Many people have a dream of getting back to nature, having a place in countryside or
finding their own little piece of Eden. However the reality of living in “the sticks” can
sometimes be very different than the idyllic dream we have.
The old community hubs are fewer now, many local shops have closed, farming is facing
crisis after crisis, there are less pubs and churches find it hard to fill the rural pews.
Please pray all these situations and
for the elderly as they battle with
the isolation of living alone. Pray for
farmers who find their livelihoods
being eroded. Pray for the work of
rural clergy who often minister to
many congregations over a wide area
and pray for the future of the many
talented young people who grow up
in the countryside. Take time as well
to ask God what He would have you
do, remember “faith without works is
dead” (James 2:14-26).
Maybe you could visit the lonely, encourage a passion for rural life in others, seek new ways to bring the life and love of Christ to those in your congregation or simply give thanks to God the vibrant beauty and wonderful diversity of this green and pleasant land.
Pray for all those who live and work in the countryside.
Stourbridge Deanery – Rural Dean: Andrew Sillis; Lay Chair: John Nicholson
Diocese of Skara (Sweden): Bishop Åke Bonnier
Diocese of Leeds (formerly West Yorkshire & the Dales): Bishop Nick Baines
with Bishops Tony Robinson (Wakefield), James Bell (Ripon), Toby Howarth (Bradford),
Jonathan Gibbs (Huddersfield), Paul Slater (Richmond)
Diocese of Osun North East (Nigeria): Bishop Humphery Olumakaiye
