Wednesday 23rd Pray for the Diaconate meeting this evening, for each person who attends it and
for
the PBC related matters that will be discussed. May the Holy Spirit guide, bless and bring unity of
purpose. Pray for Lyn as she manages the church finances – not a small task – as well as regularly
leading our services and overseeing the music rota.
Thursday 24th It’s almost time for our monthly collection of coppers for the Water Guard project in
Kibera. Let’s take time to pray for all those lives touched by receiving this gift of clean water that their
lives would be even more deeply impacted by the One who promises us that we need never thirst again,
John 4:14.
Friday 25th 6.3 Father, in our evangelism, help us to Be Eager. Romans 1:15 “I am so eager to preach
the gospel” wrote Paul. Let’s pray that we can put guilt and awkwardness aside and joyfully and eagerly
talk openly about our faith wherever we feel the Holy Spirit prompting us to do so. Did you know that in
the 2011 census it was shown that 44% of people in Peebles had no faith? How wonderful it would be to
see this change in the days to come.
Saturday 26th Prayer in the caravan at 8:30am. Be part of it if you can. There are over one billion
Hindus across the world and BMS World Mission workers in Hindu majority countries are living
Christlike lives every day, often sharing the gospel with people. Please pray for BMS workers in Hindu
majority countries, that they might be able to live out their faith free from persecution. The Hindu
Festival of Diwali starting today is the festival of lights. Pray for Jesus, the true light of the world, to be
seen across the Hindu world.
Sunday 27th We pray for the BMS World Mission today, focussing on all involved in fund-raising through
the various initiatives such as the Birthday Scheme, grant-application writing, leaving legacies,
organising runs, cake sales and other events. Pray that God would regularly surprise and bless those
involved in BMS finance administration with new funds coming from unexpected places! Let’s bring
before God all who are part of Queen’s Park Baptist Church and the Baptist Churches in Portobello,
Pollock and Renfrew.
Monday 28th 6.4 Father, in our evangelism, help us to Be Confident. Romans 1:16 Pray for boldness to
unashamedly seek opportunities to share the gospel. Pray that even when people seem indifferent,
that we would remain confident that the gospel is both GOOD and POWERFUL - powerful enough to
bring “salvation to everyone who believes” verse 16! Be encouraged to keep praying for the five people
you committed to praying for in July.
Tuesday 29th Victor and Caroline, as their home leave concluded, wrote in their latest newsletter: “We
are ready to return with joyful hearts, refreshed and relaxed about the next term of service… We are
looking forward to throwing ourselves into the roles we have before us.” They have now been back in
Guinea for a while. Pray that this sense of joyful purpose will carry them through any difficulties and
obstacles as they serve God for another four-year term in Guinea.
Wednesday 30th 6.5 Father, in our evangelism, help us to Marvel at the Gospel. Romans 1:17 Thank
God that through faith in the gospel, you have been made righteous. Pray that as a church, we would
never stop marvelling at God’s incredible grace to us, whether in easy or in challenging times.
st
Thursday 31 We end this month of praying on a significant day for our nation, assured that God is in
control and we belong to a heavenly and eternal Kingdom which reaches across all earthly boundaries.
Let’s pray using King David’s words, spoken at the time of receiving gifts for the building of the temple in
Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 29:10-13) “Blessed are you, God of Israel, our father from of old and forever. To
you, O God, belong the greatness and the might, the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendour; yes!
everything in heaven, everything on earth; the kingdom all yours! You’ve raised yourself high over all.
Riches and glory come from you, you’re ruler over all; you hold strength and power in the palm of your
hand to build up and strengthen all. And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you, praising
your splendid Name.”
Prayer Diary
October 2019
Pray every day for our church, for God to bless, minister to and through the:
1. Leadership – pray for Ian and Lindsey; the Deacons: Linda, Liz, and John; and all the
team leaders.
2. Family – pray using the address list as a guide to cover everyone during the month
3. Worship – pray for those involved in the music ministry, and all other aspects of
worship as per the rota
4. Witness – of individuals living and working in this community; as a body
representing Jesus; of our mission partners in Guinea and Kenya
5. Growth – pray:
- for people to come and find their spiritual home in our church
- for the children in the church family and those who teach them in JAM
- for the Building Project: the practicalities of fund-raising and building, the activities
and outreach now and the opportunities to come as The King’s Barn takes shape.
N.B. Saturday prayer time in the caravan at 8.30am. All welcome!
Tuesday 1st Paul, towards the end of his letter to the Philippians, writes: “Brothers and sisters, whatever
is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable
– if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Phil 4:8. Let’s ask God to help us to
keep this instruction active in our minds as we go into this new month, praying that we can stay positive
and primarily focussed on Him despite the distractions and pressures that would seek to pull us down in
spirit and mind.
Wednesday 2nd Yesterday was the International Day of Older Persons, with the theme for 2019 being:
“60+ Counts”. Worldwide, the proportion of older people is increasing, especially in developing
countries but also in the UK. There are growing inequalities in terms of, for example, health and social
care, ease of movement and economic stability. Let’s pray globally, but also locally, for vulnerable
elderly people to be put in touch with people who will provide them with the care and support they
need, especially to do so in Jesus’ name. Praise God for the initiatives in our Church and others in
Peebles that centre on the needs of the older people in our community. One such activity is “Singing
Together” at Dovecot Court which takes place today. Remember all who attend in your prayers.
Thursday 3rd We are continuing with the book: 5 Things to Pray for your Church. The next section is
based on Psalm 19:7-13: holding on to the truth of God’s Word. 5.1 Pray that we would be a Church
which regards God’s Word as Perfect. “The Law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul” Psalm 19:7.
Thank God for His perfect, trustworthy Word through which we can truly know Him. Pray that as we
gather round His Word our souls would be refreshed as we encounter the living God. As Diversity takes
place this evening, pray that it would be a rich time of fellowship while getting to know a bit about
Kosovo, where Alan and Mary have lived and worked for many years.
Friday 4th BMS World Mission have worked in China for over 100 years and are in partnership with a
number of local organisations. We are asked to pray for a spirit of openness in China, towards God’s
work and that people would continue to believe despite obstacles. Pastors are rarely able to meet
together in the current climate. Pray that despite this restriction, there would be unity between them
and a growing number of people wanting to meet Jesus.
Saturday 5th Prayer Breakfast morning. Come along if you can! 5.2 Pray that we would be a Church
which regards God’s Word as Radiant. Thank God that His radiant Word gives “light to the eyes”, Psalm
19:8. The pages of Scripture show us who Jesus is and what He has done. People are changed by being
taught the truths from God’s radiant Word. Pray for the teachers in our Church: Ian and those who
preach, Mo who leads the small group, Jan and all involved with JAM that through their teaching from
God’s Word many eyes would be enlightened.
Sunday 6th The Baptist Union of Great Britain, which covers Baptist Churches and initiatives mainly in
England, exists to “Grow healthy churches in relationship for God’s mission”. More about this aim can
be found in an article by General Secretary Lynn Green : www.baptist.org.uk/Publisher/Article.aspx?
ID=548271 Pray for all involved as they work towards achieving this. Pray also for the church families at
Mull, Nairn and New Prestwich Baptist Churches. Look for any up-to-date prayer requests on the screen
at church today.
Monday 7th Vision Ministries are currently building a well at a rural church and village. Pray for all to go
smoothly and safely, as well as on budget. The church in Kibera is in the process of renovation but
needs more funds to see the work completed. Breakthrough is needed in obtaining long overdue
official paperwork for the children’s home. Let’s pray for these matters, also asking God to give Barbara
and the Vision Ministries local team wisdom in all they do.
Tuesday 8th 5.3 Pray that we would be a Church which regards God’s Word as Firm. In a world where
moral goalposts seem to shift often, thank God that His words “are firm, and all of them are righteous”
Psalm 19:9. Pray that our Church would not compromise with culture but that we would firmly hold to
the belief that what the Bible says is right and wise. Thinking about the pillars of The King’s Barn,
inscribed with God’s Word, we pray that we would be resolute in praying for the completion of the
building, for the funds to flow in at a greater rate and obstacles to be overcome.
Wednesday 9th From the BMS Prayer Guide: “Our mission workers and partners are working with some
of the most marginalised people in Albania. Many adults struggle through unemployment and illiteracy,
children have little access to education and the elderly are often left isolated.” We pray today for the
BMS workers, partners and partner organisations who work to alleviate these inequalities, while sharing
knowledge of Jesus’ love and salvation too. Remember in prayer too, those who will be at the Dovecot
Service this afternoon. May the presence of Jesus be felt by all.
Thursday 10th The schools break up for the autumn half term break: a good time to pray for children
and teachers we know, and those community-wide, to spend a beneficial week of doing something
different while, in some way, having spirits awakened to the reality of Jesus. Pray too for those who will
be preparing university applications at this time, to have a sense of good purpose and direction that,
ultimately, they would know comes from God. Remember in prayer, the grant group who meet today.
Praise God for recent successful applications and ask Him to release more funds to complete the project
we believe He has led us to implement.
Friday 11th 5.4 Pray that we would be a Church which regards God’s Word as Sweet. God’s decrees are
“sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb” Psalm 19:10. What do you most love to eat?
In contemplating this question, pray that our Church would love feeding on God’s Word more than you
love feeding on that food! Pray that learning from Scripture wouldn’t be a dry academic exercise, but a
delightful sweet treat.
Saturday 12th Prayer in the caravan at the Kingsmeadow garden, 8:30am. Tomorrow afternoon, Vicky’s
Tearoom will be taking place. Let’s pray for encouragement for all involved in the organisation of this
monthly event, as well as for those who attend. Pray for all who like to go to be able to do so, and for
new people to feel welcome.
Sunday 13th The Baptist Union of Wales works among around 400 churches. On the “about us” page of
BUW website (buw.org.uk) is the statement: “We believe that the love of God ultimately expressed
through Jesus has the power to transform individual lives, whole communities and the life of our
nation.” Let’s say “Amen” to that and pray for the work of BUW to be effective in seeing wonderful
transformation through Jesus’ power. We pray too for those that belong to the Baptist Churches of
Newton Mearns, Oban and Paisley, that God would bless and multiply their number.
Monday 14th Today people all over Scotland are praying for our Church! Let’s join in with them! Pray as
the Holy Spirit directs, knowing that we join in with a special flow of prayer for us and the ministry of
PBC. Pray too for the new home group that starts meeting tomorrow at Margaret Cowan’s home. If
you are not part of a small group already and would like to be, speak to Ian.
Tuesday 15th 5.5 Pray that we would be a Church which regards God’s Word as a Warning. The
psalmist asks, “Who can discern their own errors?” Psalm 19:12. Pray that the warnings for God’s Word
would change how you live (v11); that Scripture would be showing you your hidden faults and turning
you from sin so that as a Church each of us “will be blameless, innocent of great transgression” (v13).
Wednesday 16th As Nehemiah interceded for God’s people Israel, let us continue to intercede in the
name of Jesus Christ for our political leaders and our country as we navigate these uncertain times.
“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of love with those who
love Him and keep His commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear our prayers
for our political leaders and the future of the UK.” Nehemiah 1:5-11. Remembering Nehemiah’s great
building achievement, let’s pray for all in the building group who meet this evening, that they would be
used by God to bring about similar results for His Kingdom through bringing The King’s Barn to completion.
Thursday 17th BMS World Mission seeks to be at the forefront of innovative mission. People in all kinds
of pioneering situations belong to the BMS family. Pray for some of them today: Nathan and Rose in
Afghanistan working with a poor and internally-displaced people group in the north; Muslim-
background believers in Guinea recently gathered for BMS-sponsored training in innovative ways of
reaching out in personal contexts; Nepali Baptists who received similar training and who use the Bible as
a starting point for community development; the volunteer teachers at a BMS-supported school for the
blind in Kinshasa, DR Congo; the BMS partner in Sri Lanka, where recent terrorist atrocities targeted
Christian churches, who works to promote children’s rights and enable their protection. Close to home,
this evening, our menfolk will be spending an evening together over curry and conversation. Pray that it
will be a time of great fellowship and the start of similar regular get-togethers.
Friday 18th The next section of “5 Things to Pray for Your Church” is on making known God’s Glory
(Romans 1v14-17) 6.1 “Father, in our evangelism, help us to Feel Indebted” v14 As we have been
given so much in the gospel of Jesus Christ, let’s pray that we would understand the debt we have to
Him and be able to shake off any apathy about proclaiming the Good News to all we meet, becoming
ever more filled with compassion for those that don’t know Jesus yet.
Saturday 19th Prayer in the caravan at 8:30am. Come if you can – or join in from wherever you are. The
fundraising Coffee Morning is on today. Pray for the final organisational logistics to go smoothly, for
many to come and enjoy the event and for a healthy addition to The King’s Barn fund.
Sunday 20th Pray for the Irish Baptist Networks as they seek to promote and encourage fellowship
between Irish Baptists and the European (EBF) and world (BWA) Baptist family. Perth, Peterhead, and
Pitlochry Baptist Churches need our prayers too as they seek to represent God’s Kingdom, reaching out
into the world to make His name known.
Monday 21st Pray for BMS partners who are involved in the administration of justice: people such as
Mark Barrell who is a lawyer working in Mozambique (see him sharing here: www.bmsworldmission.
org/video/update-mark-barrell/). Pray that he and all in similar roles would be men and women of
peace maintaining love and justice, while waiting for God always as they seek His law above all else (see
Hosea 12:6). May this also be true of teachers who are Christians. Today is an in-service day for
teaching staff in the SBC region; tomorrow the children return. Pray for all as the new half-term gets
underway.
Tuesday 22nd 6.2 Father, in our evangelism, help us to Reach Diverse Groups. Romans 1:14. Pray that
our Church would be able to push outside its comfort zone, warmly embracing all types of people,
confident that all can be transformed by the gospel. The South-side of Peebles is full of diverse people
who we long to introduce to and share with the love of Jesus.