Why we pray? - We pray because prayer changes things.
The AFCU is primarily a prayer union and has been so since its inception in 1851.
Through prayer, we long to see the incredible transforming power of God flow through our Armed Forces to advance His kingdom. We are blessed to have so many people from all walks of life join with us to partner in this exciting and growing area. There are many different ways to pray for the members of the Armed Forces.
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Colossians 4:2
Prayer Support Initiatives
AFCU Staff Prayers
The AFCU staff pray together regularly. In addition to a weekly Zoom prayer meeting, all staff in the office meet daily to pray. Five serving members (and their families as appropriate) are prayed for each day and sent a card. Forthcoming events and items from the AFCU Prayer Diary, Sick List and CIP are covered together with any additional items sent in by members. The AFCU staff are always there to support AFCU members and are more than happy to pray for personal needs and those of the Armed Forces, however great or small. Just contact the office.
Emergency Prayer Chain
The Union has a prayer chain of some of our most trusted prayerful AFCU members partner with the staff to form an Emergency Prayer Chain which can be quickly activated for ‘life and death’ situations. The pray-ers agree to pray for the situation for two weeks unless further news is received which indicates that the prayer need continues. The chain is activated from the AFCU office.
The Confidential Intercession Scheme
This scheme has been in existence for many years and provides prayer support for any long-term need of individual serving personnel and their families. This may be an illness, a marital relationship, someone’s salvation or another sensitive issue. The items for prayer are contained in a Confidential Intercession Paper (CIP) produced by the CIP Coordinator every two months and distributed in the AFCU mailing to the CIP pray-ers. No names are divulged in the CIP and details are kept to a minimum to maintain confidentiality.
If you are an serving AFCU member and have a serious issue that you would like some extra prayer for, please email the prayer team at office@afcu.org.uk who will be able to provide assistance.
If you would like to be part of the prayer support for this important prayer ministry please contact the office to discuss being included in the distribution of the CIP.
If you are serving in HM Armed Forces or work closely with the Armed Forces in the Ministry of Defence, would love to pray for you.
Please fill in this form for us to gather information in order to link you as a serving member to a Prayer Support Team.
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Heavenly Father, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women in our Armed Forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; and give them courage to face the perils that beset them; and help them to know that nothing can separate them from your love; in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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O Lord God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm to strengthen and protect our service men and women. Support them in times of conflict, and in their rest and training keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Almighty God, stretch forth your mighty arm to strengthen and protect the armed forces: grant that meeting danger with courage and all occasions with discipline and loyalty, they may truly serve the cause of justice and peace; to the honour of your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Almighty God, in you alone we find safety and peace. We commend to your gracious keeping all the men and women who serve in the Navy, the Army, or the Air Force, who face danger and put their lives at risk so that others might live in safety. Defend them day by day by your heavenly power; and help them to know that they can never pass beyond the reach of your care. Keep alive in them and in us your vision of that peace which alone we must seek and serve; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.