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.
Plumbline staff · Thursday 29 October · 13 prayers · about 3 minutes
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Every Thursday
Lord of life, we pray for unborn children and their mothers, for the sick, the disabled, the elderly and the dying, and for all who care for them. Help our country to treasure every human life. Amen.
Every Friday
Lord, we pray for freedom to speak, to worship and to live by conscience. We pray for those who face pressure for their faith, here and around the world. Give them courage, and give our leaders a love of liberty. Amen.
Every Saturday
Lord, we pray for judges, the police, local councils and everyone who serves our towns and cities. Let justice be done fairly, and help us to love our neighbours well. Amen.
Every Sunday
Lord Jesus, we pray for churches meeting across the country today, and for their ministers and people. Make them faithful, kind and bold, and turn the hearts of our nation back to you. Amen.
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.
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.
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.