Prayer Diary (Jan-Mar 2013) - PDF - Scripture Union Scotland

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WWW.SUSCOTLAND.ORG.UK | WINTER 2012/13 

DAY 

PRAYER 

16 JANUARY 2013 

OF 

PRAYER DIARY 

JANUARY 2013 - MARCH 2013

JANUARY 2013 

PRAYER UPDATE 

Tuesday 1 January 

Kenny and Alison McKie and Derek and Lynn 

Clark are leading New Year Break at Lendrick Muir 

for people of all ages. Having brought in the New 

Year together, they will be reflecting today on the 

year to come. They ask that God will lead them in 

their Bible study. 

Give thanks for the senior pupils who attended 

the Go Conferences during the October school 

holiday and continue to pray for them as they seek 

to make a difference in their schools. Planning is 

already underway for the 2013 conferences; please 

join us in praying for creativity and wisdom. 

Wednesday 2 January 

The Dumfries Action Group is seeking a chair 

following the marriage and imminent move of 

Ali Barr, now Ali Sweeting. Join with the Action 

Group in giving thanks for Ali’s faithfulness and 

commitment to the work of SU Scotland in the 

area over several years, asking God’s blessing on 

her future service, and praying for a successor. 

Give thanks for three new SU Groups in Dumfries 

& Galloway: at Lochside Primary, led by Liz 

McGuinness, Stranraer Academy, led by Jenny 

Balmer and Gill Riddle, and Castle Douglas High, 

led by Matthew Malloch (an S6 pupil) and Rachel 

Cameron (an S3 pupil). 

Thursday 3 January 

Pray for new Totally Random events for P5-P7 

children planned for Airdrie and Coatbridge, led 

by Valerie Sim. Ask that children who have been 

excited by Bible Alive in their primary school 

would come along to learn more about Jesus. 

A new SU Group has recently started in Caldervale 

Academy in Airdrie. Give thanks for new 

opportunities opening up in this area of North 

Lanarkshire, and for young lives being changed. 

Friday 4 January 

Pray for the Facilities Management Team at 

Lendrick Muir, led by Paul Wilson. This is a time of 

year where much work is planned and where the 

weather can cause problems! Pray that the team 

will be productive during these months. Pray 

similarly for staff at Alltnacriche who are involved 

in their winter maintenance programme. 

Some SU Regional Staff have been on annual 

leave this past week and are now preparing to 

return to work and a busy term of assemblies, 

school SU Groups, SU Holidays advertising, 

weekends away, and regular youth work. Pray for 

renewed vision and stamina. 

Saturday 5 January 

Vera Zhuravleva from SU St Petersburg is 

hoping to visit the UK next month. Pray for 

wisdom and guidance for those organising 

her visit to maximise this opportunity to meet 

with supporters and friends in Scotland and to 

promote the International Project for 2013 which 

will support her work. 

It is hoped that during January a new 

Independent Schools Worker will join es-team 

in Edinburgh, initially working part-time. Praise 

God for the generous giving that has allowed us 

to move forward after a vacancy of 18 months. 

Sunday 6 January 

The SU Scotland Lounge is a private, inviteonly 

Facebook group we launched in October 

2012. Please join us in praying that a vibrant 

community of young people exploring the 

Bible, discussing issues of faith and offering 

encouragement to each other to follow Jesus 

will be created within Facebook. 

Pray for the final practical arrangements for 

the Team Leaders’ and Assistant Teams Leaders’ 

Conference which takes place on Saturday at 

Lendrick Muir. Pray for kind weather and safety 

in travel as over 150 people make their way to 

Lendrick Muir. 

Monday 7 January 

New Bible Alive programmes begin in several 

schools this week. Pray that the seed sown would 

grow and produce fruit. 

Thank God for the success of the mentoring project 

at Dunbar Primary School in helping to support 

children, and for the way it enables churches to 

support their local school. Today the team of SU 

Scotland volunteers are meeting to plan. 

Tonight the Edinburgh es-team working group 

meets. Please give thanks for this group 

of people who provide invaluable help in 

developing SU Scotland’s ministry in the city. As 

they consider funding this evening please pray 

that they may be wise in their decisions. 


Alex Kelly will present the work of the 2CY Trust 

to the Abington Woman’s Guild today and would 

appreciate prayer. 

This week those who refer young people to 

Motiv8 holidays for disadvantaged young people 

are finalising the number of places they need at 

this year’s events. Pray for clear thinking in this 

process and that many young people will have 

lives changed as they attend a Motiv8 holiday. 


Paula Morton is leading an assembly at Nether 

Robertland Primary School, Stewarton, this morning. 

Give thanks for the chaplaincy team at this school 

and the staff who welcome them in each week. 

es-team staff meet this afternoon for their 

monthly meeting. Pray for a good time of Bible 

study and planning for the term ahead. 

Jen Robertson and Kenny McKie meet today 

with the joint SU Scotland/Hamilton Presbytery 

Management Group for Jen’s post. Pray that they 

go forward together in harmony and that Jen is 

encouraged in her work with Lanarkshire schools 

and churches. 


Pray for the Senior Management Team (Andy, 

Christine, Robin and Phil) as they meet today, 

asking for wisdom and grace as they lead SU 

Scotland and plan for the future. 

Martin Boyd is visiting Williamsburgh Primary 

in Paisley tomorrow morning and Hazel Gray 

is leading an assembly at Cockenzie Primary. 

Pray for their witness to the children and staff in 

these schools. 


Alex Kelly has an opportunity to spend the 

afternoon with the children at Auchengray 

Primary School for a Bible storytelling session 

today and the next two Fridays. Pray for God to 

speak through the Bible to these children. 

Part Two of our current Mission Leadership 

Course takes place this weekend at Lendrick Muir 

and includes the Team Leaders’ Conference. Pray 

that those potential Mission Leaders who are 

participating in the course are encouraged and 

equipped for future service. 


Today is the Team Leaders’ and Assistant Team 

Leaders’ Conference at Lendrick Muir. Pray for 

everyone involved, that it would be a time of 

spiritual encouragement as well as training for 

those who lead SU Holidays & Missions. Ask that 

seminar leaders are equipped by God to inspire 

and motivate, bringing fresh challenge and 

thinking while remaining faithful to God’s Word. 

Pray for all SU Holiday & Mission team leaders as 

they start to plan for their events at Easter and 

summer. Pray that they would have clarity and 

creativity in their programmes and teaching ideas. 

2 - SCRIPTURE UNION SCOTLAND 

SCRIPTURE UNION SCOTLAND - 3

JANUARY 2013 

PRAYER UPDATE 


We long to have a Glasgow Team Leader in 

post to oversee the GO Project, but finances 

at present don’t allow that to happen. Please 

join us in praying that God will provide the 

necessary funds so that we can appoint the 

person of his choice before long. 

Give thanks for the East Lothian Action Group – 

for their commitment, wisdom and passion to see 

the lives of children and young people change. 

Pray for continued wisdom in decision-making, 

and for much encouragement for Hazel Gray, 

Regional Worker for East Lothian. 

I will thank the Lord with all 

my heart in the meeting of his 

good people. The Lord does 

great things; those who enjoy 

them seek them. What he does 

is glorious and splendid, and his 

goodness continues forever. 

His miracles are unforgettable. 

PSALM 111:1-4 


Paula Morton is speaking at Ayr Free Church 

Ladies Group this evening. Pray for the ladies to 

be encouraged to hear what is happening among 

young people in their area, as well as challenged. 

Next Monday the East Team meets for fellowship, 

prayer and training. Pray for Jackie Ringan as she 

plans and prepares, asking the Lord that everyone 

will find the time helpful and encouraging. 

Libby Lobban and Gordon McKie lead the SU 

Group at Carntyne Primary in the east end 

of Glasgow, which has recently seen over 30 

children attending! Ask that God makes a big 

impact on this school. 


The Regional Management Team (Phil, Jackie, 

Gordon, Kenny, John) meets today in Edinburgh. 

Pray for them as they seek to evaluate progress 

against various strategic targets and develop the 

next steps in the action plan. Pray for the wide 

staff team that they lead across Scotland. 

The Contraflow youth project in Helensburgh 

begins its 15th anniversary with a thanksgiving 

prayer night for the work of the project in the 

area. Give thanks with them for all the young 

people touched by God over the last 15 years, 

asking for yet greater things in the future! 

Wednesday 16th January 

SU Scotland Day of Prayer: We are setting aside 

today as a day of prayer, expressing our total 

dependence on God for the people (volunteers 

and pray-ers) and finances that enable the 

ministry of SU Scotland to happen. Please 

give time today to cry to God for these needs. 

Why not join with others to pray? For details of 

opportunities in SU offices across Scotland go to 

www.suscotland.org.uk/dop. 

The Lanarkshire Action Group meets tonight with 

Stephen Jones, Church Partnerships Coordinator. 

Pray that they ably support Jen Robertson in her 

role, and are clear about the right initiatives to 

pursue to raise the necessary funds and promote 

the ministry in Lanarkshire. 


This morning there is a meeting of the Associate 

Worker Group, chaired by Dr Lesley MacKintosh. 

Pray for preparations for the Associate Trust 

day conference on Saturday 23rd March and 

for ongoing support and development of the 

partnership scheme with 14 Trusts. 

Up to 20 staff in the West Regional Staff Team meet 

together today to encourage one another, pray 

together and discuss operational matters. Pray for 

Kenny McKie as he leads, asking for ongoing strength 

for everyone to continue diligently in their ministry. 

Pray for spiritual discernment for the SU Board 

tonight as they look at the issues and future 

challenges facing SU Scotland. 


The North Ayrshire Action Group meets this 

morning in Largs. Pray for this group as it 

considers approaching people to join the Action 

Group, that they would be aware of the Holy 

Spirit’s guidance. 

Thank God for the number of schools open to 

SU Scotland workers to lead assemblies. Please 

pray that children in Ancrum and Wilton Primary 

Schools in the Borders will learn something new 

about God through their assembly with Esther 

Bailey today. 

SU Holidays are being advertised by Kenny McKie 

at Lennoxtown Primary and by Jen Robertson at 

Coltness High in Wishaw. Pray that many young 

people from these schools would be excited, and 

able, to book up for a holiday. 


Kenny and Alison McKie are at Lendrick Muir 

leading a Kirkintilloch/Lenzie/Chryston weekend 

away, with a local team of volunteers. Pray that 

the young people who come will be aware of 

the presence of God through the fun times, the 

teaching, the worship, and through the care 

shown to them by the team members. 

The ‘Deep Impact’ Christian youthwork conference 

is underway in Aviemore. SU Scotland is a partner 

in this event, and Phil Wray has been leading 

the planning group. Pray for the 300-350 youth 

workers who are attending and for Rev Tommy 

MacNeil who is bringing the Bible teaching. 

An SU Scotland Friends’ Ceilidh takes place in 

Dumfries High School tonight. It is hoped that as 

well as providing an opportunity for fellowship, it 

will raise awareness of the need to support Carina 

Lamb prayerfully and financially as she works in 

Dumfries and Galloway. 


We’re thankful to God for the property 

resources at SU Scotland’s disposal. Pray for 

wisdom and care for those entrusted with 

managing them and for protection from harm. 

Pray for the current project to implement the 

new biomass boiler at Lendrick Muir, that 

work will go smoothly with few problems 

arising and that it will be completed on time 

and to budget. 

Give thanks for the generosity of God’s people 

in responding to the ‘Raise the Roof’ Appeal; 

£181,500 has been donated so far! 


The Scottish Bible Society’s ‘Bibleworld’ bus is 

visiting Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh, for its 

annual visit to the town. Pray that many lives will 

be touched by this interactive engagement with 

the Bible. 

Give thanks for answers to prayer enabling 

a successful visit to Scripture People in 

Tajikistan by Robin MacLellan, Andrew Philip 

and Phyllis Caldwell in October, followed by a 

visit of Mahbuba Bazarov to Scotland. Pray for 

mutual encouragement between the two SU 

movements. 


Give thanks for six new SU Groups started 

throughout Ayrshire. Pray for the leaders of these 

groups, especially at Arran High School which is a 

pupil-led group. 

Senior young people have been invited to join 

COmMISSION, providing them with practical 

training and an opportunity to serve at a 

summer event. Pray for those who are still 

considering this invitation, and for confidence 

for those who are uncertain. 


Martin Boyd asks for prayer for the SU Group in 

Gleniffer High School in Paisley which is held this 

lunchtime, and for the Cozy Café which is run on 

Thursdays. Give thanks for the individuals who 

come along to these groups. 

A series of Bible Alive lessons is taking place over 

the next seven weeks in Juniper Green Primary 

in Edinburgh. Pray that the pupils will enjoy the 

lessons and that it might change their perception 

of God and the Bible, encouraging them to find 

out more. 



JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2013 


Pray for the Management Team - Andy, Christine, 

Phil and Robin - as they meet to work through 

the detail of the budget for the coming year, that 

God would guide them in assessing priorities as 

to how funds are deployed. 

Richard Taylor and Rev Suzie Fletcher are 

speaking to Dunbar Grammar School’s Parent 

Council about the role of chaplains in the school. 

Pray for a positive response to this. 


Remember Adrienne Cartwright and her team as 

they lead the Independent Schools Weekend at 

Lendrick Muir. Pray for the 75 pupils attending, 

that they would have much enjoyment in 

spending time together in activities and 

exploring God’s Word. 

The Exalt worship event for secondary aged 

pupils takes place tonight in North Berwick. 

Give thanks for the young people who come 

to worship God and enjoy fellowship. They had 

a good weekend away in November; pray for 

deepening relationships with each other and 

with God. 


BUSY supporters meet tonight to hear about 

the Project over the last year. Thank God for 

Gordon Rouse, Lynne McWilliams and the team 

of volunteers who run a variety of events in 

churches, schools and in the communities of 

Uphall and Broxburn. 

Praise God for the excellent 2012 International 

Fundraising Project which raised £7800 to 

support the work of Open Bible’s day camps and 

clubs around Ukraine. Pray that this work will be 

fruitful for God’s Kingdom. 


Please pray for the publicity for our new 

Gap Year programme. Pray that young 

people would hear about it and that a spark 

of interest and excitement would be sown. 

Give thanks for Charis Scott as she leads the 

programme forward. 


Pray today for ten girls in S1 and S2 who used to 

attend their SU Group in primary school but no 

longer do so. Instead, once a month they come 

to the house of Mair Macdonald in Bearsden for 

informal activities and an epilogue. Pray for Mair, 

for spiritual growth, and an extra leader! 


The Caithness Action Group meets in Wick this 

evening. Give thanks for this group’s prayerful 

support for the work in the area and also for 

their financial support of book resources that has 

helped SU Group leaders in Caithness and beyond. 

Parents of children at Braidbar Primary in East 

Renfrewshire had been praying for an SU Group 

in the school for some time, and it now runs on a 

Tuesday lunchtime! Pray for the parents as they 

prepare to lead the group tomorrow. 


Thank God for SU Groups run by pupil leaders. 

Pray that they will find support, encouragement 

and resources for the task. Please pray especially 

today for Craig, Rachel and Alannah as they lead 

the group at Galashiels Academy. 

Give thanks for the new SU Group at St Columba’s 

Senior School in Kilmacolm. Pray for S6 pupils 

Stephen Hedges and Ian Gillies as they lead it and 

as they seek to make a difference in their final 

year of school. 


Give thanks for John Gillan and his team, who 

as volunteers, spend many hours discipling 

young people in the Muirhouse and Pilton 

Estates in Edinburgh as part of the DIME Project. 

Pray for the way forward, particularly for good 

relationships with local churches and wisdom as 

opportunities to grow this work are explored. 

The Junction 12 Board meets tomorrow night. We 

are anticipating having new trustees to welcome 

at this meeting so please pray for them, and for 

Christine MacPhail who chairs this group. 


Tomorrow Jackie Ringan will lead an assembly at 

Roslin Primary in Midlothian. Give thanks for the 

first assembly held there last term and pray that 

she would be able to build further relationships 

with staff and pupils. 

Several groups are holding weekends away this 

coming weekend. Senior pupils from Glasgow’s 

J12 Project are heading to Alltnacriche, while 

Lendrick Muir will be filled with P5-S6 pupils from 

Forth Valley SU Groups as well as East Renfrewshire 

children attending a Megamix weekend. 

Friday 1 February 

Tonight is an exciting night for Glasgow 

teenagers (and even for some youth workers who 

have longer memories!) as Powerpoint returns 

to the city. Tonight’s event is a pilot to assess its 

future viability. Pray for Neil Costly as he leads, 

and for fresh vision and leadership. 

The COOL Associate Worker Trust is holding its 

annual celebration this evening. Give thanks 

for another year of ministry to young people 

in Lochalsh and South Skye through the Trust’s 

youth worker Dave Mockett, working alongside 

local church youth leaders. 

Saturday 2 February 

Today is the first meeting of the team that will be 

going on the Respond Rwanda trip this summer, 

which is a joint initiative between Urban Saints and 

SU Scotland. Pray for the team of young people to 

gel quickly, and for Phil Wray as Team Leader. 

The Totally Random event takes place this 

afternoon in Dumbarton Academy. The team asks 

specifically that this month’s event would be the 

biggest for a long time, and that many of those 

who come will book up for a Weekend in May and 

for an SU Holiday at Easter or summer. 

Sunday 3 February 

Pray for the various opportunities given to 

SU Scotland staff to work with youth workers 

and churches in providing training that can 

help develop more effective work among 

disadvantaged young people. 

Richard Taylor (Dunbar Trust Associate Worker) 

helps support Dunbar Methodist Church youth 

club. Praise God for the many children and 

PRAYER UPDATE 

families this has brought into contact with the 

church. Pray for more volunteers and to see this 

group impact on church service attendance. 

Monday 4 February 

Jen Robertson is working this week with the 

chaplaincy team at Coltness High School 

delivering RO assemblies to all year groups. Pray 

for attentiveness and a sense of wonder and 

challenge as the pupils take part. 

Give thanks for Stephen Jones, Church 

Partnerships Coordinator. He visited the 

Edinburgh Action Group in November and as 

they meet tonight pray for progress in their 

discussion regarding identifying possible church 

reps in the city. 

Tuesday 5 February 

Children from Fintry Primary School in Dundee 

visit Lendrick Muir this week. Give thanks for the 

relationship that has been built between the 

school and Lendrick Muir over the years. Also 

visiting this week is St Nicholas’ Primary from 

Broxburn, on their first visit to the centre. Pray for 

a safe and enjoyable time. 

The Gap Year advisory group meets this evening. 

Give thanks for all that Charis Scott has been able 

to do already in preparation for the launch of a 

new gap year. Pray for good discussion and insight. 


FEBRUARY 2013 

PRAYER UPDATE 

Wednesday 6 February 

Regional and Associate Workers meet for their 

termly overnight stay at Lendrick Muir. Please 

pray for enriching times of fellowship and 

prayer with one another and for the ongoing 

programme of training and sharing resources. 

Mair Macdonald is telling a Bible story through 

means of a sketchboard in The High School of 

Glasgow Junior School tomorrow. Pray that both 

children and teachers would be impacted. 

Thursday 7 February 

The Serve Your Local School steering group meets 

tonight. Pray for this partnership project, and for 

its ongoing vision to inspire and equip churches 

to engage more with their local schools. Do pray 

for our seconded worker, Kathryn Campbell, as 

she juggles two days on the project with three 

days working for the WHEEL Trust. 

A team of parents leads an SU Group in 

Lairdsland Primary in Kirkintilloch. Tomorrow 

Kenny McKie is leading an assembly in the school, 

aided by children in the SU Group. Pray for 

courage for the P6-P7 pupils taking part and that 

the experience may encourage them greatly. 


Pray for Christine Murison and Phil Wray as 

they lead the Field Ministries Group discussion 

this morning. This group has been tasked with 

developing solutions to some of our most 

challenging ministry targets, and they require 

God’s guidance and wisdom as well as vision. 

Basecamp takes place at Pitlochry this weekend. 

Give thanks for the senior pupils who have 

responded to the challenge of mission to 

Scotland’s children and young people and who 

will receive practical training over this weekend. 

Ask for the Lord to equip them mightily! 


Pulteneytown Youth Group from Wick are at 

Alltnacriche for their annual weekend away. Give 

thanks for all those committed in leading these 

young people throughout the year, and pray for 

an enjoyable time together as they look at the 

Christian faith and enjoy the outdoors. 

Give thanks for the new SU Scotland prayer 

group that has started meeting in Inverness. Pray 

that the numbers attending continue to grow 

and that their prayers see the ministry carried out 

in the city develop and flourish. 


Give thanks for each young person booked to 

attend an SU Holiday this Easter or summer. 

Thank God for the opportunity for ministry of 

this kind and pray for God to prepare hearts to 

receive the gospel message. 

Please pray for logistical arrangements being 

made for Easter residential events. Pray for 

Graeme Stangoe as he works out the best and 

most cost-effective way to get people and 

equipment to the right places at the right time! 


Pupils and staff from Dunoon Primary School are 

visiting Lendrick Muir this week after winning a 

free trip! Pray this would be a really positive firsttime 

experience for both staff and pupils. 

New Activity Instructors and Trainee Activity 

Instructors, based at Alltnacriche and Lendrick 

Muir, started at the beginning of January. Pray 

that they quickly feel a part of the team, and 

contribute well to the life of the centres. 

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim 

his name; make known among the 

nations what he has done. 

1 CHRONICLES 16:8 


The International Committee meets tonight. 

Praise the Lord for this team who freely give their 

time and talents, asking for clarity and wisdom in 

discussions and decisions, particularly regarding 

future fundraising projects and the progression 

of SU Scotland’s strategic goals. 

Pray for youth leaders considering bringing 

groups of young people to the Strictly Come 

Praying prayer events in March. It can be 

difficult to get firm commitments from young 

people, which makes booking difficult! Pray for 

perseverance, enthusiasm and a strong desire to 

prioritise prayer. 


Give thanks for the members of SU Scotland’s 

Support Services Committee who meet in 

Edinburgh today. Pray that they would be given 

wisdom and discernment as they review the draft 

budget for the coming year. 

Give thanks for John Mowat, SU Scotland’s 

Support Development Manager. Pray for God’s 

blessing as he continues to seek out vital financial 

support for all aspects of our ministry from trusts, 

churches and individuals. 


Today Gavin Berry is leading assembly at 

Auchterhouse Primary, a small rural school in Angus 

where the children and staff are always willing to 

get involved and have great fun exploring the Bible. 

Give thanks for this opportunity. 

Gordon McKie and Libby Lobban visit Cranhill 

Primary School each Thursday. Gordon previously 

spent a year as a teacher here and many of his 

ex-pupils are in the SU Group. Pray that they see 

Jesus in their former teacher. 


A group of excited P6-P7s set off from Lanarkshire 

tonight, headed for Lendrick Muir. Pray that these 

children, some from difficult home situations, might 

have a safe, fun and peaceful time. Pray for the 

team, and lots of good conversations about Jesus. 

Give thanks for the new opportunity opened 

up to Lesley Crawford to take three lessons on 

Easter with P5-P7s at St Catherine’s RC Primary in 

Edinburgh, beginning next week. Pray that the 

pupils would understand the message of Easter 

in a fresh way. 


Remember those in our Finance Team and HR 

Department who work ‘behind the scenes’ in 

keeping the ministry going: Susan, Elaine, Sarah, 

Ailsa in Finance; Nicola, Jane and Felicity in HR. 

Throughout this year line managers are 

undertaking further training in a People 

Management Development programme. Pray 

for these skills-based sessions to be beneficial 

in equipping people to manage complex 

staffing issues. 


Part of our strategy is to intentionally disciple 

more young people. Pray for Jackie Ringan as she 

carries this vision forward in her role as Equipping 

and Leadership Development Team Leader, and 

that we would see at least one discipleship group 

in each region. 

Please pray for the application process for our 

new Gap Year and that the right people might 

apply. Pray for senior pupils as they sit exams and 

consider their future, that some may be drawn to 

the opportunities both here and overseas which 

a gap year with SU Scotland would give them. 


The chaplaincy team at Woodfarm High in East 

Renfrewshire is running a ‘Making sense of 

Ambition’ reflection room this week. Give thanks 

for parental involvement and their commitment, 

and for opportunities to engage with pupils as 

they take part in this Religious Observance event. 

Pray for the children from Whitecrook Primary School 

in Glasgow as they visit Lendrick Muir for an Explore 

Edinburgh break. Pray for a safe and fun time. 


Pray for the Regional Management Team (Phil, 

Gordon, Kenny, John and Jackie) who meet 

today. Pray for clarity in strategic planning and 

for deepening relationships amongst our North, 

West and East Teams. 

The Chief Executives of the four SU movements 

in Britain and Ireland (Jim Donnan, Tim Hastie- 

Smith, Helen Warnock and Andy Bathgate) are 

meeting over these two days at Avoca Manor 

in the Republic of Ireland. Please pray for good 

fellowship, refreshment and fresh insight. 



FEBRUARY - MARCH 2013 


The chaplaincy team at Dunbar Grammar 

is contributing to a Multi-Faith Religious 

Observance Day with S2 pupils. Pray for them as 

they line up with other faith representatives to 

share their beliefs and teachings. 

Smithycroft Secondary in Glasgow has two SU 

Groups running every Wednesday after school. 

Gordon McKie leads the S1-S2 group and Libby 

Lobban leads the S3s. Pray for the young people 

and volunteers as they explore the Bible together. 


Give thanks for senior staff who recently joined 

the Supervisor Group at Lendrick Muir; David 

Meek as Catering Manager and Fi Bayliss as 

Schools Programme Manager. Pray for them as 

they continue to settle into their roles. 

Pray for Andy Walker who recently joined as Assistant 

Facilities Manager at Lendrick Muir, necessitating 

a move from the Borders into a new home with 

his family. Pray for them as they adapt and adjust. 


Young people from P5 through to S6 from Perth, 

Kinross and Fife are at Lendrick Muir for the 

weekend. Pray for Bruce Lockhart and the team 

of volunteers as they build on the Bible teaching 

done weekly in SU Groups, and for a memorable 

time to be had by all. 

In common with many other residential centres 

across Scotland, weekend bookings have reduced 

at Alltnacriche and Lendrick Muir. Pray that 

the centres continue to be well used, and that 

churches support weekend residential ministry 

despite a difficult economic situation. 


The Big One, an Edinburgh city-wide event for 

children in P4-P7 takes place this afternoon. 

Please pray for a fun and safe time where many 

children get to experience more of God and 

deepen their knowledge of him. 

Give thanks for all those who serve in children’s 

ministry in our churches and schools, praying for 

energy and encouragement. SU Groups across 

Edinburgh are struggling to run because of a lack 

of volunteers; pray for gaps to be filled quickly and 

a Christian presence in schools to be maintained. 


Pray for James Gill, Missions Coordinator, as 

he works with churches running SU Missions, 

supports new mission leaders and discerns 

where to place volunteers. Pray for plans already 

underway for missions at Easter and summer. 

Continue to ask God’s blessing on the SU Holidays 

programme, particularly that every space would 

be filled. Ask that bookings would continue to 

come in and that every child who wants to attend 

would be able to do so. 


In November prayer was asked for Muiredge 

Primary in Uddingston, that P7s who had lunchtime 

monitoring duties would be free to attend. Praise 

God for answered prayer! Six P7s and six P6s meet 

enthusiastically week by week and are eager to talk 

about the Bible and what faith means. 

Give thanks for the Dumfries and Galloway 

Supporters Evenings held in the Polka Dot café 

in Dumfries. Pray that the numbers of supporters 

would continue to increase and that they would 

be encouraged by all they hear of God’s hand in 

the work of SU Scotland in the area. 


Regional Workers travel many miles to deliver 

assemblies. Pray for safety on the roads and that 

these brief encounters with schools will have 

a big impact and allow young people to see 

something of God’s love for them. 

Pray for spiritual protection of all SU Scotland 

staff, that they would be increasingly dependent 

on God and equipped to give an answer for their 

faith at all times. 


Give thanks for new opportunities for Gavin 

Thomson in several West Lothian schools, both 

primary and secondary. Pray for deepening 

PRAYER UPDATE 

relationships there and further opportunities, 

particularly in the secondary schools. 

‘Hot Chocolate’ is a group of young people who 

meet together every Wednesday in Uphall in 

West Lothian, to study God’s word and pray 

together. Pray for spiritual growth in the lives of 

each young person involved. 


The Missions Committee meets tonight. Pray 

for them as they examine the summer missions 

programme, finalise plans for the Missions Training 

Day in Edinburgh next month and examine the draft 

of a new Holiday Club resource being prepared to tie 

in with the 2014 Commonwealth Games. 

Please pray for wisdom for the Bible Alive 

Advisory Group as they meet today to discuss 

future training courses and development of 

resources. Pray for Bible Alive to spread to more 

schools around Scotland, giving thanks for the 

impact it has had on children’s lives. 

Friday 1 March 

Please pray for Emma Boyd, our Communications 

and Marketing Coordinator, as she helps share 

the stories of what God is doing in and through 

SU Scotland. Pray too for Carren Malcolm, 

currently on maternity leave with baby Corben. 

Give thanks and praise for the commitment and 

dedication of FSR Coordinator, Michael Rowe, 

who travels extensively to St Petersburg, Moscow, 

Siberia, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Armenia and Belarus 

encouraging and advising staff and volunteers. 

Please uphold him in prayer. 

Saturday 2 March 

A Totally Random event for young people in 

Dumbarton and Helensburgh is being held 

this afternoon; ask that it might encourage and 

strengthen Christian youngsters in the area and 

be the means of drawing others to Christ. 

Tonight a group of young people in S5 and S6 meets 

to spend the evening preparing to serve at Strictly 

Come Praying tomorrow. Give thanks for these 

committed teenagers and pray for their witness to 

their peers as they serve God at the event. 



MARCH 2013 

PRAYER UPDATE 

Sunday 3 March 

Strictly Come Praying takes place today in 

Grangemouth and next Sunday in Aviemore. 

Pray for John White as he brings the Bible 

teaching, and for eager engagement in prayer. 

Ask that the Lord would meet powerfully with 

each individual gathered. 

Pray for the Lendrick Muir Activities and Schools 

Programme Team led by Fraser Morrison and Fi 

Bayliss as they prepare for a busy school season 

ahead. Pray for unity of purpose and for new staff 

to quickly feel part of the team. 

Monday 4 March 

Richard Taylor (Associate Worker, Dunbar Trust) 

is leading assemblies on an Easter theme each 

morning at Dunbar Grammar School. Pray for 

faithful communication of the Easter message. 

Esther Bailey is attending the ‘Reaching Europe’s 

Children’ Mission Congress in Barcelona this week 

in her role as Children’s Ministry Coordinator 

for Europe and Britain and Ireland. Pray that 

useful contacts will be made to enable ministry 

amongst children to develop in Scotland and 

throughout the rest of Europe. 

Tuesday 5 March 

A new group has been formed in Scotland of 

organisations involved in Bible distribution and 

engagement. SU Scotland is involved in this, and 

at the meeting today there will be a discussion 

on how we help young people engage with the 

Bible. Pray for clarity and unity of purpose. 

Pray that Bible engagement remains at the 

heart of all SU Group programmes, and that God 

speaks through his Word today wherever it is 

opened and read. 

Wednesday 6 March 

Pray for Alex Kelly today as he presents the work 

of the 2CY Trust to Selkirk Street Evangelical 

Church in Hamilton, that he would know the 

church’s support of his ministry. 

P7s from St Flannan’s Primary School in 

Kirkintilloch are visiting Lendrick Muir. Pray that 

they have a great time and engage well with the 

‘Time for Reflection’ spot in the programme. 

Thursday 7 March 

The Board of SU Scotland meets tonight. Give 

thanks for the trustees who give their time and 

talents to ensure SU Scotland is effective in its 

ministry. The agenda includes approval of the 

budget for the year ahead. 

Pray for Charlotte Craig as she leads the SU Group 

at Udston Primary in Hamilton each week. Pray that 

she would have the support and encouragement 

she needs as she shares God’s story with the many 

children who come along to the group. 


Youngsters from both primary and secondary 

schools in Edinburgh and the Lothians will be 

at Lendrick Muir this weekend. Please pray that 

through the Bible teaching, fun and time spent 

together, knowledge of God and relationship 

with him would grow. 

The Student Exec meets this weekend. Pray that 

their shared understanding of how SU Scotland’s 

ministry activities directly affect young people 

would be valuable to the whole organisation. 

They will also examine how the SU Scotland 

Lounge Facebook group has been developing 

over the past five months. 


Pray for the Mission Possible event for primary 

aged children in Dumfries. Ask that the children 

gathered would enjoy being together and learn 

more of what it means to follow the Lord Jesus. 

Pray for SU Holidays & Missions Team Leaders as 

they hold team meetings in readiness for Easter 

events in a few weeks’ time. Pray for unity in teams 

which will speak powerfully of the love of Christ. 


Alltnacriche is currently applying for an 

Adventure Activities Licence. Pray that the 

preparation for this goes well, and that the 

centre will be in a position to secure this 

quickly, allowing us to offer a wider range of 

activities to users of the centre. 

Lift to God the young people attending Strictly 

Come Praying this afternoon at the Macdonald 

Aviemore Resort. Some have travelled miles to be 

there; pray for God to meet with them. 


Pray for the P7 pupils from Pirniehall Primary 

School in Edinburgh as they visit Lendrick Muir 

this week, that they will enjoy the opportunity to 

engage in outdoor learning. 

Give thanks for the two SU Groups meeting 

at Back Primary School in Lewis and the many 

young people who attend. Give thanks too for 

the enthusiastic teams that run them. 


Pray for many P7 pupils who will visit their local 

church in the approach to Easter for an ‘Easter Code’ 

event. As they reflect on the story of Holy Week pray 

that they would consider what happened to Jesus 

and what it might mean for them today. 

At Dunbar Primary School, the lunchtime SU 

Group called ‘Bible Brainiacs’ meets each Tuesday. 

Give thanks to God for the conversations it brings 

with the 18 girls who regularly attend. 


The Regional Management Team (Phil, Gordon, 

Kenny, John and Jackie) meets today. As they 

look ahead to the summer term, and preparation 

for 2013/14, pray for wisdom, unity and 

leadership for this team. 

Staff and pupils from Canal View Primary School 

in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, visit Lendrick Muir 

for a two-night residential. Pray this would be a 

positive experience for both staff and pupils. 


Thank God for teams of chaplains working in 

many secondary schools. Pray particularly today 

for the team at Hawick High School. Pray for good 

communication, increased opportunity in the 

school and for deepening relationships with pupils. 

As Hazel Gray leads assembly at Ormiston 

Primary tomorrow, give thanks for the school and 

the excitement of the children to hear accounts 

from the Bible. Pray for Heather and David as they 

lead the SU Group there and give thanks for the 

interest in the Bible and deepening relationships. 


Over 500 school pupils visit Alltnacriche for a 

School Residential each year. Each evening there 

is time to reflect on the day, explore what pupils 

believe and offer a Christian perspective. Pupils 

consistently express how important this time 

has been to them. Pray that the centre would 

continue to see an increase in this area of ministry. 

Powerpoint meets tonight in Edinburgh, attracting 

huge numbers of young people. As well as 

enjoying an opportunity to meet with friends, pray 

that each one might encounter the living God. 


The Mission Training Day takes place today in 

Edinburgh. Pray that every delegate enjoys the 

day, learns some new practical skills that are useful 

for mission and leaves inspired and encouraged. 

Materials are in the process of being finalised for 

this year’s Back to School with God Sunday at the 

end of August. Give thanks for the way churches 

have engaged with this in the past and pray for 

publicity, that more churches may be aware of 

the resources available. 



MARCH 2013 

PRAYER UPDATE 


Pray for Regional Workers who line manage 

workers from Associate Worker Trusts. 

Pray that their meetings would be helpful, 

encouraging and supportive and would 

effectively enable Associate Workers as 

they reach out to young people in their 

communities with the good news of Jesus. 

Pray for all committee members of Associate Worker 

Trusts, thanking God for all the time and support 

they give to the workers who represent the trusts. 

Pray that they would have the energy and the 

wisdom they need to serve God in this role. 


Lendrick Muir welcomes a cluster group of 

schools from Moray this week. Pray that this 

would be a chance for pupils to get to know one 

another and build positive relationships as they 

prepare to move to secondary school together. 

Pray for Alan Myles and Elizabeth Revill (Admin 

Assistant, Alltnacriche) as they develop regional 

work in Moray, South Highlands and the Uists 

alongside School Residentials at the centre. Many 

of the Moray schools who visit our centres do not 

have an SU Group, or anyone registered as praying 

for the school. Pray that this might change! 


Jackie Ringan, along with the chaplaincy team 

for Beeslack High School, is involved in leading 

Easter assemblies each morning this week. 

Give thanks for the growing relationship and 

opportunities in this school and pray that the 

message of Easter would be shared in a clear and 

relevant way. 

Pray for Aboyne Primary School as they visit 

Lendrick Muir, give thanks that they have 

returned to the centre for their School Residential 

year on year. Pray that this week would continue 

to build on existing relationships. 


There is a meeting in Belfast today of the four 

Chief Executives of the SU movements in Britain 

and Ireland along with Emlyn Williams and Ian 

McAvoy (treasurer). Pray for great wisdom in 

discussions around how best Britain and Ireland 

can work to support, as well as benefit from, SU 

ministry in the Former Soviet Republics. 

Many SU Scotland supporters have upheld the 

work of SU India in prayer over many years; pray 

for John Jacob, now in his 80s, who is experiencing 

difficulty in sleeping and increased dizziness. 


Pray for Adrienne Cartwright and Johana Steel 

as they lead the SU Group each week at Belmont 

House Junior School in Newton Mearns. Give 

thanks for the welcome in this school and for the 

opportunities to serve the wider school community. 

Jackie Ringan will be leading an Easter assembly 

at Strathesk Primary school in Penicuik tomorrow 

morning. The leadership of this school will 

change at the summer with both the head 

teacher and depute retiring; pray for the 

appointment of their successors. 


Pray for preparations for On Track, the 

discipleship and leadership development 

programme for young people who have grown 

up in disadvantaged communities and have 

come through the Motiv8 holiday programme. 

Praise God for each young person now coming 

into leadership! 

Pray for the children who attended the Motiv8 

holidays last year that they would grow in their 

relationship with God and want to come back on 

another Motiv8 holiday this year. 


Today there is a joint day conference for all Action 

Group and Associate Trust members. Pray for a 

day of encouragement, sharing ideas and training 

together. Pray too for Rev Dave Richards who will 

be bringing the Bible teaching. 

Pray for staff today in the Holidays Department. 

Give thanks for last-minute SU Holidays bookings 

and for every place that has been taken. Pray for 

those involved in administration, particularly any 

changes necessary to travel arrangements, group 

lists and suchlike. Pray for attention to detail! 


Pray for a good response to the 2013 

International Fundraising Project supporting 

the work at the Murmunske Vorota Centre, 

near St Petersburg, Russia. Funds raised will 

go toward buying suitable equipment to 

support the work with children from deprived 

backgrounds and with special needs. 

Give thanks for Veronika, the new member of staff 

in Moscow, who was a trainee leader at the 2005 

International Leadership Training Conference in 

Ukraine. Please uphold her in prayer. 


P7 pupils from Newfield Primary School in 

Stonehouse are on a School Residential at 

Lendrick Muir, as well as pupils from Our Lady of 

Lourdes Primary in Bathgate. Praise God for these 

opportunities to work with the pupils and staff. 

At present there is sufficient funding for a halftime 

regional post in Ayrshire. Pray that support 

would increase very soon to provide enough 

resources to sustain a full-time worker, or two 

part-time workers, in this large region. There is 

much going on! 


The majority of teenagers use Facebook to 

connect with their friends and to arrange their 

social lives; typically they do not use it for 

exploring and discussing the Bible – which is what 

we’re trying to encourage them to do in our new 

SU Scotland Lounge Facebook group. Please pray 

for creativity for the leaders’ team as they seek to 

inspire faith-based discussion within Facebook. 


The East Team meet today and spend time in 

reflecting on the past term and praying for events 

taking place around Easter. Pray for a sense of 

God’s presence with them. 

Give thanks for the many new opportunities that 

God has been opening up in the Muirhouse and 

Pilton areas of Edinburgh and for the dedicated 

volunteers who give their time and energy to 

share Jesus with the next generation. 


Pray for Kenny and Alison McKie as they prepare 

to lead an Easter SU Holiday at Lendrick Muir at 

the weekend. Above all, they ask that the team 

will shine for Jesus throughout the week so that 

young people will be attracted to him and his 

Word. Immediately after the camp, Kenny and 

Alison fly off to New Zealand with Gordon McKie 

for three weeks holiday, visiting daughter Karen 

who is studying in Dunedin for a few months. 


Network, a Bible study for senior pupils, runs 

tonight and every month in both north and south 

Edinburgh. Pray for real growth to be seen as 

these pupils go deeper in their faith. 

Pray for Stephen Jones, our Church Partnerships 

Coordinator, as he and his team lead the Ski 

Austria SU Holiday during the coming week. 

Please pray for safety in travel, safety on the 

slopes, and real spiritual encouragement for all 

who attend. 


Colin Carmichael is leading an SU Holiday study 

camp that starts today at Glenshee. Pray that the 

week provides the young people with productive 

study times for school subjects and inspiring 

sessions looking at the Bible. 

Gavin Berry is leading a week-long study holiday 

at Lendrick Muir. Pray for the young people at 

a significant stage in their life as they come to 

study for exams but also to engage with the Bible 

over the course of the week. Pray for the leaders 

too, many of whom are teachers and will have 

just finished a gruelling term in school. 


We have great opportunities and openness in 

schools just now. Pray for protection of this 

work that enables children and young people 

to find out about Jesus and respond to him. 

Give thanks to God for around 30 new SU Groups 

which have started over the past year, and for 

every volunteer who has come forward to lead 

them. Pray for much fruit. 



GLOSSARY 

2CY Trust 

Basecamp 

BCYT 

Bible Alive 

Big Celebration 

BIRC 

Bubblegum ‘n’ Fluff 

BUSY 

Children in the Church 

Christian Focus Week 

Classroom Outdoors 

COmMISSION 

COOL 

COLT 

Contraflow 

CRRT 

DARE 

DIME 

Dunbar Trust 

E100 

Easter Code 

Equipped to Transform 

Es-team 

Exalt 

Explore Edinburgh 

Feet off the floor 

FSR 

Go Conferences 

Go LIVE 

Go MAD (Make a Difference) 

Go Project 

GROW 

Ignite 

Junction 12 (J12) 

K2 

KART 

Last Saturday 

LeadUp 

LCYT 

Megamix 

New Year Break 

Powerpoint 

Pray Any Way 

School Residential 

SCYI 

Strictly Come Praying 

Strictly Deeper 

The Big One 

Totally Random 

Wannabes 

WHEEL Trust 

WRYT 

Associate Worker Trust, Clydesdale, South Lanarkshire 

COmMISSION training event for S4-S6s 

Associate Worker Trust, Berwickshire 

Interactive primary school programme 

Annual celebration at Lendrick Muir 

Britain and Ireland Regional Council 

Presentation of the Christmas story to primary school children 

Associate Worker Trust, Broxburn & Uphall 

Training event for those working with children in church 

Programme run in secondary schools 

Centre-based activity breaks for schools 

Mission and discipleship programme for S4-students 

Associate Worker Trust, Lochalsh and South Skye 

Associate Worker Trust, Clackmannanshire 

Associate Worker Trust, Helensburgh 

Associate Worker Trust, Rutherglen and Cambuslang 

Associate Worker Trust, Dunfermline 

Urban youth ministry project in Muirhouse and Pilton Estates, Edinburgh 

Associate Worker Trust, Dunbar 

Project encouraging reading of 100 selected Bible passages 

Presentation of the Easter story to primary school children 

Conference for those working with disadvantaged children and young people 

Edinburgh Schools Team (Regional Workers based in Edinburgh) 

East Lothian worship event for secondary aged pupils 

Lendrick Muir school residential featuring visit to Edinburgh 

Evening teaching as part of Classroom Outdoors programme 

Former Soviet Republics 

Discipleship training conferences for pupils in S4-S6 

Part of the Go Conferences – for pupils in S4 

Part of the Go Conferences – for pupils in S5-S6 

Glasgow Outreach Project (Regional Workers based in Glasgow) 

Associate Worker Trust, Glenrothes 

SU Scotland’s youth website 

Urban youth ministry project in Glasgow’s east end 

Associate Worker Trust, East Neuk of Fife 

Associate Worker Trust, Kirkcaldy 

Monthly event in Glasgow for S1-S6s 

COmMISSION training event for S6 and students 

Associate Worker Trust, Larbert 

Events for primary aged children in East Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire 

New Year residential for all ages at Lendrick Muir 

Monthly worship and teaching event in Edinburgh for S1-S6s 

Prayer event for children and families 

Mid-week school activity break at Alltnacriche or Lendrick Muir 

Associate Worker Trust, Stewartry, Dumfries & Galloway 

Annual prayer event for P7-S6s 

Annual prayer event for P7-S6s 

Event for primary aged children in Edinburgh 

Monthly event for P6-S3s in Dumbarton 

Bible study group in east Glasgow for S4-S6s 

Associate Worker Trust, west end of Glasgow 

Associate Worker Trust, West Renfrewshire 

Registered in Scotland as a charity (no. SC011222) and a company limited by guarantee (no. SC54297). Registered Office: 70 Milton Street, Glasgow, G4 0HR 

SU Scotland, 70 Milton Street, Glasgow, G4 0HR 

T: 0141 332 1162 F: 0141 352 7600 

E: pray@suscotland.org.uk 

W: www.suscotland.org.uk 

Editor: Elizabeth McDowall, Prayer Coordinator 

Design: Innovivid, www.innovivid.co.uk 

Print: Verve, www.vervegrp.co.uk 

Publisher: Scripture Union Scotland

Prayer Diary (Jan-Mar 2013) - PDF - Scripture Union Scotland

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