Moving On
Ken came along to our Drop-in in Aberdeen. At this
point he was homeless and drinking. One of our staff
helped him apply for jobs and prepare for interviews.
He now has a full-time job.
1st February
Pray for all who are moving on positively.
This week we remember in our prayers people in our
residential units who have the chance to build a new
home in the community. May God strengthen them at
this time.
8th February
Many people use our community-based
services to develop essential life skills and the tools to
find employment. Ask the Lord to encourage those
looking to move from unemployment to employment.
15th February
Thank God for the peace being enjoyed
in the Care Shelter this season. Pray to see lives on the
streets helped moved into better situations. Thank God
for every life saved from the cold through this ministry.
22nd February
Living in temporary accommodation is a
sad reality for many. Pray that people will be successful
in finding permanent housing so they can build a stable
home for them and their family.
And let us run with perseverance the
race marked out for us, fixing our eyes
on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of
faith.
Hebrews 12 v 1&2
Bethany offers over 20 different types of services.
From emergency accommodation, drop-in advice,
employability skills to tenancy support, each one
transforms lives.
28th February
As we enter the period just before Easter,
we remember God’s love for all - so much so that he
sent his only son to die for our sins. We give thanks for
this amazing truth and ask that all will know the love of
God.
7th March
Bethany seeks to offer services that are
distinctive because of the love of God shown. Pray that
staff and volunteers will know how to show God’s love
and connect with people so that they feel loved too.
14th March
It can be personally challenging when you
work on the frontline every day. Ask God to strengthen
all our staff who support people each day. May they not
grow weary but sense the Holy Spirit strengthening
them.
21st March
With Holy Week underway, let us remember
the death and resurrection of Jesus. His ultimate sacrifice
is the most potent symbol of God’s love and we pray
that people who are feeling unloved would know that
God is with them.
New Life at Easter
My command is this: Love each other as I
have loved you. Greater love has no one than
this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15 v 12&13
Bethany is fortunate to have more than 2,500
volunteers who give up their time to support our vital
work. Much of what we do would not be possible
without them.
28th March
Good leadership is essential for any
organisation. Pray for Bethany’s Directors - both the
volunteers who make up the Board of Trustees and the
Directors making day to day decisions. May God give
guidance and wisdom.
4th April
Thank God for the dedicated staff team
at Bethany. Each day staff go the extra mile to show
Christian love in action. Our staff are known for not
giving up on people so pray for compassion and patience
when things are tough.
11th April
Without volunteers, much of our work would
not be possible. Thank the Lord for all those who
give time and energy. May God bless and protect each
volunteer as they carry out their work to transform lives.
18th April
Unless the Lord builds the house, the
builders labour in vain.
Psalm 127 v 1
This week we remember all the people who
will access one of our services. May this be a positive
encounter which will start to move people on towards a
brighter future and the life God has planned for them.
Pray for Bethany
Created with
a Purpose
We’ve learnt so much since starting the choir, mostly
things we never expected. It’s amazing the power we
have when we sing with one voice. Lost and Found Choir
25th April
We all have a purpose and God has plans
for each person who uses Bethany’s services. Pray
that God’s plans will be revealed to each person who
comes into contact with Bethany this week.
2nd May
For many people who use our services, they
have hidden talents. It’s just that life can be hard and
opportunities missed. Ask God to show every person
what he has gifted them with and how to use their
talents.
9th May
For we are God’s handiwork, created in
Christ Jesus to do good works, which God
prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2 v 10
Give thanks for the many supporters who
give of their time to take part in our fundraising events
throughout the year. We pray for them and for those
who use their talents to make these events a success.
16th May
Ask the Lord to guide all of us at Bethany
to do the good works he created us for. What an
amazing privilege to serve the Lord each day and to
do the things he has prepared in advance for us. May
we be faithful.
Realising Potential
John is one of many residents of Bethany Centre
who has successfully overcome his addiction. He
has now dedicated his life to God and has moved to
Dublin to train for the ministry. 23rd May
Pray that as we serve the people using our services
that we can draw out the God-given potential in each
person. Pray that as we love and serve, people will break
free from their problems and see potential for the future.
30th May
This week we pray for freedom from things that
hold people back. Ask God to show people how they can
deal with addiction, debt and broken relationships and find
restoration in life.
6th June
Pray for Bethany to remain grounded and
established in God’s love. May God’s love shine through all
the staff and volunteers and may our acts of service reflect
God’s heart for those in need.
13th June
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to
be free...serve one another humbly in love.
Galatians 5 v 13
Many people using our services are marginalised
and feel downtrodden. May our humility and our love show
them that they are valuable and that they are made in the
image of God. May each person be impacted positively as
we work with humility.
Family Focus
Our social furniture projects provide furniture, flooring
and white goods to over 1,800 individuals and
families each year. 20th June
Pray for the families in our communities who are
struggling to get by. Ask God to heal broken relationships,
to set the lonely in families and to defend those who need
his protection.
27th June
Please pray for families in our communities
who are in a repeated cycle of failed tenancies. As we work
alongside them, pray for the parents and carers that they
begin to trust our staff and seek help.
4th July
A father to the
fatherless, a
defender of
widows, is
God in his holy
dwelling. God
sets the lonely
in families.
Psalm 68 v
It is a sad fact that many children experience
trauma, abuse and violence in Scotland today. Ask the Lord
to protect these children and pray that he will enable us to
reach families in crisis to stop this suffering.
11th July
Pray for isolated parents who have no family,
friends or community to lean on. Thank God for Safe
Families for Children volunteers who give their time, skills
and love to those in need. Pray for more volunteers to join
us as our work develops.
Summer Days,
Summer Fun
The meek will inherit the land
and enjoy peace and prosperity.
Psalm 37 v 11
“We had a brilliant time. The kids enjoyed it
thoroughly. Thank you so much, I couldn’t afford to
take them out all summer. This meant a lot”. Parent
who was able to visit East Links Family Park
18th July
Whatever the weather, thank God for the day
trips and short-term residential times away that benefit so
many. For some this could be their first time to see a castle,
play on the beach or enjoy an activity as a family.
25th July
When the weather is good, people often forget
about homeless people. Homelessness affects people all
year round so pray that people are mindful of the plight of
those on the streets or in temporary accommodation even
when the sun shines.
1st August
For some families, looking after children over
the summer months is a pressure point. For those on
low incomes or on zero hour contracts, work may be put
aside and bills can accumulate. Pray that we can make the
summer a positive one for people.
8th August
This week we pray for all our supporters in
churches, companies and charitable organisations. Summer
is a quiet time but many preparations are made at this time.
Ask God to guide us even in the quieter times.
Back to School
Over 850 people across Scotland took part in a
Bethany event last year and raised over £100,000 for
our work. 15th August
As children return to school, pray that
each child coming from a family in poverty would have
what they need: clean uniform, pencils and pens and the
confidence to engage at school.
22nd August
Many of our community based projects
recommence for the term. Ask God to bring along
people who would benefit from these services - be it job
skills, computer literacy or creative writing. All of these
are building blocks to a better future.
29th August
Our events start back in earnest. Pray for
our supporters tackling our Lighthouse Abseil or doing
our sponsored walk. Ask that people will get behind
them and pull together to raise funds to support people
in need.
5th September
With the autumn term well underway, we
pray for the children in the families we support. Ask God
to bless them and help them do well in school. Pray that
the support we offer will help them thrive in school.
And let us run with perseverance the
race marked out for us, fixing our eyes
on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of
faith.
Hebrews 12 v 1&2
The Body of Christ
You also, like living stones,
are being built into a spiritual
house.
1 Peter 2 v 5 v 11
The services run by Bethany are made possible
by the active involvement of over 250 churches
across Scotland, from Stornoway to Dumfries and
in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and
Inverness. 12th September
There are churches in every community.
Churches have fantastic opportunities to engage with
the local community. Churches offer friendship, hope and
support. Ask that every church would seek to make the
most of these opportunities.
19th September
Please pray for Community Development
Workers as they seek to encourage Church leaders and
congregations. Pray they stay focussed on Christ and
demonstrate God’s love, mercy and peace in all our
partnerships.
26th September
We ask for unity in the church, the body
of Christ. May the church join together to be witnesses of
Jesus Christ. May the church reflect the person of Jesus
and be a light in this dark world, each and every day.
3rd October
We remember churches are in
challenging communities. Pray that Bethany can be a
support to these local churches. Pray that new partnerships
will be formed to strengthen the demonstration of God’s
love in practical ways.
The Resources
We Need
The work of Bethany is financially supported by
1000s of individuals, trusts and foundations and
churches every year. Your support helps us to
transform the lives of over 7000 people each year. 10th October
This week, we pray particularly for the
financial resources we need. God provides but we do not
take this for granted. Ask the Lord to move his people
to invest in our work so that we can reach people who
need our help.
17th October
People are our most precious resource. May
God build a strong team at Bethany - a team that will
demonstrate the Gospel in practical ways as we serve the
communities we work in. May God be glorified by this.
24th October
A lot of work goes in behind the scenes as
this week we pray for all the staff and all the processes
that keep Bethany going. We pray for everyone working
in property management, administration, finance, people
management and IT.
31st October
Let us remember the external relationships
with partners and funders. Pray for favour so that
Bethany can build strong partnerships with government,
local authorities and funders. God opposes the proud but
shows favour to the humble.
James 4 v 6
Winter Days,
Winter Nights
“If it wasn’t for the Care Shelter I wouldn’t be alive
today.” Care Shelter Guest 2015
7th November
The Winter Care Shelter is a much needed
refuge at this time of year. Pray that through the gentle and
patient guidance of Care Shelter staff that rough sleepers
will find hope and get off the streets for good. 14th November
Thank God for the dignity people receive
at the Care Van. Thank you for the volunteers treating
people with love. Pray that the food and advice given helps
people’s lives move forward.
21st November
I am the light of the world. Whoever
follows me will never walk in
darkness, but will have the light of life.
John 8 v 12
Pray for the Caring Christmas Trees project.
All the sales of real Christmas trees support projects across
Scotland. Ask God to quicken people to buy a Caring
Christmas Tree and change someone’s life for the better.
28th November
This time of year sees spending reach a
high, with a shopping frenzy online and in stores. Pray
that people will support our work by donating goods and
finances to the work when there is a temptation to buy more
for themselves.
Christmas
Celebrations
Passing the Baton and Passing the Baton Older
People befriends 100s of socially isolated men and
women across Scotland every year so that they are
loved and supported in their community. 5th December
With pressure to spend and spend at
Christmas, pray that people who use our services will be
wise with money. Ask the Lord to enable our staff and
volunteers to equip people to manage their money well.
12th December
As Christmas approaches, we remember
the real meaning behind this time of year. Ask God
to speak to people. May He give peace, comfort and
guidance to all who use our services this winter.
19th December
Christmas Day can be a sad or lonely
time of year. Thank God for our befrienders and for
the Christmas events run by staff and volunteers so
that people will know that they are not alone and that
somebody cares.
26th December
In this, the last week of the year, we give
thanks to God through Jesus Christ for all that he has
done in 2016. We give Him the praise, honour and glory
that is due His holy name.
In the town of David a Saviour has been
born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2 v 11
Turn faith into action make a real difference in someone’s life today
You really can make a difference in someone’s
life by supporting Bethany Christian Trust.
£10 can provide someone with lunch, companionship
and advice at one of our drop-ins
£30 can provide a rough sleeper with a warm place
to sleep, a hot meal and breakfast and time with
people who care
£75 can support a family for a month to help address
their needs and help keep the family together
Please get in touch if you would like to find out
more about how you can help.
Tel: 0131 561 8927
[email protected]
www.bethanychristiantrust.com