Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess 5.16-18)

As we move through the season of Lent it’s good to remind ourselves of the basics – that life can be tough, that there are always things to rejoice and be thankful for, and that one of the best ways to do this is to pray.

One of the challenges you will be aware of is the post-cyclone situation in Mozambique and Malawi. We have many friends and colleagues in the affected areas through Rooted in Jesus, and we need to continue to support them in prayer over the coming weeks and months. We have our own, rather different, challenges here in the UK too, of course. And against the backdrop of these wider movements we are aware of the hopes and struggles of many individuals, all known to the Lord, all loved by him.

Our focus in prayer is for new growth and new disciples in the ordinary contexts where our friends live and minister – particularly amongst children, in new areas of housing, in multi-parish benefices. We are encouraged by the growth in our EQUIP ministry, which seeks to support church leaders across the country, and by those who write to us from Africa to say what a difference Rooted in Jesus is making to their work there.

We all have our own favourite approaches to prayer, but for some a regular prayer diary is helpful. If you would like to join our contact list and pray with us, just let us know.

But however you like to pray, we hope you will join us in rejoicing with those who rejoice, weeping with those who weep, and giving thanks as together we bring our needs to the Lord.