1. Pray about attempts to legalise assisted suicide in the UK
"Draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
God of justice, please frustrate plans to introduce assisted suicide and grant strategic wisdom to politicians and others to maintain important safeguards and provide palliative, practical and pastoral care. Amen.
2. Pray for countries where euthanasia is legal
"I have given you the choice between life and death…Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!" Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT)
Eternal father, we intercede for the lives of vulnerable people in Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and parts of the United States where laws already exist permitting assisted suicide. For Jesus' sake, Amen.
3. Pray for palliative and hospice care
"Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!" Psalm 90:17 (ESV)
Lord, please provide necessary finances, staff and volunteers to the hundreds of UK hospices that offer individual holistic care for people approaching the end of life within a peaceful, compassionate atmosphere. Amen.
4. Remember people with disabilities
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 31:8 (NIV)
Lord, we pray about the ongoing debate to help those with life-limiting and terminal conditions as well as adults and children with serious disabilities who may feel under pressure to end their lives. May they be increasingly heard, appreciated and supported by us all in the debate around assisted suicide legislation. Amen.
5. Pray for nurses, doctors and others who care for terminally ill patients
"Now may the God of peace…equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him." Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)
Gracious God, thank You for the dedication and skills of those working in palliative medicine, therapy, respite care, bereavement support and other services for patients and families. Amen.
6. Pray for the royal colleges and other medical experts
"Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe." Proverbs 28:26 (NLT)
Merciful Lord, as political and public pressure mounts, please raise up respected medical experts to campaign against permitting assisted suicide and persuade the professional Colleges to maintain their stance against it. Amen.
7. Ask God to bring peace to those near the end of their lives
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
Loving Saviour, please draw near to those who are dying. Grant that they may have the opportunity and desire to make their peace with You and be filled with Your love. Amen.
