Thy Kingdom Come: 21 – 31 May

With so much of the world “on hold”, it would be easy to think that the prayer initiative:  Thy Kingdom Come is another casualty.  Not at all!  If there is one thing that is needed at this time, alongside the care we can offer, it is united global prayer.  Physical distancing has actually brought us closer together as we recognise our common humanity and the challenges we must face together.

The Church of Scotland is delighted to be part of Thy Kingdom Come in 2020, while recognising that it needs to take a new approach because of COVID-19.  In the light of this, the Thy Kingdom Come website has been updated and adapted for our new situation:  https://www.thykingdomcome.global/

One of the Key themes for Thy Kingdom Come 2020 is prayer and care.  As we are praying for those we love to come to know the hope and love of Christ, we are also encouraging all to see how they can show God’s love towards them, by caring for them.  The website suggests practical ways this can be done:  https://www.thykingdomcome.global/stories/prayer-and-care

Alongside this, there is a very helpful resource “Thy Kingdom Come – five ways to get involved” which is easily adapted for congregations in lockdown.  Resources can be shared with members for download and print at home:  https://www.thykingdomcome.global/stories/5-ways-your-church-can-be-involved-years-thy-kingdom-come

Whether you use the Family Prayer Adventure Map or the 11 day Prayer Journal, the same creativity congregations have employed to set up online worship and find new ways for undertaking pastoral care can equally be employed to stimulate united prayer.  You can pray together at set times or set up a continuous virtual prayer event and there is a wealth of practical, accessible ideas for all.

Let us join together with Christians across the country and around the world for Thy Kingdom Come2020.