Nationwide Christian Trust celebration
Prayer image prayer Guide for Parilament and the Nation

NHS: 5 January-11 January

In August 2019, Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the green light to 20 new building and infrastructure projects for the NHS in England. The £850m package is intended to pay for new wards, intensive care units and diagnostic centres, as well as refurbishing some existing facilities over the next five years. Mr Johnson also said there would be an extra £1bn this year to improve and maintain existing buildings. In response, The Health Foundation said that NHS facilities in England were “in major disrepair” with a £6bn maintenance backlog. However, the head of NHS England, Simon Stevens, said the money was a “significant start” to “much needed capital investment.”

Pray that the NHS continues to provide a quality service to those who need it. May any increases in funding be spent wisely and to the benefit of all.

News of the week

  1. The Royal Family are said to be “deeply disappointed” as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced on Wednesday evening that they were stepping back as senior royals. Neither the Queen, Prince of Wales or Duke of Cambridge were consulted before the announcement was made. In an extraordinary statement, the couple announced plans to withdraw from their roles and divide their time between the UK and North America. They plan on “continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.” The Duke and Duchess have previously admitted they were struggling to cope with the pressures of royal life.

Pray for the Royal Family at this difficult time. Pray that Godly wisdom will prevail as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex seek to start this new chapter in their lives together.

  1. Six MPs have so far announced their intention to stand as the next leader of the Labour Party. Candidates have until 13th January to win the backing of the 22 MPs and MEPs needed to get on the ballot paper. Sir Keir Starmer became the first candidate to pass this threshold, amassing 41 nominations. He also won the backing of Unison, the UK's largest union. The other contenders to succeed Jeremy Corbyn are Rebecca Long Bailey, Emily Thornberry, Clive Lewis, Jess Phillips and Lisa Nandy. The party's new leader will be announced on 4th April.

Pray for Labour MPs, MEPs and party members to have wisdom in their choice of new leader of the party. Pray that the new leader provides good opposition in holding the government to account.

  1. Chancellor Sajid Javid has announced that 11th March will be the date for his first Budget. Mr Javid said billions of pounds will be invested “across the country.” He said the Treasury will “prioritise the environment” and that “there will be an infrastructure revolution in our great country.” The Chancellor also said the government would announce how they planned to assist people with the cost of living and help bridge the North-South divide.

Pray that the government spends taxpayers’ money wisely and responsibly. Pray that these investment benefits are experienced across the UK.

  1. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has met with Prime Minister Boris Johnson for talks at Downing Street. The discussions centred around agreeing a comprehensive trade deal by the end of this year. After their meeting, a Downing Street spokesman said the talks had been “positive.” However, the PM made clear the process of negotiation would not be extended beyond 31st December 2020. After leaving the EU on 31st January, the UK will enter into an 11 month transition period. During this time it will largely follow EU rules but will not have any representation in the EU’s institutions.

Pray that future negotiations between the UK and EU will be positive. Pray that an agreement can be reached by 31st December that benefits both sides.

  1. Here at the Nationwide Christian Trust, our first Ladies Day for 2020 is on 30 January. Reona Joly will be speaking on the subject of ‘The Bible, the World’s Bestseller.’ Marilyn Baker and Tracy Williamson will be speaking on ‘From The Inside Out’ at our Ladies Day on 27th February. New volunteers for our Prayer Line are always welcome. Please contact us if you would like more information, or to become part of this ministry.

Please pray that God will bless these events and help to empower all who attend in their walk of faith. Pray that it will be the start of a successful year for NCT with lives changed and souls won for Christ.

NHS: 5 January-11 January

Please use these prayers both in your individual and church prayer times to hold the nation and its leaders before God in prayer and with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

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