This week's prayers are written by Gideon Heugh, a poet and environmentalist. He's the author of numerous poetry and devotional books and creator of The Green Chapel newsletter.
Easter is the greatest story of transformation: the story of darkness to light, death to life. Yet it is not just a story of 'then', but of now. Around the world, local churches are putting the transformative love of Christ into action – changing the lives of the most vulnerable.
Easter Sunday 20 April
Christ is risen! The darkness has been shattered; the stone has been rolled away; hope and love are alive and will always be with us. This day declares that we can always begin again – that the waves of grace will never stop breaking upon our shore. Praise God today for the coming of the new; praise God today for the cross and for the empty tomb. Hallelujah.
Monday 21 April
This week is the hinge of history. The impossible crumbles; the darkness fails. The seeming victory of death, of God himself broken and bleeding on a cross, is revealed to be a mere set-up to a different victory, in whose truth we live. Lord Jesus, make this week not just a reality in history but in our hearts, and wherever people are struggling. Amen.
Tuesday 22 April
When churches are empowered to show God's love through practical action, amazing transformation happens. Amarech's group in Ethiopia began by each member saving less than 1p a week. Now, they have around £2,000. Pray that God will take more of these small beginnings and multiply them to bring hope.
Wednesday 23 April
Amarech and her group are now sharing their success across communities, encouraging others to start their own groups. But with the economic challenges in Ethiopia, this is not easy. Pray for the kind of transformation seen in these groups to be reflected on a national scale.
Thursday 24 April
Pastor Matewos used to think the gospel was only something to be preached. Now, thanks to training from Tearfund, his church is a centre for practical transformation. 'This kind of approach shows love,' he says. Pray for more churches to become centres of hope and change.
Friday 25 April
As we move from the Easter season, bring to mind people or situations we have prayed for in recent weeks. Ask the Holy Spirit to focus your heart on one in particular. Lift it up to God in prayer, asking for it to be filled with the transformative love and power of Christ.
Saturday 26 April
Hope also comes through the choice we have to take action. Tearfund's local church partner in Ethiopia supports families like Seke's with cash grants. Seke used hers to buy food for her family. 'We send you our gratitude,' she says, and shares that she has now found joy. Give thanks for the transformation in people like Seke.
