PRAY FOR BATH

LENT 2019 Sunday 3 March

Today we begin a journey with 5,000 other people in the Bath area. Our theme is seeking God’s face. We will pray for topics from A to Z. Each Sunday we will speak God’s blessings over Bath.

Use 2 Chronicles 7:14 to pray for others on the journey.

Father God thank You that we are Your people. Help us to humble ourselves and pray and seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways. Thank You that You promise You will hear from heaven, forgive our sins and heal our land. Amen

Come to the Abbey on Tuesday 5 March, 7.30pm. Join MPs and leaders from city organisations as we pray for Bath and enjoy a pancake together. Monday 4 March

Today we pray for 90,000 people in the Bath area. Pray for the 16 council wards or villages on the map. Ask for God’s protection and blessing and that people will seek God’s face. Join a Community House of Prayer (CHOP), starting on March 12, to pray with others where you live.

THANK YOU GOD ❝that many people will meet tomorrow (5 March) in the Abbey at 7.30 to pray for Bath and celebrate pancake day. ❞

John 17:20-21 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message; that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me”. Tuesday 5 March

A is for…

• Addiction A quarter of adults receiving drug or alcohol treatment live with a young person. Pray for healing from addictions and those affected by loved ones’ addictions; Project 28; Dhi-online; 28 Early Help Strategy; Healthy Families; Genesis Lifeline Centre; Reason-online. • Adoption A recent survey found that Bath is the best city in the country to bring up a family. Pray for more people to adopt and foster and that children will settle and be safe. Pray also for [email protected] as it raises its profile. •  river Several people have drowned in the Avon in recent years. Pray that the river is a place of safety, life and beauty instead of death. • A is also for A&E, Alpha courses, allotments, animal health and welfare, apprenticeships and autism. Pray for God’s blessing.

THANK YOU GOD for prayer for Bath in the Abbey tonight and for funds to improve and update the building.

Romans 5:5 Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. photos © visitbath.co.uk unless credited. photos © visitbath.co.uk Wednesday 6 March

B is for…

THANK YOU GOD that a Timsbury charity has sent out children’s Bibles to more than half a million kids. [email protected]

• B&NES Council led by chief executive Ashley Ayre serves a population of 180,000. Pray for wise decisions and discernment in spending despite tough budget cuts; and innovative ways to increase council funds. www.bathnes.gov.uk • Beauty Our world heritage city is in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Do not forget the many people employed to keep our area clean, safe and environmentally friendly. Thank you Father for them. • Business Pray that men and women in business have kingdom values and meet together to pray. Pray for more new businesses. • B is also for babies, BathCAN which networks among churches to bring citizens together; Bathampton, , , Bathwick, Box, , buses, and buskers.

John 5:19-20 Jesus said: The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing. The Father loves the Son and shows Him all he does. Yes, and He will show him even greater works than these. Thursday 7 March

C is for…

• Chaplaincy teams support students, patients and staff in Universities, Bath College, hospitals, hospice, police, council and schools. Pray that chaplains will seek God’s face and inspiration as they comfort and guide; also for good networking with clergy. • Carers and caring The unsung heroes and heroines. Pray that this work may be recognised and that helpers may come alongside. • Churches 6,000 people meet to worship God in different buildings but together make up the body of Christ here. Pray for unity; protection for every church leader and family; wisdom and vision as they lead; God’s blessing on each church meeting. • C is also for cafés, charities, creativity, citizens advice bureaux, clubs, Claverton, Charlcombe, Combe Down, Combe Hay, Corston, community and cycling.

Acts 17:28 In God we live and move and have our being. We are his offspring. Friday 8 March

THANK YOU GOD that 25 Community Houses of Prayer (CHOP) met monthly last year to pray for their communities. Over 500 people met and prayed in pubs, nursing homes, hotels, businesses, schools and halls around Bath. They made friends and learnt new ways to pray. Schools, councillors and organisations were asked for prayer requests. They listened to God and interceded for our communities. Join a CHOP meeting near you on Tuesday 12 March at 7.45pm (also 9 April, 7 May, 11 June, 9 July,13 August,10 September, 8 October, and 12 November in Abbey).

The venues: Abbey – The Empire, 4 Grand Parade, Bath BA1 1LP; Bathampton – St Nicholas Court Community Room, BA2 6UZ; Batheaston – Avon Court, BA1 7NT; Bathford – Mountain Wood Community Centre, BA1 7SA; Bathwick – Chaplaincy Centre, Bath University, BA2 7JP; Combe Down – Peggy Dodds Centre, Summer Lane, BA2 5JX; –The Close, Inglesbatch, BA2 9DZ; Kingsmead – Stratton House Nursing Home, 16 Park Lane, BA1 2XH; Lambridge – New Oriel Hall, Brookleaze Buildings, BA1 6RA; Lansdown – Hare and Hounds, Lansdown Rd, BA1 5TJ; Lyncombe – Beechen Cliff School BA2 4RE; Monkton Combe – Crossways, Brassknocker Hill, BA2 7JD; Newbridge – Emmanuel, Apsley Rd, BA1 3LP; Odd Down – Institute, 35 Frome Rd, BA2 2QF; Oldfield Park – Baptist Church Hall, Moorland Rd, BA2 3JD; Peasedown St John – St John’s Close Community room BA2 8JE; South Down – Roundhill Centre, 53 Mount Rd, BA2 1LG; Twerton – Rose Cottage, 43 High St, BA2 1DB; Swainswick – Upper Swainswick House, BA1 8BU; Charlcombe – St Mary’s Church, BA1 8DR; Timsbury – Conygre Hall, North Rd, BA2 0JQ; Walcot – St Swithin’s café, 37 The Paragon, BA1 5LY and from April, Genesis Gateway centre; Westmoreland – Belvoir Castle, 32-33 Lower Bristol Rd BA2 3EH; Weston – Weston Hub, Penn Hill Rd, BA1 4EH; Widcombe – Prior Park Garden Centre, BA2 4NF. www.bathchurches.org.uk; Facebook/Instagram@chopbath Saturday 9 March

D is for…

• Debt A recent report revealed that in one of Bath’s poorest wards 36% of children live in poverty. Pray for an end to poverty. Thank God for CAP courses, offering free help to anyone struggling with debt. Capuk.org; Bath Foodbank; Furniture Project • Dementia has overtaken cancer as the disease that the most people are afraid of. Pray for a greater understanding of what happens when a loved one starts showing symptoms; gentleness and patience for those closest. Pray for B&NES Dementia Action Alliance and Dementia Care, who inform and train volunteers. • Disability Not all disabilities are visible. Pray for good support and facilities for those affected by disability; council carers and churches who help; Mencap; the Life Project; Three Ways School and WECIL (West of Centre for Inclusive living). • D is also for death, dentists, doctors, drugs, dyslexia.

THANK YOU GOD for Foodbank and Furniture Project providing essentials for the poorest in our community. Pray for people to give generously.

Psalm 69:32 The poor will see and be glad – you who seek God, may your hearts live! Sunday 10 March

Join together to ask the Lord to bless Bath and the . Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth, we ask you for favour for our cities with chief executives and government leaders; Manufacturing firms that produce goods for the nations and provide new jobs for our people; Technology to establish new markets, energy sources and efficient solutions; Laws and courts to measure our land’s constitution with justice and freedom; Civil servants that encourage entrepreneurs; and media known for wisdom and truth; Natural resources released and harvested, sold and reproduced; Education, books and universities that develop mind-moulders that influence the influential; Capital to build small businesses providing services, arts and culture attracting young and old; Medical community known for integrity and excellence; Repentance from poverty, small thinking and envy; Courage to recognise wealth-building opportunities to bless the world and prudence to save and invest; Revelation to pass on wealth to our children’s children. Lord, you declare: when the righteous prosper the city rejoices! Amen. Monday 11 March

E is for…

• Education The latest Ofsted report spoke of “good” standards in Bath schools. Pray for the local authority as it directs funds to schools and upholds standards; also for all who work in education and benefit from it. • Elderly members of the community give encouragement and wisdom to the young but also may need support. Pray for God’s blessing and support for them and those who care; each person to be valued; people in care homes; church activities for the elderly; the lonely and isolated; continued ways to enjoy life; B&NES Wellbeing Options; www.ageuk.org.uk; and music groups for the elderly [email protected].

THANK YOU GOD for the invitation to visit a local CHOP tomorrow 12 March, 7.45pm and the freedom we have to be able to meet together safely.

Psalm 71:18 Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. Tuesday 12 March

E is also for…

• Emergency Services The blue flashing lights of fire engines and ambulances in our streets is a 24/7 sight. When you see one, pray for the unseen situation and ask God to help. Pray for the paramedics, ambulance drivers and firefighters; good communications between services; quick thinking, good decision-making; swift response and safety. • Environment Our area is deemed to be of outstanding natural beauty and yet we have a serious problem of polluted air. Pray for the B&NES Breathe campaign to bring practical solutions to pollution; for Bath to be environmentally friendly, safe and clean. Give thanks for our city and those who work to look after it. Thank God for parks and green spaces. • Economy With stringent budget cuts, let’s pray that B&NES is able to apportion money appropriately and wisely; that our main industry, tourism, would find creative ways of thriving. • E is also for evangelism, Englishcombe, ecology and energy…

Psalm 27:13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wednesday 13 March

F is for… THANK YOU GOD that despite press reports, Traidcraft is still up and running; although slimmed down it aims to set a new bar for ethical trading in the UK.

• Families Family life – joyous but challenging. Pray for: Genesis Family Matters helping people make improvements; B&NES Connecting Families programme working with vulnerable families; children in care; more volunteers to help; www.genesistrust.org.uk; churches, and Mothers Union which supports families at home and worldwide and runs parenting courses locally: Mothersunion.org/central-membership. • Friends Thank God for social time and for friends. Ask God to show you who you should be spending your time with. Is there anyone who needs your friendship? If you need friendship ask God for a friend. • Fair Trade Buy Fair Trade products. By paying a fair price, we help to fund businesses in poorer parts of the world. Pray for increased awareness and encourage places to stock Fair Trade. • F also stands for Foxhill, Freshford, festivals, fire brigade, the Filling Station (informal café style Christian meetings) and Forest Church family gatherings in the woods. Ask God for more faithfulness – fruit of the Holy Spirit…

Isaiah 59:1 Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. Thursday 14 March

Seek God’s face

Psalm 27:1 and 7-14 The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, O Lord, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me; do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me… the Lord will receive me. Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not hand me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

• Meditate on this reading and listen to God. Ask God what you should be praying for Bath. • Pray that the people of Bath will seek God’s face; that God will teach us His ways and lead us on straight paths. Friday 15 March

G is for…

THANK YOU GOD for the Bath Gideons, who last year gave away thousands of bibles to children at Bath schools, students at universities and tourists at the Bath Christmas Market.

• General Practitioners Doctors’ surgeries serve our community and Virgin Care provides community health care in B&NES. Pray for respect and compassion in all healthcare; for resources to match expectations; for manageable workloads and good teamwork; and that our health staff would enjoy good health themselves. • The Government Bath is represented by Wera Hobhouse, and North East by Jacob Rees-Mogg. Pray for our local MPs as they serve. Pray also for wisdom for those in government; God’s will to be accomplished through our politicians; for the Brexit situation; and for discernment around refugees and immigrants. • G is also for gardens, gentleness and goodness – two of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We need more, please Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:6 God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. Saturday 16 March

G is also for…

• Gambling is responsible for 2 suicides daily, as remote gambling is now so easy. Pray for those trapped by gambling, that they would use self-management tools; for a reduction of gambling advertisements; for those affected by a gambler in the family; and that the Government would put a £2 limit on bets. • Genesis Thank you God for Genesis and all its projects: Soup Run 365 days a year; Lunch Box, weekday lunchtime meals for those on the streets; the Foodbank; Lifeline Centre and the Furniture Project, Street Pastors, Life Skills and Home for Good. Pray for staff and volunteers as they provide support and serve food all year; for clients, that they will see an end to their need. Thank God for a new building, available for the Lifeline Centre when its lease expires. www.genesistrust.org.uk

THANK YOU GOD for Genesis volunteers helping families to make changes. One father has started growing his own food for his family as a way to improve their physical and mental health.

Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Sunday 17 March

God calls us to speak out his blessing on others. Use the prayer below. Speak it out loud. Put the name of a person in the space. Use this prayer for yourself as you seek God’s face. I bless you…………………………. with the perspective of your Father who knows the end from the beginning. I bless you with not magnifying the presence of enemies, trials, or problems that seem bigger than the Sovereign Lord of the universe. I bless you with gazing at your Father and glancing at your problems. I bless you with knowing that your Father is available to help you at all times with all that you need. I bless you with a river of peace flowing over you, permeating everything you are and everything you do. I bless you with a river of peace that flows out from your spirit and washes over those around you. I bless you with the smile of your Father whispering to your heart and spirit, “Your peace based on your trust in me pleases me very much.” I bless you in the name of Jesus, your Jehovah-Shalom. Amen. Monday 18 March

H is for…

THANK YOU GOD from a lunchtime client: “One of the staff greeted me with a big smile and asked if I’d eaten that day. The more I do with Genesis the better I get at coping with life!”

• Homelessness National figures indicate that numbers of homeless are rising. In Bath, around 34 rough sleepers can be resettled by going to Julian House and Genesis Lifeline. Streetlink is a national line to report rough sleepers: 0300 500 0914. Pray for a way forward for people without homes and for our city to have no rough sleepers. • Housing B&NES provides a single point where people can apply for a wide range of support services to help them live independently. Housing team: 01225 396296. Pray for staff on the team to be able to quickly overcome problems; for people to find homes; for more low- income housing to be built. • H is also for hospitality, hospice, hotels, holidays, Hinton Charterhouse.

Psalm 63:1 You God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. Tuesday 19 March

I is for…

• Infants Everyone needs a good childhood. Pray for families, infant schools, pre-schools and nurseries near your home, that they may be safe places for children to grow up; for joy in childhood and parenthood; for churches to encourage children in faith. • Integrity Thinking about integrity we look to the character of Jesus: He said that he was the bread and water of life, the gateway to God, the light, God’s one and only son. The bearer of our sin. Faithful and true. We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses but one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet who was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Pray that you may become more like Jesus. • Internet In many ways, a blessing, and yet a danger. Pray for internet and social media to be used for good; for protective blocks to prevent the young accessing inappropriate material, and cyber bullying; for data to be safe; and for wisdom as church uses the internet. • I is also for immigrants: pray for new families to settle well and to be welcomed hospitably.

Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Wednesday 20 March

J is for…

• Julian House, set up to offer food and shelter to the homeless and marginalised, now runs projects to help men and women avoid being forced onto the streets and to get back to independent living. Pray for the success of the projects such as the bike workshop; www.julianhouse.org.uk and thank God for the extra 20 beds offered in the winter months. • Justice Our justice system: judges, magistrates, solicitors and barristers enforce laws in our courts of law. Pray that they will do so rationally and equitably. Our police force upholds the law firmly and fairly, preventing crime and bringing lawbreakers to justice. Pray for the police to have courage and wisdom; for prisoners, prison staff and ex- offenders. • J is also for joy – fruit of the Holy Spirit – to flood our lives, jobs for the unemployed, Jacob Rees-Mogg – MP for NE Somerset.

THANK YOU GOD for the Box charity Jamie’s Farm, which provides therapy on the farm for vulnerable children.

Amos 5:14 Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Thursday 21 March

K is for…

THANK YOU GOD that the King’s Bath in the Pump Rooms is being refurbished. Pray for a new outpouring of God’s light in the Roman Baths.

• Kids Pressure to grow up too fast is increasing. Many children look after siblings, ill members of the family, or amongst immigrants, act as interpreters for parents. Pray for children who self-harm, have mental issues or who have experimented with drugs and alcohol, that they could pull back to childhood innocence and fun. Pray for wisdom as children use the internet. • Knives Increased use of them to harm or defend is alarming. Much knife crime is associated with drug distribution. Pray for safe places for young people to go, to avoid being pulled into gangs. • Kingdom Christians live as sons and daughters in submission to God, and seek to follow Christ’s example. Help us to live holy lives Lord; to demonstrate to a watching world an alternative way of living. Pray for God’s kingdom to come. • K is also for Kingsmead, , kindness – ask God for more fruit of His spirit.

Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Friday 22 March

Teach us to pray

When Jesus’ disciples asked him how they should pray he said this: “Go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. When you pray, do not keep babbling like the pagans, for they think they will be heard by their many words. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. This is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory for ever. Amen.” Matthew 6:6-13 The interesting line in the Lord’s prayer is the conditional one about forgiveness. Do you have anyone who you need to forgive? Pray that God’s kingdom will come, that we may be able to forgive and that we may resist evil. Saturday 23 March

L is for…

THANK YOU GOD that the lido outdoor swimming pool is to be reopened. Pray for funding.

• Leisure Bath has a huge variety of leisure activities: theatre, sports events, racing, music and literary festivals, art exhibitions, Team Bath offering training to Olympic standards, rugby, football, cricket, athletics, golf, 10-pin bowling, trampolining and soft play. Pray for God to be honoured in our leisure time and for safety and joy. Pray for safe walking and cycling around our area. • Loneliness is described as the body telling you that you need more social contact. People of all ages are affected, but particularly older people and those living in the country. Pray for MyScript, Social Prescribing in B&NES, which works with the 27 GP practices to support the lonely. Drop into the volunteer centre at Bath Central Library. Vol-centre.org.uk. • L is also for loveliness – praise God for it, litter – pray that people will avoid making it, love – another fruit of the Holy Spirit – ask for more, Lifeline, Lyncombe, Lansdown, Lambridge, Limpley Stoke, Langridge, libraries…

Job 33:26 A person can pray to God and find favour with him, they will see God’s face and shout for joy; he will restore them to full well-being. Sunday 24 March

Use this prayer to speak out God’s blessing for your local school. Say it out loud, facing towards the school, or walk past it: We bless this school (name the school) in Jesus’ name, that it may be a secure and safe place for teachers and pupils. We bless the children’s capacity to learn and play and develop relationships. We bless them to have an opportunity to hear about Jesus and his love for them. We bless them to grow like a mighty oak tree for the nations to see and marvel. We bless this place that those who lack hope will find shelter here from the storms of life, Amen. And use this blessing for your home community and for Bath: We bless this place (name your community) in Jesus’ name, and the trading that takes place here. We bless those who work here, that their business might prosper and bring value and service to the lives of the people of this place (name). We bless the conversations that take place here. We bless those who honour your name, that their mouths will be full of wisdom and truth for those conversations. We bless in Jesus’ name, that the sense of community around these streets would continue to grow, Amen.

Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life. Monday 25 March Christmas

• Three months ago, 150 volunteers made 400 meals and entertained those who would have otherwise been alone on Christmas day. In nine months time the Open Christmas event at Kingswood School and Julian House will happen again. Thank you God for this provision. • Pray for those who attended in 2018; for the lonely; for all who struggle with debt because of Christmas; for people to grasp the good news of the birth of Christ. For new people to join the Open Christmas team. Pray also for the Christmas market in Bath, that there might be a chalet space for Christian prayer and devotion. Thank you God for all the people who attended services at the Abbey last Christmas.

Isaiah 55:1 Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat! Tuesday 26 March

Today, spend time using the prayer below to pray for yourself, and for the 5,000 others who journey with you, using this book. Seeking God’s face St Patrick’s breastplate (an excerpt from the prayer of St Patrick) Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you might overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Wednesday 27 March

M is for…

THANK YOU GOD for the charity Mercy in Action who, through sales in eight shops, fund the Petra Project, housing and support for five homeless young mothers or mothers-to-be and their babies www.mercyinaction.org.uk

• Media – TV and radio: Heart Bath, Bath City Sound, University Radio Bath and the Bath Hospital Radio; special interest publishers: Media Clash, Future. Pray for truthful reporting and good practice; press freedom to honour God and expose truth; good links between church and media. • Mental Health Bath Mind helps those suffering, and set up “Your Voice”, a community-based blog for B&NES. DHI (developing health and independence) works with people, progressing from dry houses to standard housing. Pray for: those with mental illness; people who live with those who have issues; supportive churches; reduced stigma associated with mental illness; a greater understanding of mental illness; Bath Mind; Bath Samaritans 01225 460888– freecall number 116123; Sirona, B&NES AWP.nhs.uk.

Psalm 107:19-20 They cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Thursday 28 March

M is also for…

• Maternity The Royal United Hospital’s birthing centre is responsible for delivering 5,000 babies a year. One in eight of those babies may need support at the neonatal unit. Doctors’ surgeries and hospital provide pre- and antenatal care. Pray for: God’s blessing on every baby and mother; wisdom and guidance for every parent; churches and healthcare workers; toddler groups and parentcraft classes; those who suffer miscarriage; www.thenestproject.co.uk which provides new and second-hand children’s clothes and kit. • Mayor Pray for Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones (Mayor of Bath); Leader of the Council Tim Ware and the 65 councillors, and the Mayor of West of England. • M is also for museums, money, music, magistrates, Midford, Monkton Combe, Muslim brothers and sisters…

THANK YOU GOD that our maternity services have been rated as “outstanding”.

Psalm 86:10 You are great and do marvellous deeds; you alone are God. Friday 29 March

N is for…

THANK YOU GOD for Bath Street Pastors – compassionate Christians from 30 churches who patrol the city on Friday and Saturday nights, from10pm to 3am. www.bath.streetpastors.org.uk

• Nightlife The bright lights of the city of Bath bring people to pubs, restaurants, clubs and boogying! Pray for safety on the streets; for moderation and sensible intake of alcohol; fun without danger; self-control – another fruit of the Holy Spirit. • Neighbours Walk along your street and pray for each neighbour. Walking in Bath, pray for the beggars, street people, shop assistants and street sweepers, whoever you rub shoulders with. Pray for God’s face to guide you to any who may be in difficulty and ask God if he wants you to help.

Psalm 86:8-9 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. Saturday 30 March

N is also for…

THANK YOU GOD for Nightstop providing safe beds for young people aged 16-25 in the home of a host volunteer. [email protected]

• Newspapers Our weekly Bath Chronicle is available in print and online; The Local Look with news from our local areas; Bath Magazine and Bath Life. Bath Gazetteer is a Christian newspaper delivered free. Thank God for good information and freedom of the press. Pray for wisdom and guidance for all who work on newspapers; that they may honour God and be truthful.

• NO2 a high concentration of nitrogen dioxide in our air has led to the BathBreathe 2021 campaign by B&NES, to improve the quality of our air by charging for high-emission vehicles to drive through a city-centre clean-air zone. Pray for wise decisions to be reached; an improvement and reduction of cost of public transport; clean air and a

reduction in NO2. • N is also for night clubs, Newbridge, North Stoke, Newton St Loe, Neighbourhood and Community Safety department at B&NES…

Deuteronomy 4:29 Seek the Lord your God. You will find him if you seek him with all your heart and all your soul. photo © travellady.com Sunday 31 March

THANK YOU GOD for mothers and all who care for us

We bless in Jesus’ name all those who care for us. Bless them with joy, with peace, wisdom and grace. May they know that you are a God who meets all their needs and who loves them unconditionally, and that each person they care for is precious to you, and that you know the number of hairs on each of their heads, Amen. Let us also speak a blessing over those who look after where you live, both the council and other organisations: In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord we bless all those in leadership roles in Bath with wisdom, good counsel and diligence. We bless them that they would promote beauty, joy and provision of good things for all who live here, and that these things would be part of the heritage of Bath, Amen. We bless those who keep watch over the safety and integrity of Bath in Jesus’ name. We bless those who also seek to ensure that there is justice for all, that their voices might be heard. We bless those who seek to restore those who fail and fall. We bless your church, that it might be part of the process, Amen.

Psalm 139:13 You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Monday 1 April

O is for…

• Outreach has become church jargon for mission but we can all do it as we go. Simply by smiling and being open-minded with strangers, we can break down barriers. If we regard everyone as one of God’s children, we can build bridges between cultures. Pray for opportunities to come alongside people who are different, and ask God for the words to say. • Overseas visitors to the city may stand gazing at a map in bewilderment. You could offer to point them in the right direction. We host foreign students from 88 different countries. Pray that we may be a welcoming city. • Operations at the Royal United Hospital, Bath Clinic and the Circle; ask for skill for surgeons and staff involved. • O is also for Odd Down, Oldfield, online fraud – ask for protection against it, other faiths – pray for understanding and inclusivity.

THANK YOU GOD that 16 athletes were sent from Team Bath to the Winter Olympics 2018 and won three medals.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. Tuesday 2 April

P is for…

• Pornography the dark side of the internet makes it easy to access pornography and counterfeit sexual gratification. Pray for people to know they are made in God’s image and are valuable; for effective age-verification controls and an awareness of the harmful effects of pornography; for people to seek help for addiction. • Police There were 22 recorded crimes against the disabled and vulnerable in B&NES last year. A police constable or support officer has been allocated to every school. Pray for the vulnerable; for better relationships between police and young people; a reduction in crime; for all victims – for protection and guidance. • P is also for pastors, planning, pubs, postmen, Peasedown St. John, the Plant House – offering accommodation with individually-focussed support and training, Planning and Building Control department at B&NES, Public Health, peace and patience – fruits of the Holy Spirit.

1 Chronicles 28:9 The Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Wednesday 3 April

P is also for…

• Parents In a society where some families split up, and both partners are trying to earn, parenthood is pressurised. Pray for young men and women as they grow as parents; for good parental relationships; for people to seek God’s face at the heart of their marriage; also for parenting courses, single parents and the effect of social media. • Parish Councils Our villages are overseen by parish councils. Pray for wisdom on planning issues and for parish councillors to seek God’s face for their villages; for creativity in coping with budget cuts to transport.

THANK YOU GOD that in the 2018 survey of the top five family- friendly cities, Bath jumped up four places to grab the top spot, seeing improvement across almost all categories and a rise in the average salary at £34,686 – higher than the national average of £31,966. Bath also has the highest job availability of all cities analysed, with 13.76 jobs per 100 people (Huffpost 25 May 2018).

Psalm 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you, your right hand upholds me. Thursday 4 April

Q is for…

• Queens Square and Kingsmead Square at the heart of Bath. Pray for the recreational uses of the squares and for the artisan markets; for guidance on which parts of Bath should be pedestrianised. May the squares be safe for all to appreciate. • Quays A new enterprise zone. Offices and 130 homes are being built, together with the new pedestrian/cycle bridge. Pray for the construction, and for others at Mulberry Park, Ensleigh, Holburne Park and Riverside. Pray for the people who will come to live in them, that they may settle well, and for churches to welcome them. • Queues Sometimes we have to wait for service. Use the time to pray for people around you. • Q is also for Quiet Street. Pray that God will keep our city in quietness and peace; that we can find places of quiet to seek His face.

Psalm 52:8 I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. Friday 5 April

R is for…

• Racism Pray that we will not think anyone is inferior because of colour, ethnicity, nationality or race; that we would not treat anyone differently or unfairly but be inclusive. Pray that racism will not be present in our schools, workplace and communities. • Refugees In Bath, Family Matters trained 10 volunteers to support five Syrian families as they came to live here. Pray for non-British families to be welcomed; that they might develop good language skills and make friends; that they may gain insight into the British culture and want to integrate. Pray that no one would be rejected. • R is also for recreation, rugby, the riverside, and check out B&NES Rainbow Resources Centre for young people 0-25 who have additional needs or disabilities.

THANK YOU GOD that recycling collections increased by 2,000 tonnes and the amount of rubbish decreased by 4,500 tonnes

Psalm104:21 How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. photo © breatheunity.com Saturday 6 April

Use the Battle for Britain scripture prayer, collated by Carol Ann Kononova, to pray for Bath and our country. 1 Tim 2:1 Heavenly Father, I give thanks for our government 1 Tim 2:2 I pray for all men and women having authority over us in any way Prov 1:23 Pour out your Spirit on them and make your work known to them Ps 25:21 Cause them to be men and women of integrity, obedient concerning us 1 Tim 2:2 That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and holiness Prov 2:10 Let wisdom enter their hearts, and let knowledge be pleasant to them Prov 2:11 Let discretion preserve them and understanding keep them Prov. 2:12 To deliver them from the way of evil and from evil men Ps 1:1 Make their hearts and ears attentive to godly counsel 2 Chr 20:32 Doing what is right in your sight Prov 2:21 Let the upright dwell in our government Heb 12:27 Cause there to be a shaking in all areas Prov 2:21 Let those complete and blameless before you stay Prov 2:22 And cut off the wicked. Let the unfaithful be rooted out 1 Cor 4:5 Bring to light what is hidden in darkness 1 Cor 4:5 And expose the secret aims of their hearts Rev 2:5 Let this nation remember from where we have fallen Rev 2:5 Repenting and returning to doing our first works 1 Chr 22:19 Setting our hearts and souls to seek the Lord 2 Chr 7:14 Humbling ourselves, praying and turning from our wicked ways 2 Chr 7:14 Then hear us, O Lord, and forgive our sins and heal our land Acts 26:18 Open our eyes and turn us from darkness to light Heb 3:13 Soften the hearts that are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin Ps 107:20 Deliver them from their destructions 2 Pet 3:9 Father, you have been long-suffering towards us 2 Pet 3:9 Not willing that any should perish 2 Pet 3:9 But that all should come to repentance Isa 49:22 Raise up a standard in this nation Zech 10:1 Cause the rains of your Spirit to flood this land Hab 3:2 And revive your work in the midst of us Isa 59:16 Raise up intercessors for this nation 2 Cor 10:4 To pull down strongholds over this land Isa 40:5 And let the glory of the Lord be revealed, AMEN. Sunday 7 April

Seek God’s face

Psalm 34:8 tells us that we are to ‘taste and see that the Lord is good’. It is God’s desire that we seek his face and that we see his goodness. He bids you to come into his presence today for He delights in you (Zephaniah 3:17). What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God by enjoying him forever. Glorify God today by enjoying time with Him. Thank Him for all He has done for you. Take time to say sorry for the things that you need to repent of, and then spend time chatting with God about the things on your heart. Listen to God. He will speak back to you. Pray for the discernment to hear him. May you taste and see that the Lord is indeed good.

Matthew 6:31-33 Do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ The pagans run after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Monday 8 April

S is for…

THANK YOU GOD for Make Lunch; this charity, making hot meals for children who would otherwise go without food, meets at Southdown Methodist Church Centre and St. Michael’s Junior School, Twerton, every week in the school holidays. [email protected].

• Schools 25,000 youngsters go to school in Bath, at one of 27 primary, seven secondary and five independent schools, Bath College or one of three schools working with vulnerable children – the Link, Three Ways and the Studio School. Pray for teachers and governors; for those who find school difficult; thank God for those who thrive in education. Ask God for His word to be proclaimed and His story to be told. • Shops In Bath we have a good selection of small shops as well as chains. Our city centre is a pleasant place for retail therapy. Pray for retail businesses and cafés to keep our high streets open and thriving. • Support and pray for your local CHOP meeting tomorrow night 9 April, 7.45pm.

1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is; Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. Tuesday 9 April

S is also for…

THANK YOU GOD for the CHOPs meeting tonight.

• Supporters Where would we be without our supporters, those who stand by us through the ups and downs of life? Thank God for faithful spouses, loving families, friends, carers and those who help in our daily routines; for those who go the extra mile to help and for strangers who step in when we most need them. Pray for the CHOPs meeting at 7.45pm tonight in 25 locations, gathering to pray and support their communities. • Single Staying single is a bible-endorsed way of life. Pray for the single status to be supported by society and churches, and for single people to be welcomed into families as honorary members. Pray for wisdom for single people, that they would not feel lonely but supported and encouraged. • S is also for safety, the charity Send a Cow, Samaritans, security, street pastors, B&NES Skills and Local Employment department, sports, Streets and Highway Maintenance department, Southdown, South Stoke, Swainswick, St. Catherine…

1 John 3:23 This is his command: believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Wednesday 10 April

T is for…

THANK YOU GOD for our Twinning partners: Bath is twinned with Aix-en-Provence, Alkmaar, Braunschweig and Kapovar. Pray for good friendships between our city and these European locations.

• Transport Pray for finance from West of England Economic Development Fund to improve our transport; good and reasonably priced bus links; wisdom for decision makers and investors as they plan transport and parking; safety for all road users, pedestrians and cyclists; for transport police and traffic wardens and for patience. • Trauma Recovery Centre The experience of powerlessness and terror caused by trauma affects one in ten children, statistics say. The Trauma Recovery Centre, www.trc-uk.org in Bath enables children from age three to 24 to recover from bad experiences. Pray for wisdom for psychotherapists and creative therapists; parents and carers of vulnerable children; schools as they support trauma victims; professionals and MPs involved; Connecting Families. • T is also for teenagers, toddlers, tourists, technology, trading standards; Twerton…

Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him. Thursday 11 April

U is for…

• Unity We know that God blesses unity. It says in Psalm 133: ‘How lovely it is when brothers live together in unity.’ Pray for increased friendship across denominations and faiths. • University A third of our population in Bath consists of students, many of them from overseas. Pray for students to make friends and integrate with the community; that they will enjoy their studies; for chaplaincy teams as they support students and staff – [email protected]; for all who work at Bath University or Bath Spa University. • UNESCO We have applied for double UNESCO status – as a world heritage city and also as a spa. Pray for those who plan and conserve our city’s beauty.

Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” photo © bath.ac.uk Friday 12 April

V is for…

THANK YOU GOD for the thousands of volunteers we have in Bath.

• Voices Thank you God for the spoken word and our ability to articulate our needs, praise and sorrow. Thank you for choirs, bands and groups and for the joy of using the voice. A new charity, Voices, runs a Christian-based interdenominational healing ministry for women called “Eagles Rising”, for those with spiritual, emotional, psychological, physical or financial oppression. The aim is to restore, refresh and renew through the love and living word of God. [email protected]. 01225 420249 • Volunteers help without payment to support charities, schools, neighbours and hospitals. Without voluntary help, our society would be sad. • V is also for Visit Bath, our tourism bureau; vulnerable people, pray that they may be protected and valued.

Psalm 95:1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Saturday 13 April

W is for…

• Wisdom The Lord gives wisdom. The apostle James (l:5) says “If anyone lacks wisdom he should ask God who gives generously to all without fault and it will be given to you.” Pray that we all may seek His wisdom, whatever our work may be. • Work Thank God for work, however humble. Meaningful occupation keeps us healthy and happy. Pray for those seeking worth and for good treatment of workers. • Women Pray for those who have been sexually abused. • W is also for worry, world heritage, Weston, Wellow, Widcombe, Westmoreland, Walcot, Woolley, Wera Hobhouse MP, Wessex Water – one of our biggest employers.

THANK YOU GOD for World Sport Ministries, based in Bath, which creates opportunities for people to see they have great potential and are created for a purpose by a loving God. [email protected]

Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. For the Lord is good and his love endures for ever. Sunday 14 April

The Lord said to Moses,

Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” Numbers 6:22-26 Let us today speak out the same blessing for our families, friends and the people of Bath. Say the blessing out loud and put the name of the person in front of the blessing. Speak it over groups of people and your church family. Speak it over children and others as they sleep. Speak the blessing out over your neighbours’ houses and in your road. Ask friends and strangers you meet if you can speak a blessing over them. Monday 15 April

X is for…

• X-rays Our Royal United hospital with St. Martin’s provides 565 beds, and acute treatment and care for 500,000 in the Bath area. All departments are under constant pressure. The spiritual care centre (chaplaincy) under the leadership of Narinder Tegally provides help for staff and patients. [email protected]. 01225 824039. Pray for an improvement in urgent and emergency care; and ask God for energy and wisdom for all staff, and for guidance to know how to spend the limited finance. • Xenophobia: The dictionary definition is a hatred or fear of foreigners or strangers or of their politics or culture. Please Lord don’t let us be afraid or xenophobic. May we be a welcoming city, loving our neighbours from near and far.

Hebrews 13:1-2 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Tuesday 16 April

Y is for…

• Young people The intensity of social media heightens peer pressure and bullying for youth today. On-screen violence and aggression, through film, TV and gaming is rife and knife crime is on the increase. Pray for safe spaces for kids to go and wisdom for their parents. • Youth for Christ runs the Accompanying Project, supporting children as they move school; Connect Mentoring in secondary schools; lunch groups in Ralph Allen and St. Gregory’s; Motus dance academy in Southdown; Shine/Strength courses considering identity and purpose; Life Academy, on relationships and sex; and Shaping Church to Disciple Young People. Pray for youngsters facing mental issues; that they would have support and love to develop well; good relationships with churches, schools and voluntary groups. www.bathyfc.co.uk • Y is also for YMCA, youth hubs and clubs, Your Council and Democracy (about B&NES), Youth Connect and Youth Offending Service…

Malachi 2:15 Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. Wednesday 17 April

Z is for…

• End of life… Dorothy House at Winsley offers end-of-life care for patients and support for their families. Pray for all who work there, chaplaincy teams, patients and loved ones; church ministers as they comfort the bereaved; and funeral directors; and that patients may die well. Pray that the crematorium may be a place of peace. • Zeal – enthusiastic devotion to a cause. May we as the body of Christ in this area zealously seek God’s face for all that He wants to do here in the years to come, trusting that He is good all the time.

THANK YOU GOD that the RUH received “outstanding” for its end-of-life care in a recent inspection.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal body. Thursday 18 April

Pray for protection

Our Father in heaven, holy and above reproach is your name. May your Kingdom come and your will be done, in Bath and surrounding areas, as it is in heaven. Make this an upright city that upholds and demonstrates heavenly values of righteousness, peace, humility and justice. May we be a city on a hill that cannot be hidden, a shining light to all – a beacon of hope, love and healing in Jesus’ name. Give us today our daily bread, helping us to live in the present with an increased awareness of our dependency and refuge in you – our mighty deliverer. We give you thanks that you forgive our debts, that we have been set free to live a life in all its fullness for your glory. May we shine your light so others find their way. Help us Lord to forgive those who have wronged us. May we be a city of honour, a city that stands for God’s standards. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. Watch over and protect this area we ask. We pray against the schemes and attacks of the enemy. May the darkness be exposed by your marvellous light, and may you continue to raise up spiritual watchmen and women, we pray in Jesus’ powerful and precious name, AMEN. Friday 19 April

Good Friday

• Witness to your faith and devotion in the Lord Jesus by joining the Cross Walk this Good Friday. There are three finishing points: Solsbury Hill, Batheaston; Round Hill, Southdown; and Bath Abbey, central Bath. www.bathchurches.org.uk/crosswalks • Pray for 2020 Passion plays in Bath • Pray that the people of Bath will understand why Jesus died and rose again. • Pray for church leaders and Good Friday services.

Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Saturday 20 April

Pray the words of Jesus for all believers as we seek God’s face together. “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17:20-26 Pray for the week of 24/7 prayer planned by all the churches from Sunday 2 June to Sunday 9 June (Pentecost). Sign up to be part of this week of praying 24 hours a day for Bath. www.bathchurches.org.uk Pray for a harvest that we haul in together. Jesus said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. John 21:6 Sunday 21 April

Easter Day HE IS RISEN INDEED! HALLELUJAH! THANK YOU GOD.

It is because of the Resurrection that we can seek God’s face. As 2 Corinthians 3:16 reminds us: ‘Whenever anyone turns to the Lord the veil is taken away.’ Seek God’s face today. Let us all in the Bath area join with the rest of the world joyfully proclaiming the mystery of Jesus. Christ has died, Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Revelation 21:6 “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Be- ginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.” Psalm 105:1-4 Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Thank you for praying with us. Please continue. You could even start this book again. Join a Community House of Prayer (CHOP) near you on 7 May or sign up for 24/7 prayer event 1-9 June (www.bathchurches.org.uk). Put Tuesday 12 November 2019, 7.30pm in your diary for the next Abbey Pray for Bath event.

Feedback: email to [email protected] or write to Churches Together. Donations towards book-printing costs by cheque please, payable to BathCAN, c/o 50 Brookfield Park, Bath BA1 4JJ. Bank transfers to: BathCAN, Lloyds Bank, a/c 43329868, sort code 30-90-54. Please use reference: Lent Book