MU Thought for the Week - Downloads
The theme for each week is taken from the Mothers Union Worldwide Prayer Diary and included is a prayer for a country from the Wave of Prayer for that week.
Sunday, June 28, 2026
The Apostle Peter
'The Lord turned and looked straight at Jesus’ (Luke 22:61)
The name Peter means ‘rock’, the rock you can rely on. But when Peter is put to the test, he was weak. He had sworn to stay with Jesus. But now, three times, he disowns Jesus and refuses to stand by him. It must have been awful to be know that Jesus, fully aware of Peter’s sin, had turned to look at him. No wonder he went outside and wept. And yet, after the resurrection, Peter is forgiven and restored. It is not surprising that having been treated with such love, he becomes the one leading Apostles and even gives up his life for the sake of the Lord. This is the power of repentance and forgiveness, blessed by the Spirit of God.
Question for thought: How am I like Peter?
Almighty God, we thank you for the 150 years of Mothers Union. We especially give thanks for the vision of Mary Sumner in bringing women together who trust in you to support one another and strengthen marriage and Christian family life. Amen.
Sunday, June 21, 2026
A father’s love
'But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him’ (Luke 15:20).
The father in the parable of the prodigal son reveals what God is like. Jesus had been criticised for eating with the people whose lives were sinful. He was welcoming them. Welcoming them as repentant and people who received the forgiveness they needed. The son in his story makes a complete mess of his life because of sin. But as he comes home full of repentance, his father does something that no father in those days would do. He runs to him, embraces him, kissing him, welcomes him home and restores him as his son. That is the love of God in its grace and glory.
Question for thought: Do I know the love of God?
Loving Lord, sometimes it’s hard to keep trusting you when faced with constant strife and persecution. We pray for our sisters in the Dioceses of Kabba and Bukuru in Nigeria. Keep them faithful and steadfast as they support the communities in which they live. Protect them from danger we pray. We also pray for the Diocese of Adelaide and for Rev. Dr Gethzi Devasagayam as she leads members there. Amen.
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Refugees and displaced people
‘So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt’ (Matthew 2:13).
I have several friends who were refugees from terror. Their stories are heart- rending, not least because the way in which families are separated perhaps permanently. Children are denied education; families are denied security; individuals are lonely. As we remember that Jesus’ parents had to flee their homeland and go to Egypt, it is astonishing to know that the Son of God himself was a refugee. It is also a reminder to us that we should also love and care for those who are in camps and those who have come among us, far from home. This is part of our Christian compassion, after the likeness of Christ.
Question for thought: Do I know of a Christian agency which supports refugees? Am I willing to help?
Gracious heavenly Father, we give thanks for the many faithful members in the New Guinea Islands in Papua New Guinea. Members are involved in literacy programs, health education, anti-violence campaigns, prison and hospital visits, and marriage counselling. May they share your love and compassion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Environment and Creation
‘The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it’ (Genesis.2:15).
We were created as image bearers to rule the world under God. But this did not mean to abuse the world. The relationship was meant to be one of peace and productivity. After the human rebellion against God, the relationship changed, as sinful, self-centred people occupied the world, making up our own rules. The Bible says that the world is groaning as it also waits for the day when there will be a new heaven and earth. In the meantime, God’s people are to continue to respect and care for the creation, although we live in a world impacted by sin, and life can be very hard.
Question for thought: Do I see the hand of God in the creation?
God of all, our hearts are heavy when we think of the troubles in the world. Have mercy dear Lord and bring an end to the crises in the Middle East, Ukraine and Russia. Give our members in these areas courage and may they remember you are their comfort and strength and an ever-present help in trouble. We pray this week for members in Diocese of Mara, Tanzania and in Willochra, South Australia. May all they do bring in caring and supporting those in need bring honour and glory to you name. Amen.
Sunday, May 31, 2026
Parenting
'I am reminded of the sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also’ (2 Timothy 1:5)
For good or ill we never escape the influence of our parents. All the more important that we who are parents see the responsibility that the Lord has given us as one of the most important that we will ever have. Of course we will often fail, but even our failures can turn for good if we are humble and loving. Our chief responsibility is to bring children up in the fear and nurture of the Lord. Daily bible reading and prayer together is so good, as is Church. One of the most important things that parents and grandparents to do is to pray for our children. The prayers of a faithful grandparent are very powerful!
Question for thought: Do I regularly entrust my children and grandchildren to the Lord?
Gracious Lord, we bring before you the members in the Diocese of Johannesburg in South Africa praying you will guide members as they work at the heart of their communities to support and strengthen family life. Give them wisdom as they care for those in facing domestic violence and those living with HIV/AIDS and share your love and bring them the comfort of your word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Establishment and fruitfulness
'As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning’ (Acts 11;15)
The Apostle Peter said these words after he had preached the gospel of Jesus to the Gentiles for the first time. He was thinking back to the miracle of Pentecost when he and the other Apostles were given the Holy Spirit as a blessing of the new covenant which had come. Now the question was, would the non-Jewish peoples of the world receive the same blessing, the same mark of acceptance by God? And the answer was Yes! The Holy Spirit comes to all who put their faith in Christ. What a wonderful gift from God.
Question for thought: How do I know that I have received the Holy Spirit?
Heavenly Father, we pray for the Women’s Fellowship in North and South India which is affiliated with Mothers Union and especially the Dioceses of Agra and Karnataka. We give thanks for their willingness to reach out to their local communities to care for the vulnerable women and girls in your name. We pray too, for the Diocese of Central Queensland (Rockhampton) and for Sue Witten as President. Bless their times of fellowship and their ministry as they reach out in the many aspects of parish and community life. Amen.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Birth and new beginnings
'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The resurrection of Jesus is our evidence that a new day has dawned. We are still waiting for its full glory. But in the meantime, when we put our trust in Jesus through repentance and faith, we are spiritually resurrected, raised with Christ and from now on living with him and for him. We hear of this in the Bible as a new birth, or a resurrection, or a redemption, or as a new creation. Whatever language is used, the emphasis is on the love of God transforming us and getting us ready for the wonderful future he has in store.
Question for the thought: What is the most wonderful thing about being a new creation?
Almighty God, we think and pray this week for the Dioceses of Bunbury in Western Australia and Wiawso in Ghana. May all the branches across Bunbury be united in prayer, love and sharing your love as they meet together and carry out projects within their parishes. And may members in Wiawso be encouraged in the faith and trust in you as they serve you in nurturing family life and community wellbeing. Amen.
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Mental Health Awareness Week
'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble’ (Psalm 46:1)
Life is often tough. This is especially so if you have mental health problems, or you are caring for someone with such difficulties. The Bible does not pretend that such things don’t happen or that they don’t happen to believers. On the contrary, it is such a real book that it tells us that suffering will be part of being human. It never suggests that you can simply pray and if you have enough faith such problems will inevitably disappear. What it does do is bring us back to the purpose of God, the power of God and above all the love of God. After all, our Saviour died the terrible death of the cross. His death and resurrection give us hope.
Question for thought: How do I know that God loves me?
Gracious heavenly Father, we bring before you our members in the Diocese of Gippsland, praying for Lindy Driver the President as she encourages members in their walk with you and in reaching out to those in need. We pray too, for the Diocese of Waikato and Taranaki in New Zealand and for members as they reach out in your name to those in need. For Christ’s sake, Amen.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Stewardship, work and grace
'For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ (Ephesians 2:10)
Our good works flow from God’s love for us, his grace. It is because God has received us just as the Father embraced the prodigal son, that we have life with him. Now we have been transformed to live a life pleasing to him, not in order to win his favour, but as a response to his love. That is why we love to sing Amazing Grace! I often begin the day with a request to God that he will help me find and do the good works he has prepared for me to walk in that day. It is great to know that he is in charge of my day.
Question for thought: What do I pray for as the day begins?
Loving Lord, we give you thanks for members in Kigezi Diocese in Uganda and for their commitment to serving you in caring for the many in their community who are suffering from poverty. We pray as they offer pastoral care to families facing challenges of health, lack of education and those needing parenting support, that they will assure them of your care and love for them. Amen.
Sunday, April 26, 2026
New song of praise
'Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise’ (Psalm 51:15)
Recently, I have been trying to include thanksgiving far more frequently in my life. So, when I am in the open air I thank God for the wonders of creation; when I arrive at a destination, I thank him for safety in travel; when I hear some good news I thank God for his kindness; of course, I thank him for his gracious mercy to us in Jesus. Thanksgiving is a form of praise, but I also find that singing great songs of praise as I go about the day gives me words that I may not have myself. This I know, that praise leads to joy and prepares us for eternal life with Jesus.
Question for thought: Can I develop a habit of praise and thanksgiving?
Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the ministry of members in the Diocese of York in the UK with over 900 members in 59 branches. Pray for the opportunities they have to share God’s love through parenting groups, refugee groups, and in providing caravan holidays to those in need, as well as projects in their individual branches. We also pray for members in the Diocese of Northern Territory and thank you for Pam Powell’s faithfulness in leading the branch. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Caring for creation and community
‘Six days do your work, but on the seventh do not work so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed’ (Exodus 23:12).
When God created us as his image-bearers, we were given a mandate to steward the world. Sin has made us exploit the world and not care for it as we should. One of the ways in which we can be a blessing to our family and the society around us is to ensure that they have the benefit of weekly rest from their labours. But there are many other ways as well. It is no accident that the RSPCA had Christian origins, for the care of animals is also part of the human responsibility.
Question for thought: How do I express my care for the world including others?
Loving Lord, we bring before the situation in DR Congo and pray there will be an end to persecution and the instability that it brings. We pray for members in the Dioceses of Kinshasa and Kisangani as they support their communities. Help them to stand firm in their faith in you in the midst of conflict and provide practical and the pastoral care to the many who are victims of the conflict. May they know that ‘The Lord is their Shepherd’ who cares for them. Amen.
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Blessings for families and households
'Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward him’ (Psalm 127:3)
The word of God is very positive about marriage and children. The family with different generations is a true blessing from the Lord. How vital that the members of the MU continue to support marriage and family life. We were created as relational people and the blessing of good relations with family is immense. We should be so thankful to God for this provision and if he has blessed us in this way, we need to rejoice. One thing we can do is to include single people in our family life and honour them as well.
Question for thought: How can I support marriage and Christian family life in our society?
Gracious Lord, we pray for members in the Diocese of Canberra/ Goulburn as they seek to reach out in their community, and for Dr Monica Short in her leadership of members as they work towards the future. We pray that you God will give them energy and sustain them. We also bring before you the Diocese of Dogura in Papua New Guinea as they support communities through literacy programs, anti-violence campaigns and marriage counselling. Give them courage to speak of your love in sending Jesus, saviour of the world. Amen
Sunday, April 5, 2026
He is Risen
'He is not here, but he has risen’ (Luke 24:6)
This was the three days which changed the world for ever. On Friday it was the death of Jesus for our sins. On Sunday it was his resurrection for our new life. It was the angel who said these ‘He has risen’ to the women who had come to care for the body of the dead Jesus. Of course, some of his disciples doubted. But when they met the risen Lord, even Thomas could see and touch the truth. They are the ones who are the witnesses. Their witness gives us hope, hope for our life with Jesus in the world to come. It is one thing to face death without hope; it is different thing to face death with a hope based on the truth of Jesus and his resurrection.
Question for thought: Is my hope secure?
Almighty heavenly Father, we pray for the Diocese of Lweru in Tanzania and for relief from the poverty which affects so many and especially families where many feel overwhelmed. We give thanks that members of Mothers Union are working to help women with vocational training and health awareness. May they be assured of your love for them in all they do. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
Sunday, March 29, 2026
We Will Worship
'They took palm branches and went forth to meet him, shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!”’ (John 12:13).
We have reached Palm Sunday and Holy Week. It begins and ends with the same truth, but not in a way that could ever have been guessed. The crowds recognised the truth about Jesus, that he was indeed the king of Israel, the King of God’s Kingdom. They rightly greeted him with shouts of praise. At the end of the week, the same king is crucified, having been crowned with thorns and enthroned on a cross. But, as we now know, even the cross was the mark of his Kingship and the coming of God’s Kingdom. For by the cross the Saviour brings the forgiveness which saves. God’s way and God’s might are astonishing and we cannot help but bow in worship and give him all glory. ‘In the cross of Christ I glory…’
Question for thought: How do I worship my Saviour?
Loving Lord, we thank you for members in the Dioceses of Ikwerre and Ife East in Nigeria and for their resilience as they face persecution. Give them courage and steadfastness. We pray as they care for the vulnerable in their communities, they will have opportunity to share the hope they have in you. Amen.
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Continually Learning
'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul’ (Matthew 11:28-29)
Jesus’ followers are called ‘disciples’ a word which has the sense of a student. Jesus is the master teacher, and just as he promises us rest when we come to him by faith, he also makes us disciples. As believers, then, we have a life-long task of learning from the Master, studying the word of God and trusting its promises as we also obey its commands. And this is not burdensome. Yoked to Jesus as our teacher, we have true rest.
Question for thought: Am I learning every day by listening to the word of God?
Almighty God, we pray for the small group of Mothers Union members in Peru and pray that there will be a stable government that will free from corruption. Please bring an end to the severe poverty which many experience. We pray for Brisbane Diocese and Jenny Bullock, the President and thank you for its enthusiastic members and ask that they will continue to serve and reach out to their communities in your name. Amen
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Building Community
'Honour her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate’ (Proverbs 31:31).
There are some remarkable women in the Bible, women such as Ruth, Esther and Mary and the woman described in Proverbs 31. Both men and women are meant to build community, to care for families, neighbours and those in need. Good community is a way in which God sustains us. Our worldwide Mothers Union is one such community. It is especially important that we pray for each other and care for one another. So much good is done in this way, and the essential role of women in building community is strengthened. We are so grateful to celebrate the 150th year since Mary Sumner initiated such an important work.
Question for thought: How do I help Mothers Union world-wide?
Heavenly Father, we pray for the Diocese of Antisiranana in Madagascar and thank you for members’ enthusiasm as they serve in a country with much poverty. May they be assured of your presence with them as serve you through prayer, social action and community development. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Working for Change
'For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ (Ephesians 2:10)
What Adam destroyed, God is re-creating through Jesus. Adam and Eve were meant to serve God every day and to walk in fellowship with him. Instead, they chose to run their own lives, to sin against God. But Jesus is the one called the Last Adam, the Man from Heaven and we are being made in his image. This verse has had a big impact on my life. Every day I pray that the Lord will show me the good works which he has prepared for me to walk in, so that I will be more like Jesus. What a blessing!
Question for thought: Do I work for God each day?
Almighty God, we bring before you Dioceses of Rupert’s Land in Canada and Worcester in England. We pray as they face the challenge of the population being less and less Christian. We pray that as they reach out to the needs in their communities, they will have opportunities to share your love and their faith in Jesus. Amen.
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Useful for those using the 'Thoughts' for a weekly Pewsheet
Useful for those using the 'Thoughts' for a weekly Pewsheet