• Pray about the continuing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. As cross- border exchanges of fire intensify, pray that a full- scale ground war will be avoided.

• As the war in Ukraine is no longer at the forefront of our news, remember to pray for the people of Ukraine who continue to suffer. Pray too for those in Russia who are caught up in a war that they do not want to be a part of.

• Pray for those affected by the M Pox outbreak in Africa. Medical staff in D R Congo say they are desperate for vaccines as more patients arrive for treatment every day, especially babies.

• 1st October has been designated by the United Nations as the International Day of Older Persons. Give thanks for the wisdom and experience that old age brings and ask God to help us to be open to learn from those who are older. Pray for people in our fellowship and community who are struggling as a result of their age. Ask the Lord to show us how we can help to make their lives easier.

• As the result of Birmingham City Council cuts, many of our libraries including Yardley Wood have had to reduce their services or face closure. In many cases, libraries act as community hubs offering much needed services to some of the most vulnerable in our communities. The final phase of consultations ended this week. Pray for those making these difficult decisions and for all those that this will affect.

 In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His ears.

 Psalm 18:6