Our new weekly reel and blog highlights what is going on in the UK and around the world that you might like to pray about this week. For the reel, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
News headlines
Democracy
The High Court ruled this week that the Government acted unlawfully in proscribing Palestine Action under terrorism laws. This feels like a ‘line in the sand’ against using sweeping counter-terror powers to silence protest. JPIT has previously spoken out about the right to protest, stressing that peaceful protest is a vital function of democracy.
Pray for democratic freedoms, including the freedom to protest. Pray for the protection and amplifying of those who speak out for justice. Pray for guidance around proportionate policing. You may also like to pray for politicians, judges and campaigners in challenging times.
Global Crises
Global crises continue to impact millions of people around the world. This week’s global reports suggest that international humanitarian law is at breaking point, with widespread impunity for serious violation. Women and girls around the world continue to face deep-rooted inequality, violence, and discrimination. The war in Sudan continues into a fourth year; and the UN is appealing for $1.6bn to support refugees from the nation. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine also enters a fourth year next week.
Pray for a strengthening of humanitarian law, for justice for women and girls and for peace where conflict destroys life.
Public Life
JPIT hopes for a a politics characterised by listening, kindness, and truthfulness.
Headlines in the UK – and questions in parliament this week – have included significant scrutiny of political figures linked to Jeffrey Epstein. These raise ongoing questions about power, justice, and transparency.
Pray that truth may be revealed, survivors may be heard, and that those in power would act with integrity and accountability.
Parliament: What’s coming up
Parliament has been on recess this week for half term, but are two particular pieces of business in parliament next week to pray about this coming week.
On Monday, parliament has the final stages of the Universal Credit Bill, which will remove the two-child limit. Pray that our politicians will centre and honour those who have lived experience of poverty as the bill goes through its final stages.
On Wednesday, parliament’s business will include a general debate on Ukraine. Pray that this debate will guide active work for peace.
Prayer
God, our just ruler,
You guide us with truth and grace.
This week, we pray for
Minds open to hear the righteous anger of those who speak truth to power,
Hearts open to hope for peace and justice in the midst of violence and oppression,
Hands open to work actively for peace, and to lift up the voices of those who experience poverty and marginalisation.
In the name of Jesus, a child who journeys with us through the wilderness,
Amen
Conclusion
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