BRISTOL PRAYER WALL PRAYER Bulletin March 2003
SEND CITY PRAYER REQUESTS for next bulletin TO : bristolprayerwall@blueyonder.co.uk
How lovely are Thy dwelling places, O Lord of hosts! My soul longed
and even yearned for the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.Psalm 84:1-2 nasb
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me;at his
tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;I will sing and make
music to the Lord. Psalm 27:6 niv
PRAYER CATEGORIES SUMMARY:
SUGGESTED GUIDELINES for YOUR HOUR:
MARCH 28TH FRIDAY 7.30PM - LARGE CITYWIDE PRAYER MEETING COLSTON HALL
WEEK OF 24/7 PRAYER – MARCH 7TH TO 15TH at St James Halls next to the bus station carpark, parking in Charles St or Jamaica St
Week of 24-7 Prayer - St James Hall will be open on 8th March to 15th March but NOT Sunday for Prayer – We are open for 24 hours on Monday 10th March to Wed. 12th March. Prayer times with special focuses such as Christians in Art; Business in Bristol; Education; City Council; Health Service; Current world situation; Drugs & Alcohol.; The Elderly... From 7am to 8.30 am Monday to Friday there will also be group prayer/worship times for the city. There are two rooms to pray in. Prayer can be free or focussed.
Turn up anytime, signing up for slots is also helpful by emailing: bristolprayerwall@blueyonder.co.uk or tel. 07785 900527. At the moment we are only open after midnight on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week but open at 6.30am every morning on other days.
Additional background info:
The week of 24-7 Prayer will commence with a public organised half night of Prayer on Friday 7th March with the following programme:
7.30pm - 9.30pm - Chief of Police ( a believer) will speak and a Jamaican Pastor; Prayer for St Pauls and gang warfare etc; Prayer for Unity in the city;
9.45 - 12.00pm - Ugandan speaker, Worship led by Africans and Jesus Kingdom City church led prayer.
THE TIMETABLE SO FAR FOR FOCUSSED PRAYER SLOTS more to come (ONE ROOM IS FOR FREE 24-7 CREATIVE PRAYER and the OTHER ROOM IS FOR FOCUSSED PRAYER)
Mon 10th - Friday 14th March - each day 7am - 8.30am - Open group prayer & worship for the city waiting on God
Mon 10th March – 7pm - 8pm – Intercessory Dance
Mon 10th March – 8pm - 10pm – Open Prayer & worship for Bristol – led by Bristol Prayer Wall
Tues 11th March - 1pm - 2pm - Prayer for the Nation - led by Elizabeth Bridges of Lydia
Tues 11th March – 6pm – 8pm – True Worship – led by Lydia
Tues 11th March - 8pm - 11pm - Prayer for Students and Bristol Universities led by Ben Cotton
Wed 12th March - 6.30 am - 7.30am - Education and Schools in Bristol – led by Dez Futak
Wed 12th March – 1pm –2pm Christians in Dance and especially Theatre – led by Erica Bebb
Wed 12th March - 9pm - 10pm - Praying into Strongholds over the city - Margaret
Wed 12th March – 8pm - 9pm – Health Service in Bristol – led by Geoff Haskett
Thurs 13th March – 11am – 1pm – Prayer for the Elderly – led by Pauline Quintenella
Thurs 13th March - 7pm 9pm - World - Justice and Speak issues – led by Deborah Bailey
Thurs 13th March - 9pm - 10pm - Bristol Probation Service – led by Ben Daniels
Thurs 13th March – 10pm – 11pm – Prisons in Bristol and Ashfield – led by Sarah Battishill
Times for Business, Christians in the Arts and Police........ to be given later
One example of our focussed prayer slots:
ATTENTION ALL CHURCHES MINISTERING TO THE ELDERLY:
There will be prayer for the needs of the older folk of Bristol…… those living alone; in Sheltered Accommodation; in Residential Homes and in the ‘Community’. God says : ‘ rise in the Presence of the Aged, show respect for the elderly, and revere your God’ Leviticus 19:32. For further details contact Pauline Quintinella, Comforters coordinator tel: 9628093 - We will breakthrough for them in Prayer.
WITHYWOOD CHURCH AND COMMUNITY PROJECT INVITE YOU TO A MONTHLY SOUTH BRISTOL WORKER'S PRAYER LUNCH- we will meet on the 2nd tuesday of every month between 12.30 & 1.30 at withywood church centre, four acres, Withywood 0117 9784237 Rachel Schofield -Please bring your own lunch. Drinks and soup will be provided. We have identified at least 35 Christians working in Hartcliffe and Withywood, please invite your colleagues etc If you cannot come, then please do send in your prayer requests and any news of what God is doing, or prophecies etc for south Bristol. We will mail this out to everyone on our prayer lunch mailing list and hope to pass on some information to the Bristol Prayer Wall.
Bristol Christian Action Network Helping Churches Respond to Social Needs -
INFO: 0117 977 9270 BCAN LUNCHES 12.00 TO 14.00 March 13th at Trinity Tabernacle, Hassell Drive, Lawrence Hill, (Drinks provided, please bring own food) Resourcing Youth Work,Partnerships? Local Authorities? Funding?
SAT APRIL 5TH LYDIA WOMEN’S PRAYER FOR THE NATION at Pip n’ Jay 10.30 to 12.30pm details Elizabeth 9232968
GLORY BRISTOL Memorial Stadium – SAT. MAY 3rd – LARGE OUTREACH/PRAYER Multicultural event
Donations still need for PA equipment and for Advertising and Large banners in stadium – Contact Rev. Dawnicea Palmer tel: 9429819
Call to Persistent Prayer for Iraq
We believe that it is time
for us to take seriously our responsibility to pray for the current
situation that is escalating towards a 'war' with Iraq. We ask that
Alliance members take up this 'call to prayer' in their homes,
communities and churches now through to Easter, when vital decisions
will be made by those in leadership. We urge Alliance members to humbly
come before God in worship, declaring his Lordship over the nations of
the world; to ask his forgiveness for the ways we in Britain have
contributed to the current situation in Iraq and in the Middle East and
to pray for His kingdom to come. 'Lord, teach us to pray' for:
Wisdom: for all in leadership in
the nations involved, the weapons inspectors, the United Nations, the
armed forces, the aid agencies preparing to help
Justice: for Saddam Hussein to stop oppressing the Iraqi people;
for a way forward to be found to bring freedom to Iraq and the Middle
East
Peace: for Saddam Hussein to publicly disarm; for those working
for a peaceful settlement in Israel and Palestine
Truth: that the real issues behind this current situation would
be revealed; the truth regarding the nature of weapons in Iraq to be
made public
Unity: between the nations and agencies involved (NATO, European
Union, United Nations, UK and USA) so that agreement can be reached
Protection: for the people of Iraq and the Middle East; the
Christian Church in Iraq and Middle East; the armed forces already in
the region
God's sovereign overruling: between all leaders; in the
Christian and Muslim dialogue in the Middle East; and for many to find
faith in Jesus Christ .While we recognise that there are many differing
views as to what should be done with regard to 'war with Iraq', we want
to commit ourselves to pray for a just and peaceful outcome.
'Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we
may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need'
Hebrews 4.16 - Jane Holloway, Prayer and Evangelism Co-ordinator,
Evangelical Alliance
FILLING UP THE EMPTY SLOTS IN THE PRAYER
WALL FOR TUESDAYS
Early mornings are popular, and most are covered from 4am. All day Monday is nearly full, there are only four hours not taken. However as our aim is to encourage as many folk as possible ( and churches ) to Prayer for Bristol we don't mind being double booked! You, the existing bricks, are the most likely to recruit new members. So if you do find someone who is willing to take a turn then put them in touch with Ruth Adams. For some reason Tuesday is the least popular day in the week. So we are making a special plea for volunteers for Tuesday morning, afternoon and evening. The only thing we ask is that anyone taking on one of these slots does make it a regular commitment. The least popular daytime slots are in the afternoon. Possibly a pair of people could take on an hour and cover it between them. We understand that people's circumstances change, so if for any reason you can no longer fulfil your slot then please let Ruth know and she may be able to offer you a different time. Geoff Haskett
CRIME ON STREETS IN BRISTOL
Could we continue to pray for safety on our streets, and more to be done to ease the drug problem. Pray particularly for St Pauls where armed police now patrol the streets and there is the threat of gang warfare between drug dealers etc.
NEW PRAYER PATROLLER SCHEME IN EASTON, ST PAULS, ST WERBURGHS, MONTPELIER
This is an Initiative set up by Rev. Dawnicea Palmer and gives Christians who live in these areas an opportunity to work with the local police force and soak the above areas and communities in prayer. For further INFO. Tel: 9429819
Training for Prayer Patrollers is on Sat. 15th March 11.15am – 12.45 – all Welcome
Street Pastors iniative. Rev Les Isaacs the initiating coordinator of the street pastors project will be coming to the Seventh-day Adventist Church to meet with all those interested in knowing more. The date is Wednesday 12pm 19th March at the SDA Church 31-35 Ashley Rd. Further details contact Pastor Richard Daly 07958 433744 or richarddaly@ukonline.co.uk
FAITHWORKS PREPARATION in BS2 – Barton Hill…. FOR the Summer
Here's something exciting to pray about over the next few months. The Centre of Bristol is going to be invaded in the Summer by 100+ young volunteers ( age 14 upwards ) who will be coming to Inner City Bristol to get involved in practical community projects. Oasis Trust are providing the crowd through their FaithWorks programmes. Churches Together will be playing hosts together with Woodlands. We are expecting a lot of support from "Community at Heart". In fact C@H were so impressed by the results of the Noise in 2001 that they are giving their wholehearted backing to this venture. One member of the Board told us that the Noise was the best thing he had ever been involved in. So pray, pray, pray. For the young volunteers, for those preparing the placements and for the people of the New Deal area. Pray that it will be another year to remember. Geoff Haskett
BRISTOL HEALTH SERVICE
The short term problems of the NHS are once again distracting the search for long term solutions. Attempts to modernise health services in Bristol have been put on hold, by a massive £100m overspend. The next round of consultations were due to start in January but have been postponed indefinitely whilst Health Managers tackle their immediate financial shortfall.
Please pray for those who remain in the front line trying to provide a good service whilst under great pressure with inadequate buildings and with no respite in sight. The consultations so far have highlighted the need for a range of community hospitals across Bristol bringing many more services to people in their local community. Whether a brand new SuperHospital will ever be built is another question. Please pray for those trying to make plans for the future but who are frustrated by the current situation. Also pray for those managing our hospitals with insufficient staff; now aggravated by the call up of reservists for a possible war with Iraq. Geoff Haskett
YOUTH OUTREACH - Shirehampton Baptist
Please pray for the work towards the Youth Café which is planned for the High Street.
Pray also for the youth work in the schools, especially Portway School.
ST. MARKS, EASTON
Thank God for encouragement in the Church, but pray against sickness attacking members.
Pray for continued good relationship with other faiths in the area and that nothing will upset this.
A member, who is at present teaching for Operation Mobilisation in Pakistan, asks for urgent prayer for the Christians there at this time.
GRANDMA’S-BRISTOL - MINISTRY TO FAMILIES WITH HIV AIDS PROBLEMS - AN UPDATE
Sarah and her team, who care for families affected by HIV/AIDS, have just finished their twice yearly week of prayer and fasting for this special work. They felt the Lord very near and ask that His presence and guidance will continue with them as they seek to bring comfort and support to these families. Sarah is organising a Volunteer Training Programme for anyone who is interested in getting involved in Grandma’s. These are the dates planned; Monday 17thMarch 6.30-9.30pm Saturday, 22nd March 9.30am-4.30pm; Tuesday 25th March 6.30pm-9.30. If you are interested, please contact Sarah on 0117 9502424 or email ;bristol@grandmas
CHRISTIAN SUPPORT FOR FAMILY NEEDS
Bristol Community Family Trust need married couples who have children, to act as mentors for couples who are getting married in the near future. This is a Trust set up to try to stem the tide of divorce which is causing so much distress to families. A couple to act as mentors would attend a day of training which would be organised by BCFT and then to spend 3-6 evenings with a couple to be married going through a questionaire with them. The idea is not that you "know it all," but that you could share some experiences that you have had, and how you have dealt with them. Mentors are ordinary married couples who share their experience of the ups and downs of marriage with a couple starting out together. Mentors help couples work through differences and issues they may not have faced or discussed before.
If you would like to know more about this wonderful service please visit the web site;
www.bcft.co.uk, or email; info@bcft.co.uk. tel:01179241480
PRAYER UPDATE : BRIDGE HOUSE PROBATION HOSTEL.
A season of much change in the hostel. A major shift in management: new deputy and seniors have been appointed. Pray for God’s sovereign influence to be them. New oppressions have come in the treatment of residents. Without consultation the residents have had their midday meal withdrawn: they now have to wait until evening to receive their first cooked meal, most have little or no money spare to feed themselves. Pray that God’s glory break out in the hostel and a spirit of joy spring out of these difficulties. There are also a number of new staff vacancies materialising. Pray for the right new appointments. Currently three of the residents are attending church. Pray also for the refreshment of the Christian staff – its often wearing to be working for a regime so brazenly oppressive and having to enforce it. Pray specifically for new energy, I need supernatural empowerment to stay awake on night shifts and pray, work and minister throughout the night. Encouragingly most residents are sustaining a form of abstinence form class A drugs, this is miraculous and a direct result, I believe of prayer. However this has led to a lot of "cross-addiction" to alcohol and milder narcotics ( cannabis). Pray for a spirit of joy and unity to be amongst the residents as this has unique power. Prayer for skilled compassionate catering staff is needed desperately.
Ashley House Probation Hostel.
I have been allocated extra work here and I believe God has plans for this hostel, it has been starved of any major Christian influence for many years. Pray protection and empowerment over this season and that many will be brought to Christ, that words of life, prophecy and healing may be spoken into and over this place and the Christian residents there.
Above all with both hostels that God’s Kingdom may come, and his peace will fill the houses.
Thankyou BEN.
HENBURY Churches Together Feedback
Henbury enjoyed the week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Lunchtime services were held daily at St. Mary’s Church, followed by our packed lunch. The theme was "Treasure in Clay Jars," from 2Corinthians ch.4 and was led by a different church leader each day. The previous Saturday we invited people in Crow Lane shopping area to bring their prayer requests, some of which they wrote on helium-filled balloons and let them go into the sky. Many people came and appreciated this. The final Friday of the week, we met again in Crow Lane, and rounded off the week by a service on Bible reading, singing, and prayer for the needs of Henbury.
THE FROME VALLEY - FRENCHAY AND DOWNEND
The character of Frenchay's has been influenced by being on the five mile boundary from the city centre. This was the closest that non-conformists were permitted to build places of worship. Consequently it developed a character of its own. Today that influence has virtually disappeared although there is still a Friends Meeting House alongside the Common. The main centre of activity now is now the hospital with comings and goings at all the hours, by bus, car and even helicopter. Nevertheless Frenchay retains its village look and feel, and has a very vocal Preservation Society.
On the other bank of the River Frome lies Downend. Another prosperous areas with a busy population. Downend is a long established part of Bristol now in the control of South Gloucestershire Council wedged between the M4 and the city boundary. The Downend parish of Christchurch which includes Emmerson Green is the largest in Bristol. Please pray for the heavy workload on the vicar Jo Vickery and his curates. Currently they are running an Alpha course with 72 participants. It will conclude with a party on at the end of March. Pray for this opportunity to invite more people to the next course.
In contrast the parish church on Frenchay Common serves a much smaller clientele. So far no one has answered the advertisements for a new incumbent. Remember the family of Roger Thomas the former rector who died recently after only six months in retirement.
Give thanks for the close links between the Downend Churches including Anglicans, Methodists, Catholics, Baptists, BCF and the Sanctuary. Please pray that they will be envisioned to develop a Christian presence. We have been specially been asked to pray
In Frenchay the Council will soon be opening a Hostel for the Homeless using a building which has lain empty for many years. Please pray for the folk moving in, there are no shops in the village and no public transport passing through. There is also an emerging township which has been created in the last few years on the opposite side of the M32 behind Duchess House and near the UWE. This is a "community" with no school, no community buildings and yet the houses are still going up and selling . Remember the folk who have moved into Stoke Park. It's an exciting location which will have to grow its own roots. All these communities offer great potential for growth and are capable of sustaining a visible Christian presence. This area is home to Christians from many fellowships across Bristol. Pray that with all these resources that the community will benefit, that all will receive from the Lord. G. G. H.
Thank you to those who have sent cheques towards Prayer Wall expenses to Paul.
I should mention that they should be made out to "Bristol Prayer Wall", and posted to –Paul Thompson, 48,Arnall Drive, Henbury, BS10 7AP.