The whole diocese is called to pray for our world, our nation and our diocese in the ten days leading up to Bishop Paul's last day as our Bishop.
Rev Chris Stafford (Team Rector of Newton-le-Willows) heard that Bishop Paul’s last service on 12th February was going to be a day to pray for the future of the diocese, and he thought we should take the opportunity to pray for all the different people and needs which are on our hearts. We are grateful to Chris for his suggestion and for the work he has done preparing this.
So each day from 2nd February to 11th February we are called to pray, with a different intention each day:
- Feb 2 (Candlemas) - Thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness
- Feb 3 - For the future of our diocese - for direction and listening to God’s word and God’s Spirit
- Feb 4 – Covid, the sick, all affected, the NHS
- Feb 5 – For refugees & asylum seekers
- Feb 6 (Sunday, Accession Day) – for the Queen and all who serve under her in national and local government
- Feb 7 – For our archbishops and leaders of the church & for the General Synod
- Feb 8 – For all in ministry in our diocese and all discerning their call
- Feb 9 – For peace
- Feb 10 – For schools, families & children
- Feb 11 – for our ecumenical and communion partners
Parishes, other communities and individuals are encouraged to make these intentions a focus of serious intercession on these days in whatever way works for you. You may wish to gather together, or simply to make an individual commitment to these common prayers.
The Cathedral has provided some material for each day, with a passage of Scripture for us to use, some points for intercession and a prayer which you can use, details will follow on this.
There will also be an online gathering for prayer at 6 pm each day from 2nd Feb, with members of senior staff leading a brief evening prayer and time for intercession. This will be held on Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86242683985?pwd=TWIrU2pJdmp1ZGlEVEN0OStqT1Rzdz09
Meeting ID: 862 4268 3985
Passcode: 962141