Pray for older people and care workers, says Christian charity

(Photo: Pilgrims' Friend Society)

Christian charity Pilgrims' Friend Society is inviting the UK Church to join in a week of prayer for older people and the care sector. 

It is running 'Prayer Week 2020' from 7 to 13 June, culminating on the Queen's official birthday.

The week of prayer comes at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has led to scrutiny of Britain's care sector, with many victims and sufferers of the disease being care home residents or workers. 

Chief Executive of Pilgrims' Friend Society, Stephen Hammersley said, "We want to encourage the church in praying for and serving the older generation who are loved and cherished by God.

"Many older people across the country are still active and purposeful in their lives and prayer life, even during this pandemic, and are the actually the ones inspiring and praying for us."

The charity will be publishing blogs and devotions throughout the week on issues relating to older people, like dementia, the work of Christian care providers, and the call on the Church.

A free guide has been produced to aid in prayer, with topics covering fulfilled living in later life, comfort and hope for all those impacted by the coronavirus, loneliness, carers and the social care sector, dementia and equipping churches to reach the older people in their community.

Mr Hammersley added: "Some of our older residents have been through a World War and can remember the impact of the Spanish flu on their families.

"There is a lot to be learned from them, about trusting in God when the world as you know it starts to fall around you – they are a source of encouragement as they share the goodness of God."