Thank you for joining us this Winter as we pray for the work of SU.
Week Beginning Nov 23
Sunday 23
Pray that the Creation Care consultation organised by Scripture Union International which takes place this week will inspire wise stewardship of God’s creation and will encourage national movements to explore how this might feature in their ministry.
Monday 24
Pray for Chip, Tim, Rachel and all the other choir leaders as music-based Mission Partner Soul Children UK prepares for Christmas performances. Ask God to inspire the young singers, draw many to Jesus through their songs and spark a movement of faith across schools and communities.
Tuesday 25
Pray for Faith Guides and Local Mission Partners across Wales as they deliver Christmas events and activities in their local communities helping children and young people to connect with Jesus, explore further, respond to him and grow in faith.
Wednesday 26
Thank God for the Young Leaders’ weekend which took place recently. Pray that the young people who took part will grow in faith and impact their generation for Jesus. Pray too for those supporting them on that journey.
Thursday 27
Pray for churches and organisations who are using our book The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas asking that the children they interact with at Christmas will glimpse something of who Jesus is and the truth of the Christmas season.
Friday 28
Pray for Mission Partner LightSpace in Grantham as they continue to help primary age school children to grow in their knowledge and understanding of Christianity and as they provide high-quality, creative resources to communicate with children in a contemporary and accessible way.
Saturday 29
Pray for Paul Folland as he heads up the Mission Events team. He asks for particular prayer for his team as they plan for the conference they’re running for SU holiday and event leaders at the end of January. Pray that the team would hear from God and create a weekend that will build community, encourage everyone and provide effective training.
Week Beginning Nov 30
Sunday 30
Pray that the SU New Zealand training event for summer camp leaders this weekend will equip leaders especially in health and safety and Bible engagement. Pray that their E3 adventure expeditions taking place 8–14 December will deepen the faith of the young people who attend.
Monday 1
Please pray for Mission Events Coordinator Heidi Beckham. She’s working with SU’s Finance team on a new holiday and volunteer expenses app which aims to make managing holiday finances simpler and smoother. Pray that this will help leaders and volunteers to focus more fully on ministry.
Tuesday 2
Recently, Jack Newbould (Mission Enabler in Wales) has seen an openness among churches on his doorstep. Please pray for continued connections with local churches and an eagerness to work together to reach the children and young people in the community, especially with the new Christmas Unwrapped resource.
Wednesday 3
Praise God for all who faithfully support us in prayer and giving. Pray that God will encourage them and that we will be able to inspire a new generation of supporters, so that many more children and young people will encounter Jesus in a life-changing way.
Thursday 4
Pray for Matt Farley (Mission Enabler in the central region) as he works with others on the staff and communications team to develop ‘Mission Sparks’ – new multimedia ways of inspiring people in mission with children and young people.
Friday 5
Pray for the lead team members of Mission Partner, The Sports Factory: Tim Henery, Alice Fowler, Ruth Anderson, Susie Bratby, Josh Samuel and Eddie Timberlake. Pray that the learning community days and Games Maker training day will inspire and equip new and existing leaders.
Saturday 6
Geoff Brown (Mission Enabler in the north) is passionate about equipping Christian young people to share their faith with their friends. Please pray for him as he promotes the new Shine Films series, HOPE, asking that it will be an effective tool to enable such sharing.
Week Beginning Dec 7
Sunday 7
Pray that God will raise up younger Associates of SU Nigeria’s Fellowship of Christian Students as staff to share the vision in tertiary institutions, and for the upcoming camp meetings (19–22 Dec) across nearly 100 venues.
Monday 8
Pray for our team in the north as they support Faith Guides who are running events and activities in schools in the build-up to Christmas. Pray that this would lead to many children and young people having the opportunity to explore who Jesus is and why his birth is so important.
Tuesday 9
Pray for Mission Partner The Bus Stop and their mission planning with the Diocese of York, looking at how best they can resource rural churches currently without youthwork, but with a desire to connect with young people.
Wednesday 10
Revealing Jesus Pioneer Ian Kent is working towards a new SU holiday in the north region built around sports and outdoor activities. Please pray that plans will fall into place so that this holiday can take place next year.
Thursday 11
Pray for all the young people who attended our events this year. Pray that the impact of those events will live long in their memory and that the transforming work of God in their lives will continue.
Friday 12
Please pray for Sue Winning as she serves in her role as Company Secretary. Pray that her work will help strengthen the charity’s mission, and that she will be encouraged and inspired and have wisdom and clarity as she supports good governance.
Saturday 13
Pray for our new schools’ resources Leap of Faith and Step by Step, which are set to be ready for the start of the new school term in January. Ask that they will be effective in helping many children and young people to encounter Jesus.
Week Beginning Dec 7
Sunday 7 Pray that God will raise up younger Associates of SU Nigeria’s Fellowship of Christian Students as staff to share the vision in tertiary institutions, and for the upcoming camp meetings (19–22 Dec) across nearly 100 venues.
Monday 8 Pray for our team in the north as they support Faith Guides who are running events and activities in schools in the build-up to Christmas. Pray that this would lead to many children and young people having the opportunity to explore who Jesus is and why his birth is so important.
Tuesday 9 Pray for Mission Partner The Bus Stop and their mission planning with the Diocese of York, looking at how best they can resource rural churches currently without youthwork, but with a desire to connect with young people.
Wednesday 10 Revealing Jesus Pioneer Ian Kent is working towards a new SU holiday in the north region built around sports and outdoor activities. Please pray that plans will fall into place so that this holiday can take place next year.
Thursday 11 Pray for all the young people who attended our events this year. Pray that the impact of those events will live long in their memory and that the transforming work of God in their lives will continue.
Friday 12 Please pray for Sue Winning as she serves in her role as Company Secretary. Pray that her work will help strengthen the charity’s mission, and that she will be encouraged and inspired and have wisdom and clarity as she supports good governance.
Saturday 13 Pray for our new schools’ resources Leap of Faith and Step by Step, which are set to be ready for the start of the new school term in January. Ask that they will be effective in helping many children and young people to encounter Jesus.
Week Beginning Dec 14
Sunday 14
Give thanks to God for the schools ministry being undertaken by Rachel Hanford and many other Faith Guides across England and Wales, and for all the children and young people who are having the opportunity to learn more about Jesus.
Monday 15
Please pray that Rachel and her team will grow and develop in their gifts, and that all Faith Guides involved in mission in schools will find able and willing volunteers to assist them in this vital work.
Tuesday 16
Please pray for the children and young people exploring faith through the ministry of churches in schools. Ask God to give them a thirst to get to know Jesus for themselves.
Wednesday 17
Praise God for the many opportunities to reveal Jesus to children and young people in school settings. Ask him to bless and strengthen the relationships between those churches engaged in schools ministry and the schools in which they are working.
Thursday 18
Please pray that God will inspire churches not yet involved in schools ministry to take the first steps in it, and to reach out to Scripture Union for support and encouragement.
Friday 19
Give thanks to God for all that Mark Griffiths and his team are doing to develop exciting new resources for schools. Please pray that God releases the resources needed to ensure they are available to all whose ministry would benefit from using them.
Saturday 20
Please pray for the children and young people who have responded to Jesus through ministry in schools. Ask God to bless them with spiritual mentors to journey with them and help their faith to grow and flourish.
Week Beginning Dec 21
Sunday 21
Pray for the summer season in Australia with over 150 camps and missions planned. Pray that the 2,000 volunteers will communicate God’s love and the transforming power of Jesus and that many may respond to Jesus.
Monday 22
Pray for Mission Partner Coniston Christian Fellowship as they facilitate outreach to the children and young people of Coniston. Pray for God’s direction as they oversee the various children’s and youth groups, and other initiatives with volunteer support from the local churches.
Tuesday 23
At this time of year, the number of cyber-attacks tends to increase. Pray that our supporters, customers and volunteers will be safe in the online world, and for SU’s Digital Solutions team as they ensure that our systems and data are secure.
Wednesday 24
Pray for Mission Events Coordinator Sue Hill as she continues to support the Mission Events team with the co-ordination and administration of national and regional events. Pray specifically for the smooth running of the recently updated booking system which now enables bookings for guests and volunteers for more than one year.
Thursday 25
Today, as we rejoice in God’s wonderful gift of love, make some time to pray for children and young people who haven’t yet had the opportunity to hear the good news. Pray for those who are exploring ways of reaching them.
Friday 26
Rejoice with us in God’s goodness to us and the incredible work he has done through our Rooted, Diary of a Disciple and So, What Next? resources. As you give thanks, pray that these publications will continue to help children and young people grow in faith.
Saturday 27
SU’s staff are spread all around England and Wales. Pray for them as they seek to find creative ways to build and strengthen relationships across the various regions and teams. Ask God to bless this collaboration to bring even more creative mission-focused ideas to life.
Week Beginning Dec 28
Sunday 28
Pray for the successful launch of the new free digital app featuring devotionals, podcasts, camp registrations and schedules produced by SU Portugal. Pray that God will provide all that is needed for this project to flourish and reach many.
Monday 29
Pray for Fundraising Manager Kathy Brooks as, at the start of the year, she seeks God’s guidance on the best way to manage the fundraising team. Join her in praying that God will continue to provide the finances for ministry.
Tuesday 30
Please pray for Nic Findlay (Revealing Jesus Pioneer) as she supports Faith Guides across Merseyside who are working in difficult circumstances and with challenging young people. Pray that these Faith Guides will have strength and perseverance to keep sharing the good news of Jesus even when it’s tough.
Wednesday 31
Pray for Mission Partner Hunsley Christian Youth Trust as they focus on working in schools to provide support to Christian Unions, help students make the transition from primary to secondary and provide lunchtime activities alongside a range of other schools work.
Thursday 1
Pray that God will lead Scripture Union clearly in the coming year and that we will respond boldly, revealing Jesus to the next generation, empowering Faith Guides, and inspiring churches to build communities where young lives encounter God’s transforming love.
Friday 2
Thank God for the volunteer members of the SU Council who provide a forum for the development of spiritual vision and discernment of God’s leading on the overall direction of the movement. Ask God to bless them in their service and to give them wisdom and discernment in their role.
Saturday 3
Pray for Mission Partner Exeter ICE as they prepare to host the LIFE exhibition, an interactive experience where 500 pupils from many primary schools will walk through the events of Holy Week and decide for themselves who they think Jesus really is.
Week Beginning Jan 4
Sunday 4
Pray for the staff team of SU Hong Kong at a time of transition. With three new members this year and three preparing to retire, pray for wisdom and unity among the team, and for the right people to join in the future.
Monday 5
Last year, Janine Parkinson (Mission Enabler in the central region) had lots of new Faith Guides sign up, as well as lots of changes with the ones she was previously supporting. Pray that she will have the time and resources to effectively equip all of these Faith Guides.
Tuesday 6
At the end of the month, we’re running a conference for those who lead SU events. Pray that attendees will be refreshed and equipped in their role, that they’ll enjoy a sense of community and may hear from God together for the events they will be running and the young people who will come on them.
Wednesday 7
Pray for Sarah Bowey (Sports Mission Pioneer) as she supports ‘Holy Ground’ spaces in Durham, Sunderland and Newcastle – inspiring and equipping churches to adopt communal places to reach out to young people through weekly sports projects. Pray that the young people will feel a sense of belonging and learn about the hope we have in Jesus.
Thursday 8
Pray for a successful outcome from the prayer breakfast for Mission Partner Graceworks in Romford, for unity and harmony with trustees, good turnout of both students and supporters and for Jesus to be glorified.
Friday 9
As we venture into a new year of Bible Reading Guides, pray that each day will continue to build the faith of those who use them whether online, in print or through the app.
Saturday 10
Pray for Bex Jignasu as she works with the regional teams to provide effective support for our Mission Partners. Pray for guidance and wisdom, as we aim to develop and grow our relationships with existing partners and recruit new ones to maximise the impact of our mission.
Week Beginning Jan 11
Sunday 11
Pray that the 30 young people who attended the SU Ukraine Youth Weekend ‘Who is Your God?’ based on Daniel 3 last October will continue to grow in faith and will serve God faithfully. Pray for safety and protection.
Monday 12
As the 20 Local Mission Partners in the south region start a new year, pray for fresh energy, passion and strength for the workers, trustees and volunteers. Pray too for new opportunities across schools and communities among young people, teachers and parents.
Tuesday 13
For 12 years, Mark Green (who happens to celebrate his 60th birthday today!) has been at the heart of most of the major projects improving our systems and ways of working. Give thanks for all that has been achieved and pray for him as he leads the Digital Solutions team at a time of rapid change.
Wednesday 14
Give thanks for those who have faithfully served God through Scripture Union in the past and who enjoy fellowship through the Scripture Union Retirees Network. Some have gone to be with the Lord in recent months – pray for those who grieve.
Thursday 15
Please pray for Dave Newton in his role as National Director of Scripture Union. Ask for clarity of vision, confidence in the gospel and commitment to God’s calling. Dave asks us to pray that he would be consistent in character, constantly full of zeal for God’s Word and captivated by Christ.
Friday 16
Over recent months, we’ve been blessed to have new people join the SU staff team. Give thanks to God for all those recent starters, and ask him to lead and guide them in their new roles.
Saturday 17
Pray for Mission Partner Great Open Door as they deliver Christian assemblies and lessons into local primaries in Harlow. This month they hope to book Key Stage 1 lessons explaining Easter and Pentecost alongside the assembly programme on forgiveness.
Week Beginning Jan 18
Sunday 18
Give thanks to God that he doesn’t just call those with a Christian upbringing to become co-heirs of his kingdom – his call is for everyone, everywhere!
Monday 19
Praise God for calling children and young people like ‘Pete’ to search for him. Please pray that every church is ready to welcome them and help them take the next steps on their faith journey.
Tuesday 20
At the start of this new year, please pray for Jordan and all SU Mission Enablers and Faith Guides. Ask God to energise and encourage them as they work together to reveal Jesus to more children and young people who may know little of him.
Wednesday 21
Give thanks to God for the precious gift of scripture and how he used those words from Zephaniah to encourage Mission Enabler Jordan.
Thursday 22
Please pray that in the months ahead we will see many more children and young people discovering the joy of reading the Bible so they can grow closer to God through its wisdom and inspiration.
Friday 23
With SU holidays now open for booking, please pray that we’ll see many more children and young people coming on them and having unforgettable encounters with Jesus.
Saturday 24
Please pray for all the volunteer leaders and team, without whom SU holidays and missions would not happen. Please pray too that God will call more people to become volunteers.
Week Beginning Jan 25
Sunday 25
Join SU Scotland in praising God for the six young people who started a gap year in August. Pray that they will grow and thrive in their placements, relate well to their supervisors, and rely on God’s strength in all they do.
Monday 26
Pray for our new holiday club material, Kingdom Builders. Ask God that those children who are already part of God’s kingdom may grow as disciples, and those who are yet to give their lives to Jesus will be encouraged to see that they too can become part of God’s kingdom.
Tuesday 27
Please pray that Content Administrator Isaac O’Brien will make wise and creative decisions as he works on a range of resources and that these resources will be a helpful tool for all who use them, stirring deeper conversations about God and the Bible.
Wednesday 28
Please pray for our Digital Solutions team as they focus on supporting and encouraging all staff to engage with our digital systems in ways that help us make more informed decisions based on the data being captured from our different ministries.
Thursday 29
Pray for Mission Partner The Pimlico Foundation as they launch Mind Over Matter, supporting young people struggling with mental health, especially those out of school. Pray that they will find the young people at the right time and provide hope, healing and lasting change in their lives.
Friday 30
Pray for the ongoing development of exciting pioneer ministry resources and their use by Faith Guides in the central region. Pray too for Faith Guides in the region preparing to help children make the move to secondary school later this year with It’s Your Move.
Saturday 31
Grace Inwood (Facilities and Administration Assistant) asks us to pray that suppliers and contractors visiting the building may understand something of what we do and why we do it and may want to explore the Christian faith further.
Week Beginning Feb 1
Sunday 1
Pray for the recruitment of a new national director for SU Chad. Pray that God will lead and guide this process, raising up the right person in his timing – someone with wisdom, vision and a servant heart to lead the ministry faithfully.
Monday 2
Pray for Mission Partner Southampton City Mission as they lead Question of Faith days in up to 50 different schools. Pray for team leaders Ellie, Joyce, Reuben, Charis and Teresa as they plan and prepare these Christianity RE workshops and that they will encourage pupils to think seriously about the Christian faith.
Tuesday 3
Please pray for Revealing Jesus Pioneer Kate Doogan as she continues to work with her current Faith Guides and connects with new churches in the Merseyside area. Pray for wisdom as she begins the process of setting up a Soul Children’s Choir in Liverpool alongside some Faith Guides.
Wednesday 4
Join the Events team in praying for volunteers to join us this summer. Without them none of the events can take place. Thank God for those who return year after year and pray for new volunteers to come forward.
Thursday 5
Pray for the Scripture Union team presenting SU resources at the Hand in Hand children’s work conference this weekend. Pray that resources will find their way into the right hands and those who are speaking will equip and empower God’s people.
Friday 6
Pray for the Board, consisting of the Trustees and the staff Leadership team, as they seek God’s leading for the strategic direction of the movement and ensure compliance with the necessary regulations. Pray for wisdom in decision-making and faith in planning.
Saturday 7
Pray for Mission Partner, Cynllun Efe as they seek to appoint a Welsh-speaking youth worker for the Llanberis area of North Wales, so that the work they do continues to glorify the Lord and draws children and young people to him.
Week Beginning Feb 8
Sunday 8
Pray for the Green Classrooms Project run by SU Honduras which supports families in vulnerable communities by training them to grow their own food. Pray that God will provide the resources and people needed to sustain and expand this ministry.
Monday 9
Please pray for creativity for Communications Officer Beckie Cox, as she develops ways of communicating the stories of God at work through SU. Ask for more opportunities to share the heart and vision of SU with the church in England and Wales.
Tuesday 10
Trustee Sarah Smart is excited by hearing what God is doing through SU at Board meetings. She asks us to pray that the Board of Trustees will continue to seek God’s wisdom, listening to God for innovative ways to engage with children and young people while staying true to our vision and mission.
Wednesday 11
Pray for the Gen Alpha working group in Wales as they explore the implications of the Gen Alpha research project and seek to implement its recommendations. Pray too for Faith Guides and Local Mission Partners across Wales as they prepare to deliver Easter events in their local communities.
Thursday 12
Pray for the workers at Mission Partner Impact Schools based in North Powys – Darren Mayor, Huw Ellis and Cara Garton. Ask that they will be able to share the gospel effectively in local primary and high schools.
Friday 13
Zoraida Ali-Smith (PA to the Director of Mobilisation) also provides support for the Safeguarding Manager. She asks us to pray that children and young people will get all the help they need and that event teams will act wisely and sensitively if safeguarding issues come to light.
Saturday 14
Give thanks for the Rooted retreat days that have taken place in schools across Greater Manchester. Pray that the pupils will have understood that God knows and loves them and that they will continue their journey of faith.
Week Beginning Feb 15
Sunday 15
Pray that all those who came to the adult Bible study camps held in three places last October by SU Nepal will continue to experience God’s presence, grow in understanding of God’s Word, and come closer to him.
Monday 16
Pray for Regional Support Worker Sarah Howard-Smith as she prepares for the northern gathering of Faith Guides and Local Mission Partners. Pray for all the administrative details and for the publicity as it goes out. Pray for a good attendance at this opportunity to catch up, learn from each other and pray together.
Tuesday 17
Please pray that God will continue to provide the finances needed to support and grow the mission of SU in revealing Jesus to children and young people in England and Wales.
Wednesday 18
Pray for Mission Partner Hope Pembrokeshire as they focus on building and widening their youth and families team this year. Pray for wisdom, guidance, inspiration and provision as they seek to grow their mission.
Thursday 19
Pray for all those who are struggling with their outreach to children and young people. Ask God to help them find out about the support Scripture Union can offer them.
Friday 20
Pray that new resources being prepared for children about to move to secondary school later in the year will bring peace and comfort to children and their parents at a time of change and will introduce them to Jesus.
Saturday 21
Pray for Mission Enabler Neil Jackson as he encourages Faith Guides and others in the Teesside area to connect with each other and support and pray for one other in the development of simple summer outreach activities. Pray that this project started last year will gain momentum in 2026.