How to pray for the week ahead: 2 November

This week MPs debate social media and children under 16, the committee examining the draft conversion practices ban hears more evidence, and peers return to the Health Bill. Here is how to pray, day by day.

Monday 2 November

Commons: petition debate on social media and under-16s · Westminster Hall

MPs debate e-petition 757233, which calls for a ban on social media for children under 16.

Lord, we pray for children growing up online and for parents trying to keep them safe. Give MPs wisdom as they debate this petition, and let every decision put children's wellbeing first. Amen.

Draft Conversion Practices Bill: joint committee oral evidence · 4pm, Palace of Westminster

The joint committee of MPs and peers examining the draft bill takes more evidence. Parents, clergy and counsellors are concerned about what the ban could mean for ordinary conversations, prayer and teaching.

Father, we pray for the members of the joint committee as they hear evidence this week. Give them wisdom and care for everyone affected. Guard the freedom of churches, parents and counsellors to pray, teach and talk openly and lovingly about what they believe. Amen.

Tuesday 3 November

Lords: Health Bill, committee stage (day 2) · House of Lords

Peers continue line-by-line scrutiny of the Health Bill. Amendments on puberty blockers and single-sex spaces may be debated.

Father, we pray for peers as they scrutinise the Health Bill. Give them wisdom and courage to protect children and to keep spaces safe for women. Comfort young people who are struggling and their families. Amen.

Lords committee: the Online Safety Act, how it is working · 1.45pm, House of Lords

The Lords Communications and Digital Committee takes evidence on how the Online Safety Act is being put into practice and what difference it is making.

Lord, we pray for children and young people online. Give peers and regulators clear sight of what is and is not working, and wisdom to protect the young while upholding the freedom to speak the truth in love. Amen.

Wednesday 4 November

Ofcom call for evidence closes: A Safer Life Online for Women and Girls

Today is the last day to send evidence to Ofcom for its report on women and girls' safety online.

Lord, we pray for women and girls who face abuse online. Give Ofcom wisdom to protect them while upholding the freedom to speak the truth in love. Amen.

Westminster Hall: smart glasses and violence against women and girls · 9.30am, Westminster Hall

MPs debate the use of smart glasses in violence against women and girls.

Father, we pray for women and girls who have been filmed or harassed without their consent. Protect them, and give MPs wisdom to keep the law in step with new technology. Amen.

Also on our hearts

Darlington nurses win on changing rooms

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust now requires staff to use changing rooms according to biological sex, after a three-year legal battle by seven nurses at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Lord, thank you for the courage and perseverance of these nurses. Give strength to everyone who speaks up for dignity and privacy at work, and help hospitals treat all their staff fairly and kindly. Amen.

Southwell Minster warns it could close

The dean of the 900-year-old Nottinghamshire cathedral says it will run out of money for daily operations next year unless something major changes.

Lord, we pray for Southwell Minster, its clergy and congregation. Provide for their needs and keep its doors open for worship and witness for generations to come. Amen.

Christians killed in Jordan, Ethiopia and Nigeria

In the past week worshippers were killed in an attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan, and dozens of Christians were killed in attacks in Ethiopia and Nigeria.

Lord, we pray for our brothers and sisters in Jordan, Ethiopia and Nigeria who are grieving. Comfort the bereaved, protect the vulnerable and give leaders the will to bring justice and peace. Amen.