A number of people have written to us to suggest that, in view of all that has been happening in the Church of England, we should devote ourselves to prayer and fasting for the diocese and wider church. Initially, we were unsure about this – after all the safeguarding crisis is absolutely not about the church – it is first and foremost about victims and survivors of abuse. However, on reflection, we have concluded that it is right to invite the diocese to spend this season of Lent in prayer and fasting, acknowledging the multiple challenges that we face and the effect they are having on the morale and wellbeing of many people in our churches.
Our proposal is to ask at least one person to sign up for each day of Lent – you can sign up here and select a date. How you spend the day is entirely up to you. You might choose to take an individual retreat, or you might choose to gather with others in your church, or you might simply mark the beginning and ending of the day in prayer. However you choose to do it, you might find the following themes helpful:
Monday:
Prayer for all victims and survivors of abuse, and for all those who work to make our churches safe for children and vulnerable adults.
Tuesday:
Prayer for all who are anxious or lonely, particular those who feel they can no longer be part of the Church of England.
Wednesday:
Prayer for the appointment of a new archbishop, and for all those dioceses seeking to appoint a new bishop, and for all bishops, priests, deacons and lay ministers that we may persevere in our calling.
Thursday:
Prayer for parish and diocesan finances, that God would supply all our needs, and make us generous in giving to others.
Friday:
Prayer for the Living in Love and Faith process that we may learn to live well together in our differences.
Saturday:
Prayer for all those exploring their vocation to ministry in the church – and for many more people to come forward in response to God’s call.
Sunday:
Thanksgiving for all God’s good gifts, particularly the gift of God’s Son Jesus Christ – may we be formed in the character of Jesus Christ. Prayer for the Bishops’ Lent Appeal for the Leprosy Mission (see more details visit here.)