Dear Friends,

C.H. Spurgeon, the great 19th Century English preacher, wrote, “whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the Kingdom”. As Richard Foster points out in his book, Prayer, the mighty God of the universe chooses to answer prayer because his children ask. He is pleased at our asking. Since we are forever dependent upon God we will never get beyond petitioning prayer – asking (Matthew 7:7). When we move from concern for our own needs to concern for the needs of others, we move from petition to intercession.

The UBS Prayer Booklet enables us to ask or intercede for our colleagues in the Fellowship and for their work from an informed basis. In its pages we are given a glimpse of what is on their heart in relation to the work in their country, and this gives our prayers for them focus and context.

“It is the naturalness of prayer that is important. It has to fit each person and be consistent with their nature. It cannot be an alien pattern into which we struggle to fit. Prayer is a vital part of life and should never be regarded as an awkward add-on extra. Neither is it a dutiful task to be completed before the ‘real’ business of life is tackled by getting on with the work of the day.” (Ruth Fowke, in Personality and Prayer, Eagle (IPS), Guildford, 1997).

I am convinced that the pattern that has emerged within many Bible Societies in the UBS fellowship of gathering together weekly as staff, Board or supporters to pray for the work and workers of others in the Fellowship is consistent with the nature of our Fellowship. It is not an add-on extra to being part of the UBS, nor is it a duty to be hurriedly performed before the work gets under way. Rather it is the way we demonstrate our oneness as a Fellowship and own the totality of the work done across the world in our joint name.

I hope this Prayer Booklet will help us make a difference as we pray on behalf of the others within its pages. St Paul, writing in Romans (1:9 ESV), says, “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers.”

My warmest regards,

Rev A Miller Milloy
UBS General Secretary