Prayer Diary

During the week beginning 20th September, the first day of which is Battle of Britain Sunday.

We remember with gratitude all those who served during the Battle of Britain, especially the pilots and aircrew who risked and gave their lives to defend our nation. We give thanks for their courage, sacrifice, and sense of duty, and we remember their families and all who suffered during those difficult days. We pray for all who serve in our Armed Forces today, asking God to grant them courage, wisdom, and protection, and that we may always work for peace and reconciliation among the nations.

We also pray for:

• Our Parish:
  Holy Trinity and Mosaic, our Town Centre Mission, and our administrators, Linda and Sally. We pray for all who worship, serve, and minister within our parish, and for God’s guidance as we seek to make Christ known.

• Our Emergency Services:
  All those working in our local Police, Fire and Ambulance services. We pray for their safety, courage, and dedication as they serve and protect our community.

• Those who work for Charities:
  We pray for the many people who give their time and energy to charitable work, especially Share and The Food Bank. We remember all those who are hungry or struggling to provide food for themselves and their families throughout the world, including those in our own country who live on one meal a day or less, or who do not know where their next meal will come from. May they receive the practical help and support they need.

• A Prayer for Our Vacancy: Heavenly Father,
  we place our Parish in Your loving care during this time of vacancy.
  Guide us with Your wisdom, unite us in faith, and strengthen us in hope.
  Bless those who lead and serve among us,
  and prepare the heart of the shepherd You are calling to this community.
  May we remain faithful in prayer, joyful in service, and steadfast in Your love.

• Those for whom we especially pray:
  Linda and Darren Edwards, Jean and Brian Sturges, Laura Chase, Rosalind Willatts, Jemma Evans, Ad Young, Ray Hobbs, and Peter Hughes.

• Those who have died:
  We remember before God all who have died recently and pray for their families and friends as they grieve. May they know God’s comfort, peace, and loving presence.

• At Year’s Mind:
  Frederick (Fred) Hibbert, Florence Ridgers, Glyn Leyshon Phillips, Rosemary Taylor, David Ralph Elan, and David Foster. May they rest in peace and rise in glory.

• Prisoner of Conscience:
  We continue to pray for Pastor Yang Rongli, aged 70, of the Golden Lampstand Church in Shanxi Province, China. Pastor Yang and her husband have suffered severe persecution for practising their Christian faith. Their church building, paid for by their large congregation, was destroyed by the Chinese authorities in 2018. Since we last prayed for Pastor Yang in June 2025, she has been sentenced to 15 years in prison on charges of “fraud”, a charge sometimes used against pastors of unregistered churches. She is not due for release until 2036. Her husband is serving a sentence of nine years and seven months. Pastor Yang is diabetic and in poor health. We pray for her safety, health, and strength, for her husband and for all those who suffer persecution because of their Christian faith. May God sustain them and give them hope, courage and peace.

In the week beginning the 13^th of September we pray for:

• Our Children and Young People
  We pray for the children and young people of Holy Trinity, and especially for our Youth Group, Sparklers and Children’s Church. We pray for all those who lead and support these groups, that they may help our young people to grow in faith, confidence and understanding of God’s love.
• Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
  We bring before God the work of the staff and volunteers of Médecins Sans Frontières. We especially pray for their current work in Nepal following the devastating flash floods. We pray for all those affected and for those working tirelessly to bring medical care, comfort, and practical help.
• Older People
  We pray for residents, visitors, and families at our local care homes, especially Bickerton House and Clement House. We ask God to bless all who live and work there, and to bring comfort, companionship, and peace to those who may feel lonely or isolated.
• The Bracknell Deanery
  We pray for all the churches of the Bracknell Deanery, for their clergy, lay staff, and congregations. We especially pray for our Area Dean, the Reverend Gareth Morley,(currently unwell) and for our Deanery Synod representatives as they serve and support the life of our churches.
• The Churches of Bracknell
  We pray for all the churches and Christian communities across Bracknell, giving thanks for the work undertaken by Christians of all denominations. May we continue to work together in unity, sharing the love of Christ and serving the needs of our town.
• Those affected by homelessness
  We pray for everyone affected by homelessness, particularly those who are sleeping rough or struggling to find secure accommodation. We pray for all charities, organisations and individuals working to support them. We pray also for the Government’s commitment to reduce significantly the number of rough sleepers across the country, asking that this pledge may be fulfilled with compassion and determination.
• Those in need of our prayers
  We especially pray for: Pippa Lloyd and family, Adelaide and Robert Bunker, Jeff Dennis, Ann Warren, Jemma Evans, Adelie Young and Ray Hobbs.
  May God surround them with His love, strengthen them in times of difficulty, and grant them healing, comfort and peace.
• Those who have died
  We remember before God all those who have died recently and pray for their families and friends as they grieve. May they know the comfort of God’s presence and the hope of the resurrection.
• At Year’s Mind
  We remember with thanksgiving and prayer:
  Margaret Geraldine Clarke (Priest), Bernard Ottewell and Wendy Town.
  May they rest in peace and rise in glory.
• Prisoner of Conscience – Iryna Danylovych
  We continue to pray for Iryna Danylovych, a civil activist and human rights defender who spoke out about problems within the healthcare system in Russian-occupied Crimea. Iryna was abducted by Russian security forces in April 2022 and, in December of that year, was sentenced to seven years in prison. She has since been transferred to a prison colony in Russia. We pray especially for Iryna as her health continues to deteriorate and as she has reportedly lost her hearing without receiving the medical treatment she needs. We pray for her courage and strength, for her freedom, and for all those who work for justice and human rights. We remember that we last prayed for Iryna in 2024, and we entrust her once again to God’s loving care.

In the week beginning 6th September 2026, we pray for:

• Our Volunteers
  We give thanks for all those who volunteer their time and gifts in the life of Holy Trinity. We pray especially for those who help with Maintenance Mornings, refreshments, welcoming, service leading, flower arranging, children’s activities, the PCC, and all those who arrange and support our services of worship. May they know that their work is valued and appreciated, and may God bless them in all that they do.
• Shelter
  We bring before God the work of the staff and volunteers of the charity Shelter. We give thanks for the many individuals and families they support and pray for all those facing homelessness, insecure housing, or difficulties with their accommodation. May those who need help find the support and security they need.
• Hospitals, Surgeries and Healthcare Staff
  We pray for the hospitals, surgeries, and healthcare services in our area, and for all doctors, nurses, carers, and other healthcare staff. We give thanks for the care they provide and pray for all patients and their families who are receiving support. May they be given strength, compassion, and wisdom in their work.
• Children in Care
  We pray for all children and young people in care, especially those who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma. May they find the love, stability and support they need to heal and flourish. We especially remember those leaving care when they reach the age of 18. May they receive the practical help, encouragement, and ongoing support they need as they begin independent adult life.
• Those Struggling with the Cost of Living
  We pray for everyone struggling with the rising cost of living and for those who are experiencing poverty or financial hardship. We especially remember those who are unemployed and seeking work. May they have strength and resilience as they face the barriers before them, whether through poor health, family commitments, lack of opportunity or a difficult job market. May they find the help, dignity, and opportunities they need.
• We especially pray for:
  Sue Parker, Patricia Hughes, Jemma Evans, Adelie Young, and Ray Hobbs.
• Those who have Died
  We remember before God all those who have died recently, and we pray for their families and friends as they grieve. May they know God’s comfort, peace, and presence at this difficult time.
• At Year’s Mind
  Eric Henson Shorter, Edith Mary Webb, Albert Mills and Sylvia Helen Reid.
• Prisoner of Conscience
  We pray for Pastor Y Nuen Ayun, aged 59, from the Ede ethnic minority in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. On 5 August, he was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison, followed by four years’ probation, after being charged with “undermining the policy of national unity”.
• We pray for Pastor Y Nuen Ayun, his family and his church community. We pray for justice and for his freedom, and for all those around the world who are imprisoned or persecuted because of their faith or their beliefs. May God give them courage, strength, and hope, and may those who have authority act with wisdom, compassion, and justice.

In week beginning 23rd August we pray for:

• Our Children & Young people, Youth Group, Sparklers, Children’s Church at Holy Trinity
• Médecins Sans Frontières: we bring before God the work of the staff and volunteers
• Older people: Care Homes, Bickerton House, Clement House Residents, visitors and Families
• The Bracknell Deanery Churches, their clergy and lay staff. We pray for out Deanery Synod representatives, and especially for our Area Dean Gareth Morely

A Prayer During the Interregnum

Heavenly Father, We thank you for your faithfulness to Bracknell Parish and for all who serve you at Holy Trinity and at Mosaic. During this time of interregnum, guide us by your Holy Spirit, strengthen us in worship and fellowship, and help us to trust in your good purposes.

Grant wisdom and discernment to those seeking a new priest. Prepare the person whom you are calling, and prepare us to welcome them with generosity, faith, and love.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• Modern Slavery: We pray for the millions of men, women and children throughout the world who remain trapped in modern slavery. For those trafficked across borders, forced into labour, exploited through sexual abuse and held in domestic servitude. We pray for those whose freedom has been stolen, whose dignity has been denied and whose voices go unheard.
• We especially pray for: Pippa Lloyd & family, Adelaide and Robert Bunker, Jeff Dennis, Ann Warren, Andrew Brown, and Jemma Evans
• We remember David Foster and all who have died recently before God and pray for their families and friends in their grief
• At Year’s Mind: Keith Graham Prudden, Beryl Jane Pearson, Albert Bate, John William Halls, Arlo Hubert Topinka Whiting.
• Prisoner of Conscience: We pray for Saudi Islamic scholar Salman Al-Odah,(70) who remains held in prolonged solitary confinement under harsh and degrading conditions that amount to ill-treatment and, potentially, torture. According to the latest information provided by his son, Sheikh Salman Al-Odah is currently suffering from extreme cold inside his solitary cell at Al-Ha’ir Prison Riyadh Prison authorities have reportedly denied him access to adequate clothing to protect him from the freezing temperatures, while continuing to withhold proper medical care. This deliberate deprivation poses a serious risk to his health and physical integrity and reflects a pattern of intentional neglect.

In week beginning 30^th August we pray for:

• Holy Trinity and Mosaic; Clergy – Beth and Nicola, churchwardens Les and Russell
• MInd Berkshire, we bring the work of the staff and volunteers before God and give thanks for the many individuals and families helped by Mind
• Schools (Staff& Pupils): We pray for all children and young people returning to school following the summer holidays. We especially pray for those attending school, college or university for the first time and we pray for all teaching and ancillary staff. We especially pray for students and staff at our local schools, Harman’s Water, Holly Spring, Crown Wood, and Ranelagh. We think of the learning of pupils and pray for their well-being and their families and homes.
• The Unemployed. We pray for all those that are unemployed and are finding is difficult to find work. We pray for those who have recently left school with no qualifications, with no jobs to go to and no prospect of work or further education. We pray that such young people will be properly supported.
• Women and Girls; It is five years since the Taliban fully took power in Afghanistan. Since them many people, some three quarters of the population are unable to meet their basic needs. Women and girls are fiercely controlled with girls unable to continue education after primary school, women unable to following any profession or even be in public without a male escort. We pray for the people of Afghanistan and pray that they will be liberated and allowed to have their freedom

A prayer for our Diocese

Loving God, thank you that you love your people.

As some of your people are working to find the right person to be Bishop of Oxford help them to listen well, love well, and speak well and help them to make the right choice of a bishop who will hear your call and love your people.

We pray in Jesus’s name

• We especially pray for: Nicole and Freya Evered, Koi Wan ,Clint Frost (Debbie and Ellen), Andrew Brown, Jemma Evans, Adelie Young & Ray Hobbs.
• We remember All who have died recently before God and pray for their families and friends in their grief
• At Year’s Mind: Harold Hutson, Joan Edna Lumb, Herbert Dunning, W. Ronald Brady, David Arthur Faulkner
• Prisoner of Conscience: In April 2018 church leader Y Pum Bya, 61, was arrested at a church meeting in Dak Lak Province Vietnam. He was accused of spreading false information about Vietnam’s violations of minority rights and religious freedoms. In January 2019 Y Pum Bya was sentenced to 14 years in prison.He is currently imprisoned at Gia Trung Prison in Gia Lai Provence Vietnam. His expected release is sometime in 2032. Y Pum Bya was a prisoner of Conscience we prayed for October 2025.