It is six months since the Presidents of Churches Together in England issued a national call to prayer for all those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
They invited Christians across the country to join together in prayer at 7pm each Sunday night.
To mark six months since #PrayersOfHope began, CTE General Secretary, Rev Dr Paul Goodliff, has written a special prayer:
Gracious Lord, six months ago we faced an uncertain threat from the coronavirus pandemic and stood on the verge of the lockdown. Then we lit candles of hope and prayed for our world. Scripture calls us to persevere in prayer, and so we pray again and again that you would have mercy on our world, especially in those places where the virus is still spreading out of control. Give wisdom and courage to all charged with leading the responses, from Governments to public health leaders, and especially to those Christians seeking to serve their communities.
Closer to home, schools have re-opened, students are preparing to go to Universities and Colleges, and many face uncertainty at work. Grant that the same mutual support experienced at the height of the lockdown may now be released again as we face social, economic and employment challenges. Guide Christians throughout these islands to lead by example in building a fair and compassionate society, and give courage as we witness to the saving power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.
This prayer was featured in the Prayers of Hope service on Premier Christian Radio on Sunday 20 September 2020 at 7pm.