special Midday Prayers for its duration using material from the Thy Kingdom Come resources.

Thursday 21st May

Almighty God, your ascended Son has sent us into the world to preach the good news of your kingdom: inspire us with your Spirit and fill our hearts with the fire of your love, that all who hear your word may be drawn to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Glory to God, whose power, at work among us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or conceive. to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Alleluia. Amen

Wave of Prayer for Mothers’ Union Lord, we pray for the witness and work of Mothers’ Union worldwide.Today we pray for our members in:Christ the King in South Africa; East Rwenzori in Uganda; Gombe & New Busa in Nigeria and Bunbury in Australia

Final blessing

We go with faith in Christwho taught us to pray thy Kingdom come;to witness of his love throughout the world. Amen

Friday 22nd May

God of our salvation, hope of all the ends of the earth, we pray: Thy kingdom come

That the world may know Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace, we pray: Thy kingdom come

That we may be bold to speak the word of God while you stretch out your hand to save, we pray: Thy kingdom come

That the Church may be generous in giving, faithful in serving, bold in proclaiming, we pray: Thy kingdom come

That the day may come when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, we pray: Thy kingdom come. Amen


Final blessing


Saturday 23rd May

Loving Father, in the face of Jesus Christ your light and glory have blazed forth. Send your Holy Spirit that we may share with our friends and those we servethe life of your Son and your love for all. Strengthen us as witnesses to that love, for your name’s sake. Amen



Final blessing


Sunday 24th May

Draw your Church together, O God, into one great company of disciples, together following our Lord Jesus Christ into every walk of life, together serving him in his mission to the world, and together witnessing to his love on every continent and island. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Lord. Amen


Wave of Prayer for Mothers’ Union Lord, we pray for the witness and work of Mothers’ Union worldwide.Today we pray for all of our members throughout the worldand for the work that they do in the name of Christ

Final blessing


Monday 25th May

We come before the Son of God, crucified and risen, who eternally intercedes for us to the Father, saying: turn our hearts again.

Son of God, you came into the world to save sinners: turn our hearts again

You became poor that we might become rich: turn our hearts again

You have taken on yourself all our sufferings:turn our hearts again

You loved the Church and gave yourself for her:turn our hearts again

For the joy, which was set before you, you endured the cross:turn our hearts again

King of the ages, you brought us the gift of life and opened the way to unending joy: turn our hearts again. Amen

Wave of Prayer for Mothers’ Union Lord, we pray for the witness and work of Mothers’ Union worldwide.Today we pray for our members in:Bor in South Sudan; Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania; Oru & Oleh in Nigeria; Rockhampton in Australia and Agra in India

Final blessing


Tuesday 26th May Let us give thanks to Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for us all, saying: we thank you, Jesus our Lord

You lead us out and we find pasture: we thank you, Jesus our Lord

You call us by name, and we hear your voice: we thank you, Jesus our Lord

Whoever enters by you will be saved: we thank you, Jesus our Lord

You laid down your life in order to take it up again: we thank you, Jesus our Lord

You came that we might have life and have it abundantly: we thank you, Jesus our Lord

You lead us through the valley of the shadow of death and we fear no evil: we thank you, Jesus our Lord. Amen


Final blessing


Wednesday 27th May

Almighty God who called your Church to witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself:help us to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may be drawn to you; through him who was lifted up on the cross, and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Glory to God, whose power, at work among us, can do infinitely more

than we can ask or conceive; to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Alleluia. Amen


Final blessing


Thursday 28th May

Let us turn to the risen Lord, who gives us the Spirit to make all things new, saying: renew us in your love.

O Word of life, one God with the Father and the Spirit:renew us in your love

O crucified Redeemer, by the eternal Spirit you offered yourself to the Father for us:renew us in your love.

You breathed on the apostles the Spirit of your love, that sinners might come to know the mercy of God:renew us in your love

You are seated at the right hand of the Father, from whom we receive the gifts of the Spirit:renew us in your love.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit you wash away our sins in the waters of baptism and open our hearts to the guiding hand of the Father:renew us in your love. Amen

Wave of Prayer for Mothers’ Union Lord, we pray for the witness and work of Mothers’ Union worldwide.Today we pray for our members in:Angola; North Ankole in Uganda; Okene & Ibadan-South in Nigeria; Aberdeen & Orkney in Scotland and Karnataka South in India

Final blessing


Friday 29th May

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your people and kindle in us the fire of your love

All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God and fellow-heirs with Christ. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your people

Renew the face of your creation, Lord, pouring on us the gifts of your Spirit,

and kindle in us the fire of your love

For the creation waits with eager longing for the glorious liberty of the children of God.Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your people and kindle in us the fire of your love. Amen


Final blessing


Saturday 30th May

God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us,

That your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you.

O let the nations rejoice and be glad, for you will judge the peoples righteously and govern the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Then shall the earth bring forth her increase, and God, our own God, will bless us.

God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.Psalm 67


Final blessing


Sunday 31st May

Almighty God, your ascended Son has sent us into the world to preach the good news of your kingdom: inspire us with your Spirit and fill our hearts with the fire of your love, that all who hear your word may be drawn to you,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Glory to God, whose power, at work among us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or conceive; to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Alleluia. Amen

Wave of Prayer for Mothers’ Union Lord, we pray for the witness and work of Mothers’ Union worldwide.Today we pray for all of our members throughout the worldand for the work that they do in the name of Christ

Final blessing


monday 11th june€¦ · web viewif you are in an urban setting, pray for the people (by name if...

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