The Queen spoke of Jesus as the Prince of Peace in her Christmas message

Over Christmas and the New Year, the Queen spoke of Jesus as ‘an inspiration and an anchor’. In her annual Christmas message the Queen spoke about reconciliation and forgiveness, describing Jesus as a ‘role model’ of these qualities. In the message, broadcast on Christmas Day, she said: ‘For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.’ The monarch’s annual Christmas speech, which was first delivered by George V in 1932, is one of the rare occasions when the Queen gives her own views on events in the nation and around the world.

Praise:

God for our Queen’s faith and testimony. (Ps.30:4)

Trinity Broadcasting Network launchesTBN-UK on Freeview

Trinity Broadcasting Network, the world's largest religious television broadcaster, announced that on 5 January 2015 it launched its newest network, TBN UK, on Freeview channel 65, the UK's free-to-air digital terrestrial television service. The neworkt reaches 95 percent of the television households across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, bringing 24-hour Christian programming to a combined total of approximately 26 million UK homes. TBN Vice President Matthew Crouch said that the launch of TBN UK represents one of the most significant commitments in the history of the 42-year-old global faith-and-family television group, ‘While TBN has been available in the UK through cable and satellite,’ he explained, ‘this will be the first time that over 65 million individuals across the British Isles will have access to a broad range of faith-and-family programming 24 hours a day.’

Praise:

God for the extension of His kingdom through television. (Ps.22:22)

Councils want tougher powers to crack down on bookmakers

New powers are needed to curb the rise of betting shops which are ‘saturating’ high streets, according to the Local Government Association. The group, which represents English councils, also wants to see the maximum £100 stake on addictive betting machines reduced. It comes as a report finds higher stakes on gambling machines may hamper good decision-making. Councillor Tony Page, who speaks for the Local Government Association (LGA) on licensing, highlighted concerns that, ‘vulnerable people are losing money’ on addictive gambling machines. Fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs), known as the ‘crack cocaine of gambling’, allow gamblers to bet up to £100 every 20 seconds. There are over 30,000 of the machines around the UK. Mr Page concluded: ‘Councils ultimately need tougher powers to enable them to support local high streets and economies through ensuring diverse high streets.’

Pray:

for councils to be given the right to regulate betting on local streets effectively. (Pr.23:5)

Power of prayer extolled in Parliament as Bill advances

A Bill about councils’ ‘freedom to pray’ has received support from the Government and the Labour Party. During a debate on the issue, Jake Berry MP, who proposed the Bill, encouraged public officials to reflect on the power of prayer over and above government actions. The Local Government (Religious etc. Observances) Bill is due to be considered by a committee of MPs in January. Speaking earlier this month Berry said he was ‘delighted’ to take the Bill about people’s freedom to pray through Parliament, because ‘it is an important issue’. All elected officials might like to reflect that there may be more power in prayer than in any stroke of a Minister’s pen or ruling from the Chair’. Penny Mordaunt, a Government minister for Communities and Local Government, commented: ‘The Bill will not compel anyone to pray or any local authority to include prayers in their official business.'

Pray:

that this Bill will receive wide support and for the power of prayer be recognised. (2Ch.6:40)

First 'gender-abortion' case in Crown Court in January

What is believed to be the UK's first 'gender-abortion' prosecution is to proceed to the Crown Court, following a hearing at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court. Friday 16 January 2015 has been set as the date for a pre-trial review. Dr Prabha Silvaraman is accused of conspiracy to procure an illegal abortion. However, in a concerning development, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been asked to take over the case and drop it. Last year the CPS concluded that there was sufficient evidence in the case to provide a realistic prospect of conviction - but decided not to prosecute Dr Prabha Sivaraman and a second doctor, claiming that it was 'not in the public interest' to do so! It was because of the CPS's failure to prosecute, that Aisling Hubert launched her private prosecution, supported by the Christian Legal Centre.

Pray:

that the truth will be found and the review will expose the need to proceed with prosecution. (Ps.119:43)

UK Ebola nurse Pauline Cafferkey has 'stabilised'

A British nurse who was diagnosed with Ebola after returning from Sierra Leone is still in a critical condition, but has stabilised, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt says. He said Pauline Cafferkey was getting the ‘best possible care’ at the Royal Free Hospital in London. He went on to say ’she stands for the very best of NHS values’ and that the whole country was proud of her. Mr Hunt said screening measures had been ‘strengthened’ at airports. Ms Cafferkey, a public health nurse, was diagnosed with Ebola in December after volunteering with Save the Children in Sierra Leone. She is being treated with experimental drugs and Mr Hunt confirmed she had received blood plasma from another British nurse, William Pooley, who recovered from an Ebola infection.

Pray:

that the Lord will bring healing to Pauline and guidance to health workers seeking to against Ebola. (3Jn.1:2)

Schools 'struggling to cope' with students self-harming

Schools are struggling to deal with rising numbers of students self-harming, two major teaching unions say. The number of pupils hurting themselves is said to be at a high. NHS figures obtained by BBC Newsbeat show a 20% rise in the number of 10 to 19-year-olds admitted to hospital because of self-harm injuries across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The government says it has asked experts to examine how to tackle self-harming and related issues in schools. The NHS figures show the number of hospital admissions rose from 22,978 in 2012-13 to 28,730 in the following year. Figures for Scotland were not available. According to the National Association of Head Teachers and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, spending cuts to local services have left schools without as much expert medical help as in the past.

Pray:

that help will be found for all those self-harming. (Ps.121:7)

Scottish Churches Housing Action to mark 20-year anniversary

Scottish Churches Housing Action, which brings together 13 Christian denominations and organisations nationwide, with a commitment to ending homelessness, will be 20 years old this month. The precise anniversary is 17 January 2015 and it will be marked with a service of celebration, challenge and commitment at St Andrew's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Clyde St, in Glasgow at 2.30 pm. Worship will be led by the Scottish Churches Housing Action associate convener, the Rt Rev Bruce Cameron, and the sermon will be given by Very Rev Dr Andrew McLellan from the Church of Scotland. Scottish Churches Housing Action has a substantial track record in developing local volunteer-based initiatives such as its recent befriending initiatives for homeless people. It encourages the development of affordable housing from redundant or under-used church property. The group also works to increase church and public understanding of homelessness and policies that will end it.

Pray:

for Scottish Churches Housing Action, thanking God for their work over the last 20 years and for their work in the future. (Pr.19:7)

Fighting for the vulnerable in 2015

The Eastern Daily Press writes ‘We believe that some of the most vulnerable people in Norfolk and Suffolk are not getting the support they need or deserve and we cannot stand by and watch that happen. So we’re stepping up our Fighting for the Vulnerable campaign, originally launched in response to worrying failures in care for people with mental health problems. We know there is suffering, anguish and loneliness to tackle, so we are extending the reach of our campaign to other vulnerable people, such as the lonely elderly, the homeless and people getting social care. The mentally ill, the homeless, the elderly and those with social care needs deserve our support, yet some of the services which are meant to help them are being stretched to breaking point. A spokesman for the Diocese of Norwich said: It is a model that the church has aspired to for centuries and we would wish to support the EDP in this important campaign.’

Pray:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30717728

Paris attack highlights Europe's struggle with Islamism

In the heart of Europe in 2015, the killing of cartoonists and journalists for allegedly insulting God still comes as a shock, despite the rising number of such attacks in recent years. The battle within Islam itself between Sunni and Shia, so evident in the wars of the Middle East, and the fight between extremist interpretations of Islam such as those of Islamic State and Muslims who wish to practice their religion in peace, is now being played out on the streets of Europe with potentially devastating consequences for social cohesion. These latest shootings may be the work of "lone wolves" but their consequences will ripple across Europe and provoke much soul-searching about the failure of integration over the past decades. Immigrant communities are already being viewed with increasing suspicion in both France and Germany, with their significant Muslim populations, and even in the UK.

Pray:

for those who are grieving. Pray for justice to be done. Pray for peace and mutual respect. (Prov 21:15)

Germany: Protesters take to the streets to oppose rise of far-right

Thousands of Germans demonstrated in four cities on Monday in opposition to the weekly rallies in Dresden against the perceived ‘Islamisation’ of Europe that have attracted growing numbers of supporters. Organizers of the demonstrations in Berlin, Stuttgart, Cologne and Dresden said they were rallying against racism and xenophobia to promote a message of tolerance instead. Businesses, churches, Cologne’s power company and others kept their buildings and other facilities dark in solidarity with the demonstrations against the ongoing protests by the group calling itself Patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the West, or Pegida. The square around the Cologne Cathedral was plunged into darkness as thousands joined the demonstration. Cologne Cathedral provost Norbert Feldhoff told n-tv that shutting down the lights was an attempt to make the Pegida demonstrators think twice about their protest.

Pray:

that the demonstrations will lead to a message of tolerance.

INSIGHT: Global elections

In the coming months people in the UK will be pondering about and praying into this year’s general election. Globally 2015 will host many dynamic electoral battles in countries where political corruption, poverty caused by government mismanagement, potential nepotism in high places and opportunities for positive change will influence the ballot box. Two examples are:- On a date yet to be confirmed in Saudi Arabia women will be allowed to vote and run for office for the first time in Municipal Elections. Also in May, Spain’s elections will see Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy trying to improve his image after accusations of corruption and economic disorder that led to a historic bailout of Spain’s banking sector. For brief outlines of influences and issues surrounding other pioneering elections in 2015 click the more button.

Pray:

for all elected to power in the coming months to rule according to God’s plans for the nations. (Ps.24:1)

Bahrain: Protesters for democracy burn the British flag

Bahrain is a majority Shia country ruled by minority Sunnis. Bahrainis are protesting against Britain’s plan to expand a military base in their Persian Gulf kingdom. Last Friday protestors burnt the British and US flags in fresh anti-regime demonstrations. ‘Increasing criticism and protests against the British, including burning the flag, reflect growing anger against the UK government and its ambassador in Bahrain for their continuous support of the repressive ruling regime.’ said Nabeel Rajab, the president of Bahrain’s Center for Human Rights. ‘The UK has stood against the aspirations of the Bahraini people, who are struggling for democracy, equality and social justice.’ The base provides protection for the Bahraini royal family and safeguards the US dominance in the oil-rich region. Bahrainis have been tortured, killed and arrested during the regime’s ongoing crackdown on peaceful demonstrations that have continued since the ‘Arab Spring’. See also

Pray:

for an end to the UK and US silence over the regime’s violent crackdown on popular protests. Pray that the mounting unrest will not move to other countries in the region. (Ps. 33:16)

Lebanon: Syrians and Lebanese ‘together for peace’

Since the beginning of the Syrian Civil War, millions of displaced people have crossed the border with neighbouring Lebanon. Many refugees were initially welcomed by locals and given shelter, food, and renewed hope. However, tensions between the two groups are now common. Misunderstandings and lack of communication are a constant challenge to social unity and safe spaces for socialisation are needed. Please pray for the various agencies working towards conflict transformation and bringing together Syrians and Lebanese to talk about issues affecting their communities. Also Lebanon’s infrastructure cannot cope with the influx of 1,000,000+ refugees. This week new restrictions were placed on Syrians wanting to enter the country. They now need a clear purpose for their visit and must be sponsored by a Lebanese individual or company wanting to employ them for a certain duration. See also

Pray:

into the refugees impact on the economy, demographics, political stability and security across Lebanon. Pray for God’s blessings on the stretched Lebanese hospitality towards refugees. (Pr.10:22)

Middle East: Hardship in the midst of snow storms

High winds, hail and snow swept Israel, Syria and Lebanon on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning causing power cuts and closing highways. Police and army units are on standby for rescue operations in Israel. In Lebanon heavy snow in the central Bekaa Valley closed gas stations, banks, schools and most shops; disrupting life for everyone but devastating for the hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees living in tents and makeshift shelters. Men were seen using brooms and sticks to try to clear heavy snow from tents, fearing the weight would cause them to collapse. Inside the tents families huddled around wood burning stoves, trying to keep warm. Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip declared a state of emergency over the storm. (Nearly one in three of Gaza’s population is living in temporary accommodation or homeless.)

Pray:

for the thousands of families living in cold desolate conditions, pray also for the emergency services embarking on rescue and aid operations.(Deut.15:10-12)

Mexico: Rioters demand justice for missing students

Protestors in Mexico City are demanding justice for 43 college students allegedly abducted by the municipal police in Iguala city three months ago. It is believed the police handed them over to a local drug gang who later killed them. On Friday investigators found incinerated remains of some of the students. Suspects in this crime are the mayor and his wife. The families of the 43 students sought the intervention of Pope Francis to give more visibility to their search for justice, while the government has admitted that the country needs a more profound transformation in this regard. You can watch a 48 second video that explains - See here

Pray:

for an end to the barbaric acts committed in parts of Mexico by authorities and drug cartels. Pray for the government to fight against impunity, poverty, inequality, violence and corruption. (Pr.21:15)

Saudi Arabia: Is the Saudi succession near?

Saudis are speculating about the royal succession after King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz’s health deterioration. Despite mechanisms to ensure a smooth succession of Crown Prince Salman after Abdullah’s death, Saudis are watching a royal drama played by several ageing contenders to the throne. The succession situation is complex, with questions of legitimacy. Abdullah has given the kingdom 20 years of stability Salman is likely to provide continuity. The House of Saud values family harmony. The two previous Saudi kingdoms were wracked by internal family squabbles that their foreign enemies exploited. The Arab world is facing its worst crisis in decades and the royals want to present a stable and strong image in the midst of undercurrents of conflict. (Saudi Arabia and Iran are rivals for Middle East influence - Saudi Arabia as the leader of the Sunni Muslim world, and Iran as the leader of the Shia Muslim world).

Pray:

for a smooth succession and for God to rule and usher in peace in the region. (Ps.49:16-17 & Ps.37:16-17)

Egypt: Criticism of government's response to epidemics

Egyptian families in some Egyptian territories are not sending their children to school because of the simultaneous spread of four contagious viral diseases. - mumps, measles, chickenpox and bird flu. The Ministry of Health was faced with anger at its dealing with the diseases, especially after some patients died. A citizen even filed a complaint against the Minister of Health at the police station. Between September and December 1,823 cases of mumps, 1,115 cases of chickenpox, 1,356 cases of measles, and 15 cases of bird flu were reported. The Minister of Health said the government does not intend to carry out a mass slaughter of farm birds or domestic birds (unlike what happened earlier to deter the spread of bird flu). He said, ‘a committee has been formed to study the epidemiological evolution of measles’ and blamed parents for the spread of measles in schools accusing them of slacking in vaccinating their children.

Pray:

that the government will swiftly eradicate bird flu hotspots with bird flu awareness campaigns and launch a measles vaccination drive. (Ps.12:3-5)