May 21-31, Thy Kingdom Come [Ascension to Pentecost]
Thursday 21st May, Ascension Thursday
Acts 1:1-11 Jesus returns to the Father but there is the promise of the Holy Spirit, his power to be witnesses.
Prayer: All working in our hospitals, care homes and the community and all who sustain the wellbeing of the nation. Our emergency services.
The ministry of chaplains in our hospitals, hospices and prisons.
Friday 22nd May
Ephesians 2: 1-10 We were once hopeless and helpless without Christ, but God has lavishedHis grace on all who put their trust in Jesus through His saving initiative.
Prayer: Our business community, working with new regulations; those self employed and the unemployed.
The ministry of Tearfund.
Saturday 23rd May
Ephesians 2: 11-22 Reconciliation through Christ and the Cross and how it works out in our relationships especially in our nation.
Prayer: Renewal in our land and for people to find hope in Jesus Christ.
The work of Crown Jesus Ministries.
Sunday 24th May
Ephesians 1: 15-23 and Acts 1:1-11 The consequences of Jesus returning to the Father for us as his witnesses and in the prayer by Paul, that Jesus is the One he prays to for other believers (to know him better, know this hope, inheritance and great power).
Prayer: Our church family in Christ Church scattered but connected, our brothers and sisters in Christ in our city and in Luwero Diocese, Uganda and Matana Diocese in Burundi especially the Church and school at St Apollo.
The ministry of CMS Ireland.
Monday 25th May
Ephesians 3: 1-13 Paul describes God’s eternal purposes so as to reassure Gentile believers that they are just as much a part of the body of Christ as their fellow Jewish converts.
Prayer: All in our education sector, the process of getting back to children and young people being together, teaching in new ways, exam processes and the funding of all sectors in education.
The ministry of Scripture Union.
Tuesday 26th May
Ephesians 3: 14-21 A prayer by Paul for the believers for “strength”, to be rooted in love and believe in the God who does immeasurably more!
Prayer: The ministry of chaplains in hospitals, hospices and prisons. All engaged in mental health provision and counselling. The role of undertakers supporting families at a time of loss.
The ministry of the Churches Ministry of Healing with the Rev Pat Mollan.
Wednesday 27th May
Ephesians 4:1-16Paul exhorts the church to unity based on the truths of the one God and His one work of salvation.
Prayer: Our farmers, those who work at sea and in our factories to provide us with our food. All involved in the transport of goods and services.The ministry of Fields of Life.
Thursday 28th May
Ephesians 4: 17-32 Putting on the new self in Christ, putting off the old ways. Kindness and compassion.
Prayer: All working in our hospitals, care homes and the community and all who sustain the wellbeing of our nation. Our emergency services.
The ministry of the Bible Society.
Friday 29th May
Ephesians 5: 1-20Paul gives general instructions on how Christians are to lead holy lives. He centers on wisdom in speech, sexual purity, associations, and other similar aspects of a thankful life.
Prayer: Our leaders in Government in Stormont, City Council and in London, for godly wisdom in dealing with Covid-19. Those seeking a vaccine. All involved in the charity sector as they adjust to these times and keep providing a service.
The work of Stepping Stones and the Simon Community in our city.
Saturday 30th May
Ephesians 6:10-24 Spiritual warfare and using the pieces of the armour of God to be strong in the Lord. Seeing prayer as part of our armour to advance the Kingdom.
Prayer: Renewal in our land and for people to find hope in Jesus Christ.
The ministry of Lisburn Foodbank and Lisburn Christians against Poverty.
Sunday 31st May, PENTECOST SUNDAY
Acts 2: 1-21 The coming of the Holy Spirit upon and in all who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Prayer: Unity of the Church in our city and nation, boldness in living and witnessing for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Almighty God,who on the day of Pentecostsent your Holy Spirit to the apostleswith the wind from heaven and in tongues of flame,filling them with joy and boldness to preach the gospel: By the power of the same Spiritstrengthen us to witness to your truthand to draw everyone to the fire of your love;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen [Pentecost Sunday]
Faithful God,who fulfilled the promises of Easterby sending us your Holy Spiritand opening to every race and nation the way of life eternal:Open our lips by your Spirit,that every tongue may tell of your glory;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen [post communion prayer for Pentecost]
Good morning heavenly Father,good morning Lord Jesus,good morning Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father, I worship you as the creator and sustainer of the universe. Lord Jesus, I worship you, Savior and Lord of the world. Holy Spirit, I worship you, sanctifier of the people of God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live this day in your presenceand please you more and more.
Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you.
Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life:love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three persons in one God,have mercy upon me. Amen.– John Stott, quoted in Basic Christian: The Inside Story of John Stott
