At Tearfund, we believe that the church is called to be a centre of God’s transformation, and that’s why we partner with local churches across the world, equipping and supporting them to bring change to their communities. We believe our mission is to follow Jesus where the need is greatest and to partner with local churches to help communities lift themselves out of extreme poverty. Please pray for growth in this area of Tearfund’s work and for the global church to shine as God’s light across the world.
Sunday 10 May – the impact of the church
Churches continue to be a light to their communities throughout many challenges. Tearfund partners with churches across the world to equip them to identify needs and opportunities in their communities, mobilise resources and start development projects. Pray that churches across the world will realise the impact that they can have on their communities. Ask God to give church leaders vision, wisdom and strength and to bless them as they reach out to others.
Monday 11 May – the welcoming church
Churches are often the first places offering refuge and support for people having to flee violence or having experienced natural disasters. Thank God for churches that are providing support to people facing crises across the world, and pray that the church would have the heart and resources to be a refuge for those who need it.
Tuesday 12 May – the united church
In John 1:21, Jesus prays for all believers to ‘be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you’. Unity between churches enables a great impact as they collaborate. Please pray today for churches to work together in unity to see their communities transformed. Pray there would be genuine love between churches within communities in the countries where Tearfund works, and that as they work together, they would discern God’s will for their communities and see all they have in common in Christ rather than any differences.
Wednesday 13 May – the reconciling church
Church leaders are ambassadors for peace; they can heal the hurts that divide people and promote unity. ‘I believe that church leaders should be present in everyday life, engage and invest in the peaceful processes in their country,’ says Rev Onesphore Ndayizigamiye, who attended a Tearfund workshop in Burundi about promoting peace. ‘They should not be afraid, but step up, because their role is very important.’ Praise God for the work church leaders are doing to bring peace where there is conflict and suffering.
Thursday 14 May – the caring church
A growing number of churches are answering God’s call to love their neighbours by caring for creation. In India, after attending a Tearfund training course, Pastor Sunil has introduced practical ways his congregation can get involved and learn more about caring for wider creation. The church has banned single-use plastic, has a kitchen garden, and is planting trees around the community. Thank God for the work Pastor Sunil’s church is doing to care for creation. Pray that even more churches around the world will take action to tackle the climate crisis.
Friday 15 May – the hope-filled church
The message of the church is hope. Around the world, churches are living out this message and being the hands and feet of Jesus. Praise God for how he works through the local church. Ask God to highlight a way that you could serve in your local church to help someone in need. Pray that churches around the world will be invigorated with hope.
Saturday 16 May – a prayer for the global church
O God, we thank you for your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:23). We ask for your strength and protection for your church across the world (2 Thessalonians 3:3), for church leaders and members reaching out to transform their communities, and for Tearfund’s staff and partners working to help churches become centres of transformation. We pray that you would watch over them (Psalm 121:5–8) and put your protection around them (Job 1:10). Be a shield around them and lift the heads of any who are feeling vulnerable (Psalm 3:3). May they know you, sovereign God, as their refuge and fortress (Psalm 18:2) as they seek to be salt and light in their communities and demonstrate the love of God. And bless them with peace, we pray (Psalm 29:11). Amen.
