PRAISE GOD FOR WHO HE IS
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you… In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:3-4, 6). Give thanks for the living hope that we have through Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, and that this living hope brings joy and comfort through times of grief and trial.
THE WORLD
Middle East. Continue to pray for peace in the Middle East, especially in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Qatar and Yemen. Pray for reconciliation between opposing groups, and for much needed relief, protection, and provision for the poor, refugee, homeless, and venerable. Pray for Christians in these countries: for their perseverance through persecution; for their faithful and joyful witness to Christ; and for the raising up of godly leaders.
At this time of Easter, pray for peace for other troubled places in the world: for the Ukraine, Myanmar, the Yemen, South Sudan, Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Pray for the restraint of violence, for the protection of the vulnerable and innocent, for rival groups to be eager to seek reconciliation, for wisdom for world leaders in mediation. Pray above all that people would know Jesus the Prince of Peace, the one who has made peace with us through his blood.
HONG KONG
Pray for our city’s government led by John Lee. Pray for that it would govern with justice, integrity, and wisdom, using its resources and opportunities for the good of all in our city. Pray that the needs of the poor and the refugee, the marginalised and the voiceless would be met. Pray for effective policies in areas of housing affordability, health, and education. Pray that people in our city would not be given over to despair or disunity, but to hope and consideration for the needs of those around them.
ST ANDREW'S
Evangelism. Give thanks for the gospel of Jesus which brings the news of forgiveness and the hope of eternal life. Pray for our opportunities to share this gospel; that it would be declared as we gather on Sundays at St Andrew’s, so that people would come to believe; and that we would declare the gospel as we scatter during the week, in our homes, workplaces, friendships, and networks. Pray for wisdom and opportunities to invite friends to church or the upcoming ‘Christianity Explored’ course. Pray that busyness of life, people in HK would ask the big questions in life and turn to Jesus as their Saviour.
Pray for those in our community and those known to you who are going through difficult circumstances, whether through grief or illness, loneliness or relational struggles, or particular anxieties. Pray for God’s peace, provision, and healing upon them, and for wisdom to those who are ministering to their needs.