Prayer


God hears your prayers. You can trust him with them.

Prayer Time

We, at The Olive Tree Church, Luton, (UK) aim to pray, for one another, each day at 7:00PM – (other time slots are available – just do it!) We let the Holy Spirit guide and unite us as we pray in our own time and spaces. Please try and join us; in spirit. If that time is inconvenient please allocate yourself some Prayer-time to suit. Tell a friend – they may wish to “join” you.

Please bring the Leadership Team to God; particularly Michael ,our new Minister, and his family, as we embark, this Lenten season, on God’s Mission for the Olive Tree Church, Luton.

Prayer for Fasting: I shall lay aside the pressure I feel, and retreat into your space, Away from distractions,
I’ll seek you face to face.
I shall lean into you Lord, where the weight of the world Falls away from my shoulders, let your freedom unfold. I shall burrow so deeply, in you I’m covered and safe, Lift my eyes up to linger on the love in you gaze.
I shall shelter, encircled by the depth of your care, Where your majesty leads me, I await you in prayer.
I shall whisper my worries, here I’ll open my fears And lay here unfolded, in a river of tears. I shall rest my soul gently and nestle into your hope, Seeking only to dwell here, in your peace I will soak.
(a prayer poem by Julie Palmer © 2019 www.lords-prayer-words.com)

Read more at: https://www.prayerscapes.com/FilmPages/prayer_for_fasting.html

The crisis in Gaza and Israel continues to escalate, despite a brief pause, and has already devastated tens of thousands of lives. You can use this prayer guide to call out to God in intercessory prayer, which simply means praying on behalf of someone else. Some of the the Prayers below are taken from Tearfund

What to pray

Pray for peace

  • Pray for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence.
  • Pray for world leaders with influence in the region to make wise decisions that lead to lasting peace.
  • Pray that God’s peace would fill the hearts and minds of everyone who is suffering as a result of this conflict.
  • Pray for safety
  • Pray for all civilians – that God would protect them from harm, particularly the most vulnerable, including children, older people, and people with disabilities.
  • Pray for humanitarian workers – for protection for those who are working to provide humanitarian assistance and medical supplies.
  • Pray for safe access to food, water, sanitary items, medical supplies, fuel and electricity.
  • Pray for people forced to flee their homes – pray for safe places to stay and that they will be able to return home.
  • Pray for strength
  • Pray for church leaders – for wisdom and strength to lead people through fear and uncertainty. Pray for bravery as they guide their communities and offer loving support.
  • Pray for Christian communities and faith leaders across the region – for unity, connection and mutual understanding so that they can help bring people together and show kindness.
  • Pray for humanitarian workers – that God would strengthen their resolve and ability to provide relief and humanitarian assistance.
  • Pray for hope
  • Pray for those who are terrified, mourning and suffering in Israel and Gaza. Ask God to save them from despair – for the trauma and violence they’ve experienced not to overshadow hope.
  • Pray that people in Gaza and Israel and those in the wider region wouldn’t lose hope that peace is possible. ‘With God, all things are possible’ (Matthew 19:26).
  • Pray for healing
  • Pray for people who have been traumatised or injured; ask God to heal their physical and emotional wounds and bring them deep comfort.
  • Pray for hospitals and medical workers who are struggling with limited resources and overwhelming needs. Ask God to provide all the resources and equipment they need to treat the sick and injured.
  • ‘With God, all things are possible’ Matthew 19:26


A Prayer for Peace in troubled areas
Dear God, We cry out to you on behalf of the people seriously affected by the conflicts in Gaza and Israel, in Ukraine, in areas of Africa and elsewhere.
Our hearts break at the devastation and suffering that we see, and we know it breaks yours, too.

We ask you to stretch out your mighty hand to bring an end to these wars.

We cry out for people who have been injured or traumatised, who have lost loved ones or their homes. Please provide everything they need and be their comfort, their hope, their healer, and their safe refuge.

Blessed are the Peacemakers – they shall be know as children of God.

We pray for your peace to reign.
We look to you as our Saviour and the hope of the world.

Amen.

How we can pray…

  • Use scriptures on peace to centre your thoughts on God and his promises in the Bible. They can be easily found with (Google) internet searches.
  • Pray with a map of Gaza, Israel, Ukraine, Africa – indeed the whole Earth where troubles exist: to guide your prayers.
  • Light candles to help you meditate on Jesus as the light of the world.
  • Set up prayer stations in your church.
  • Thank you for joining us in prayer for the conflict in Gaza and Israel. Let’s continue to pray and act together on behalf of people suffering the effects of violence everywhere.

We believe that prayers are more powerful than anything else.