Christians in Scotland asked to join in prayer on Sundays at 7pm

Church groups across Scotland are asking Christians to join in prayer at 7pm on Sunday evenings.

Last Sunday, thousands of Christians across Scotland answered the call to pray at the same time in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following positive feedback from last week's prayer initiative, a further letter has been signed by 14 Christian organisations across the country, including the Church of Scotland.

The letter states: "We pray in solidarity with those across Britain and Ireland and in solidarity with those across the world who face the challenge that the COVID-19 pandemic brings."

A version in Gaelic is also available.

Rt Rev Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: "When so much is not normal how lovely it can be to come together at 7pm each Sunday and have a few moments in which we can pray together.

"Let me encourage you to keep hope alive and join with us in prayer."

Churches Together In England will also be continuing to pray each Sunday at 7pm and will be using the #prayersofhope to share the message on social media.

Signatories in Scotland include the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church, the United Free Church, the United Reformed Church, the Baptist Union of Scotland, the Methodist Church, the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Congregational Federation in Scotland, the Salvation Army, the Church of the Nazarene, and Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Joint prayer from Christians in Scotland:

We turn to you, our Father, for we need your help.
Lord Jesus, as you have promised, be with us, whatever lies ahead,
Strengthen us, Holy Spirit, as we face this together.

We pray for our world and our country,
as coronavirus threatens our lives and our livelihood, leaving many in lockdown,
while key workers continue, despite the risk.

We pray for government leaders at Westminster and Holyrood,
responding to medical and scientific advice,
making tough decisions for the wellbeing of all.

We pray for all who serve on the frontline in the NHS and in social care;
facing increasing numbers, overstretched resources
and distressing human need.

Bless those who are ill, those who are alone and afraid,
those exhausted looking after their family, those worried for the vulnerable,
those fearful for their finances, those shut in to their fears.

Thank you for those who have returned from retirement to help,
or joined the volunteer army.
Thank you for those working:
to manufacture needed resources,
to find a vaccine,
to keep in contact with the isolated,
to encourage others at this time.

Have mercy on us, O Lord.
Give us faith, hope and love and hear our prayers,
in Jesus' name. Amen.

The signatories of the letter are:

Rt Rev Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the General Assembly, Church of Scotland.

Most Rev Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, Roman Catholic Church.

Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus, on behalf of the College of Bishops, Scottish Episcopal Church.

Rev John Fulton, Moderator, United Free Church of Scotland.

Rev Dr David Pickering, Moderator, United Reformed Church (Scotland)

Rev Martin Hodson, General Director, Baptist Union of Scotland.

Rev Mark Slaney, District Chair, Methodist Church (Scotland)

Adwoa Bittle, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

Rev May-Kane Logan, Chair, Congregational Federation in Scotland.

Rev Jim Ritchie, District Superintendent, British Isles North District, Church of the Nazarene.

Pastor Chris Gbenle, Provincial Pastor, Province of Scotland, Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Lt. Col. Carol Bailey, Secretary for Scotland, Salvation Army.

Bishop Francis Alao, Church of God (Scotland)/Minority Ethnic Churches Together in Scotland (MECTIS).

Rev Donald G. MacDonald, Moderator, Free Church of Scotland