Climate pilgrimage - Web viewCalendar of Intercessions. Advent until Passiontide. Welcome. to this...
Transcript of Climate pilgrimage - Web viewCalendar of Intercessions. Advent until Passiontide. Welcome. to this...
Calendar of IntercessionsAdvent until Passiontide
to this edition of the prayer diary, which takes us through until
Passiontide (when the tone of Lent changes). It’s still a sizeable document, designed to be quick and clear to read, and also to leave space for your own notes. Of course, you do not have to print it all out at once, and you’re welcome to reformat it, if you wish.
Welcome
Sunday entries are designed to look at some of the bigger pictures in our Diocese – sometimes geographical (deaneries, archdeaconries, link dioceses) sometimes issues or activities (Diocesan Big Day Out). If there is an aspect of diocesan life that you’d like included on a Sunday, do let me know. These are followed through the week by daily prayers from all over the Diocese, and across the Anglican Communion, including the calendar of saints and other worthy people. Finally, there is space in the daily entries for you to note any prayer requests that have been made to you or your parish, or any special interests you want to remember in your prayers.Please contact me with any comments or suggestions – [email protected] or 01634 814439. I will also be pleased to provide large print copies to any who would find that helpful.The calendar is published on the diocesan website, and also on www.RochesterWorship.wordpress.com where you can find the next quarter’s intercessions (hopefully) as this quarter starts to come to an end.
Cover photo from Tudeley. If anyone has a nice spring picture for the new quarter’s edition, I’d be happy to receive it.
Sunday 29 November
Advent Sunday Jeremiah 33. 14-16Psalm 25. 1-91 Thessalonians 3. 9-end
Climate pilgrimage
As we begin the penitential season of Advent, climate pilgrims from around the world are converging on Paris where world leaders are meeting (from 30 Nov-13 Dec) to set targets that will decide the future of this planet. Please pray for:- for global decision makers - for pilgrims and campaigners arriving in Paris- for those whose lives are most affected by climate change- for us all to make courageous changes in our lives with regard to our carbon footprints
Rochester Diocese: For those travelling to Paris for the Climate Change Conference.Anglican Communion: West Malaysia - (South East Asia) The Rt Rev Ng Moon HingAssistant Bishop of West Malaysia - (South East Asia) The Rt Rev Charles Samuel; Assistant Bishop of West Malaysia - (South East Asia) The Rt Rev Jason SelvarajPrayer Requests:
Monday 30 NovemberAndrew the Apostle
Rochester Diocese: For those who work at sea or on the rivers of this Diocese.Anglican Communion: West Missouri - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev Martin FieldPrayer Requests:
Tuesday 1 DecemberCharles de Foucauld, hermit, 1916
Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Well, St James Vicar: The Rev Canon Jim StewartAnglican Communion:West Missouri - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev Martin FieldPrayer Requests:
Wednesday2 December
Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St JohnVicar: The Rev Giles WalterAnglican Communion: West Texas - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev Gary LillibridgeSuffragan Bishop of West Texas - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev David Reed
Prayer Requests:
“My Father, I abandon myself to you. Do with me as you will. Whatever the you may do with me I think you.… I ask for nothing more, my God. I place my soul in your hands. I give it to you, my God, with all the love of my heart, because I love you.” Charles de Foucauld, 1858-1916
Thursday3 DecemberFrancis Xavier, missionary, 1552
Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St LukeVicar: The Rev Caroline Glass-GowerAnglican Communion: West Virginia - (III, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev Willam Michie Klusmeyer; Southern Virginia - (III, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev Herman HollerithPrayer Requests:
Friday4 DecemberJohn of Damascus, Monk, teacher of the faith, c. 749;Nicholas Ferrar, Deacon, founder of the Little Gidding Community, 1637
Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, Saint MarkVicar: The Rev Peter SanlonAnglican Communion: Western Izon - (Bendel, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Edafe Emamezi; Northern Izon - (Niger Delta, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Fred NyanaboPrayer Requests:
Saturday5 December
Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St PeterVicar: The Rev Mike WarrenAnglican Communion: Western Kansas - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev Michael MillikenPrayer Requests:
“My God, I love thee; not becauseI hope for heaven thereby, ...but as thyself hast loved me,O ever loving Lord! “ Francis Xavier, 1506-52
Sunday 6 December
Advent 2Malachi 3.1-4BenedictusPhilippians 1.3-11Luke 3.1-6
Gillingham Deanery Please pray for the Gillingham chapter, many of whom are newly appointed over the past year: for the formation of a strong team across the deanery, with fresh ideas and energy.
For the new initiatives and events being planned for the deanery, especially for the Deanery Review in North Gillingham.
For the Church schools, all those working with children and church members acting as governors.
For the local food bank, the Medway Night Shelter and all those supporting them.
For the people of the deanery, as they approach Christmas, that the Feast of the Nativity isn’t lost in the preparations.
Rochester Diocese: Gillingham Deanery: The Rev Ann Richardson, Area Dean; Mrs Linda Bailey, Lay ChairAnglican Communion: Western Louisiana - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev Jacob W OwensbyPrayer Requests:
Monday 7 DecemberAmbrose, bishop, teacher of the faith, 397
Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St PhilipVicar: vacantAnglican Communion:Western Michigan - (VI, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev Whayne HouglandPrayer Requests:
Tuesday 8 DecemberConception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Rochester Diocese:Anerley, Christ Church and St PaulTeam Rector: The Rev Matthew FitterAnglican Communion:Western New York - (II, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev William Franklin
Prayer Requests:
Wednesday 9 DecemberEmber Day
Rochester Diocese: For vocations to religious orders.Anglican Communion:Western Tanganyika - (Tanzania) The Rt Rev Sadock MakayaPrayer Requests:
Thursday 10 December
Rochester Diocese: Frindsbury, All Saints, with St Philip and St James, Upnor and Chattenden, Bishop Gundulph, and the Rev Nicholas Cooper, instituted today.Anglican Communion:Wiawso - (Ghana, West Africa) The Rt Rev Abraham AckahPrayer Requests:
Friday 11 DecemberEmber Day
Rochester Diocese: For vocations to ordained ministry.Anglican Communion:Willochra - (South Australia, Australia) The Rt Rev John Stead Prayer Requests:
Saturday 12 DecemberEmber Day
Rochester Diocese: For vocations to lay ministryAnglican Communion:Winchester - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Rev Tim DakinWinchester - Basingstoke - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Rev David Grant WilliamsWinchester - Southampton - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Rev Jonathan FrostPrayer Requests:
Sunday 13 December
Advent 3
Zephaniah 3.14-endPsalm 146.4-end Philippians 4.4-7Luke 3.7-18
Gravesend DeaneryGravesend Deanery is in the process of revising our Deanery Mission Plan, after 5 years. Since the first plan there has been growing co-operation and sharing between the churches of the Deanery, for which we give thanks. Many of the churches of the Deanery have limited resources – human, material or financial; and face a challenge in bringing the Good News of the Kingdom to an area that is expanding rapidly. Many of the parishes are large and housing development in the area continues. Pray for us as we seek to support one another and to use the scarce resources effectively in the service of the Kingdom. Please pray too for all those in the Deanery, the Diocese and ecumenically who are planning mission and ministry to the new Ebbsfleet development as it evolves – and to those facing the changes posed by a potential Paramount Theme Park, or by a Thames River Crossing (one possible route is through Chalk and Shorne). These are big challenges for the existing churches and communities, and for the wider church and the developers. Pray for all involved and for the families moving into the area.Rochester Diocese: Gravesend Deanery: The Rev Sue Brewer, Area Dean; Mr Bob Moreton, Lay ChairAnglican Communion: Windward Islands - (West Indies) The Rt Rev Calvert FridayPrayer Requests:
Monday 14 DecemberJohn of the Cross, poet, teacher of the faith, 1591
Rochester Diocese: For writers, poets and artists giving us a fresh glimpse of the Gospel.Anglican Communion:Worcester - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Rev John Inge; Worcester - Dudley - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Rev Graham Usher
Prayer Requests:
Tuesday 15 December
Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, Christ ChurchVicar: The Rev Rob HintonAnglican Communion:Wusasa - (Kaduna, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Ali Buba Lamido
Prayer Requests:
Wednesday16 December
Rochester Diocese: For all those preparing to spend Christmas away from home.Anglican Communion:Wyoming - (VII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev John SmyliePrayer Requests:
Thursday 17 DecemberO Sapientia;Eglantyne Jebb, social reformer, founder of Save the Children, 1928
Rochester Diocese: “O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one end to the other mightily, sweetly ordering all things:Come and teach us the way of prudence.”Anglican Communion:
Prayer Requests:
Friday 18 December
Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, Holy TrinityVicar: The Rev Dr Nick ReadAnglican Communion:Yambio - (Sudan) The Rt Rev Peter Munde YacoubPrayer Requests:
Saturday 19 December
Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St BarnabasPriest-in-Charge: The Rev Tim HideAnglican Communion:Yei - (Sudan) The Rt Rev Hilary Luate Adeba Prayer Requests:
Sunday 20 December
Advent 4Micah 5.2-5aMagnificat Hebrews 10.5-10Luke 1.39-55
Rochester Cathedral
Please pray for the Cathedral at this time of transition as we await the appointment of a new dean.
For the appointment of a Surveyor to the Fabric and a new Fabric Advisory Committee.
For the challenges facing the completion of the Hidden Treasures Fresh Expressions Project and the launch of the Exhibition and Library space.
We give thanks to God for the signs of growth and the fostering of vocations.
Pray also that God will guide us in this next stage of our Mission Plan as we engage with the wider community and the serious issues of homelessness and addiction.
Rochester Diocese: Rochester Cathedral: The Rev Canon Dr Philip Hesketh, Acting Dean.Anglican Communion: Yewa (form. Egbado) - (Lagos, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Michael Adebayo OluwarohunbiPrayer Requests:
Monday 21 December
Rochester Diocese: For those who fear the dark, and those who find Christmas distressing.Anglican Communion:Yirol - (Sudan) The Rt Rev David AkauPrayer Requests:
Tuesday 22 December
Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St GeorgeRector: vacantAnglican Communion:Yokohama - (Japan) The Rt Rev Laurence Yutaka MinabePrayer Requests:
Wednesday 23 December
Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St JamesVicar: The Rev Leon CarberryAnglican Communion:Yola - (Jos, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Markus IbrahmPrayer Requests:
“Lighten our darkness we beseech thee O Lord, and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night, by the love of thy only Son Saviour Jesus Christ.” BCP evening collect 1662
Thursday24 DecemberChristmas Eve
Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St John the BaptistVicar: The Rev Liz LanderAnglican Communion:York - (York, England) The Most Rev & Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu; York - Beverley - (York, England) The Rt Rev Glyn Webster; York - Hull - (York, England) The Rt Rev Alison White; York - Selby - (York, England) The Rt Rev John Bromilow ThomsonYork - Whitby - (York, England) The Rt Rev Paul John FergusonPrayer Requests:
Friday 25 DecemberChristmas Day
Rochester Diocese: For maternity wards, midwives and expectant parents.
Anglican Communion:Ysabel - (Melanesia) The Rev Ellison QuityPrayer Requests:
Saturday 26 DecemberStephen, Deacon, first martyr
Rochester Diocese: For deacons, and those who feed the poor and visit the sick.Anglican Communion:Yukon - (British Columbia & the Yukon, Canada) The Rt Rev Larry David RobertsonPrayer Requests:
Sunday 27 DecemberChristmas 1
John, Apostle and EvangelistExodus 33.7-11aPsalm 1171 John 1John 21.19b-end
Malling DeaneryWe would like prayer for the process of appointment to East Malling, Wateringbury and Teston and want to give thanks for the long and much appreciated ministry of the Rev Jim Brown who has recently retired.Also that we might develop our already good collaborative working and our common mission in the deanery.Give thanks for those newly appointed to the deanery and for the active lay ministries abounding.
Rochester Diocese: Malling Deanery: The Rev Matthew Buchan, Rural Dean; Mr Barry Fisher, Lay Chair.Anglican Communion: Zaki-Biam - ( Abuja, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Benjamin Vager
Prayer Requests:
Monday 28 DecemberThe Holy Innocents
Rochester Diocese: For those destroyed in the crossfire of other people’s ambitionAnglican Communion:Zanzibar - (Tanzania) The Rt Rev Michael HafidhPrayer Requests:
Tuesday 29 DecemberThomas Becket, Archbishop, martyr, 1170
Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St Michael with St AugustinePriest-in-Charge: The Rev Leon CarberryAnglican Communion: Zaria - (Kaduna, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Cornelius Salifu Bello
Prayer Requests:
Wednesday30 December
Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St PaulVicar: The Rev Vince ShortAnglican Communion: Zonkwa - ( Abuja, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Jacob Kwashi
Prayer Requests:
Thursday31 DecemberJohn Wycliffe, reformer, 1384
Rochester Diocese: For those who teach and translate the Scriptures.Anglican Communion: Zululand - (Southern Africa) VacantPrayer Requests:
Friday 1 JanuaryNaming and Circumcision of Jesus
Rochester Diocese: For all those in need of a new start, or who are facing new beginnings with joy or trepidation.Anglican Communion: Aba - (Niger Delta, Nigeria) The Most Rev Ugochukwu EzuokePrayer Requests:
Saturday2 JanuaryBasil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishops, Teachers of the Faith, 379 and 389
Rochester Diocese: Penge, St JohnPriest-in-Charge: The Rev Matthew FitterAnglican Communion: Aba Ngwa North - (Niger Delta, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Nathan Kanu
Prayer Requests:
“O God, enlarge within us the sense of fellowship with all living things, our brothers the animals to whom thou gavest the earth as their home in common with us.” Basil the Great, c.330 - 379
Sunday 3 January
Christmas 2Jeremiah 31.7-14Psalm 147.13-endEphesians 1.3-14John 1.1-18
Orpington DeaneryOrpington Deanery has recently said farewell to the Rev Alison Newman. We give thanks for her faithful ministry among us at St Nicholas, and pray for those seeking to find a new associate minister to join the Farnborough Team. We continue to pray for the newly established Cray Valley Team ministry, and give thanks for the arrival of the Rev Neil Coleman to St Barnabas, Cray.As a Deanery we are seeking ways to work more closely together especially in our dealings with the wider community. We pray for Churches Together groups across the Deanery, and for links with leaders of other denominations. We pray for the work of Bromley Welcare, who have an office at St Barnabas Cray, and who have recently received lottery funding to supplement the generous support of local churches. We pray for their work among families with young children. We also pray for Sharon Baldwin, Executive Director of Orpington 1st (Business Improvement District) and for conversations about how the Churches might get more involved with business and community organisations in the plans for developing Orpington Town Centre.
Rochester Diocese: Orpington Deanery: The Rev John Tranter, Area Dean; Mr Brian Kemp, Lay Chair
Anglican Communion: PRAY for The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia, The Most Rev William Brown Turei Pihopa o Aotearora and Primate and Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia
Prayer Requests:
Monday4 January
Rochester Diocese: Shortlands, St MaryVicar: The Rev Morag FinchAnglican Communion: Abakaliki - (Enugu, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Monday NkwoaguPrayer Requests:
Tuesday5 January
Rochester Diocese: Bickley, St GeorgeVicar: The Rev Richard NormanAnglican Communion: Aberdeen & Orkney - (Scotland) The Rt Rev Dr Robert GilliesPrayer Requests:
Wednesday6 JanuaryEpiphany
Rochester Diocese: For pilgrims and pilgrim shrines.Anglican Communion: O God, who revealed your only Son to the Gentiles by the leading of a star, mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith, may after this life enjoy the splendour of your gracious Godhead, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Prayer Requests:
Thursday7 January
Rochester Diocese: For our brothers and sisters in the Eastern Orthodox traditionsAnglican Communion: The Most Rev Nicholas Okoh Metropolitan & Primate of all Nigeria & Bishop of Abuja
Prayer Requests:
Friday 8 January
Rochester Diocese:Biggin Hill, St MarksVicar: The Rev Alison NewmanAnglican Communion: Abyei - (Sudan) The Rt Rev Michael Deng
Prayer Requests:
Saturday 9 January
Rochester Diocese: Bromley, Christ ChurchVicar: The Rev Iain BroomfieldAnglican Communion: Accra - (Ghana, West Africa) The Rt Rev Dr Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto
Prayer Requests:
Sunday 10 January Epiphany 1
Baptism of ChristIsaiah 43.1-7Psalm 29Acts 8.14-17Luke 3.15-17, 21-22
Sevenoaks DeaneryPlease pray for the three new incumbents who have been instituted in the Sevenoaks Deanery, as they settle into their parishes and into the clergy chapter, bringing new insights into our life together.
Pray too for the Deanery Synod and its membership, looking at mission and vocation issues in Sevenoaks, taking forward and reviewing the Ministry and Mission Plan, as well as encouraging environmental awareness in our parishes and taking practical action on the issue.
In 2016 we will be running short courses for the deanery and planning for Bishop James’ visit
Rochester Diocese: Sevenoaks Deanery: The Rev Canon Mark Griffin, Area Dean; Brigadier Ian Dobbie, Lay Chair.
Anglican Communion: PRAY for The Anglican Church of Australia: The Most Rev Philip Leslie Freier Archbishop of Melbourne & Primate of Australia
Prayer Requests:
Monday 11 JanuaryMary Slessor, missionary, 1915
Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St AndrewPriest-in-Charge: vacantAnglican Communion: Adelaide - (South Australia, Australia) The Most Rev Jeffrey William Driver; Adelaide - (South Australia, Australia) The Rt Rev Christopher McLeod; Bishop for Mission and Evangelism - (Australia) The Rt Rev Tim Harris
Prayer Requests:
Tuesday12 JanuaryAelred of Hexham, Abbot of Rievaulx, 1167;Benedict Biscop, Abbot of Wearmouth, Scholar, 689
Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St John the EvangelistVicar: The Rev Andrew McClellanAnglican Communion: Afikpo - (Enugu, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Paul Uduogu
Prayer Requests:
Wednesday 13 JanuaryHilary, Bishop of Poitiers, Teacher of the Faith, 367
George Fox, Founder of the Society of Friends (the Quakers), 1691
Rochester Diocese: For our brothers and sisters of the Society of Friends.Anglican Communion: Agra - (North India) The Rt Rev Prem Prakash Habil
Prayer Requests:
Thursday14 January
Rochester Diocese: Falconwood, Bishop Ridley, and for the Rev Mark Tariq collated today.Anglican Communion: Aguata - (Niger, Nigeria) The Most Rev Christian Efob; Ahoada - (Niger Delta, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Clement EkpeyePrayer Requests:
Friday15 January
Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St MarkVicar: The Rev Steve VarneyAnglican Communion: Aipo Rongo - (Papua New Guinea) The Rt Rev Dr Nathan Ingen; Suffragan Bishop of Aipo Rongo - (Papua New Guinea) The Rt Rev Denys RirikaPrayer Requests:
Saturday16 January
Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St MaryVicar: The Rev Alan KeelerAnglican Communion: Ajayi Crowther - (Ibadan, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Olugbenga Oduntan
Prayer Requests:
Sunday 17 January
Epiphany 2Isaiah 62.1-5Psalm 36.5-101 Corinthians 12.1-11John 2.1-11
Diocese of KondoaThank you Almighty God for the blessing of our link with Kondoa. Our friends there have taught us so much about the value of relationships, how to worship you and how to love and welcome others with generous hearts. At this time of hunger in Kondoa, we pray for those who are already rationing their families' food and having to make very difficult decisions. Please give us insight into the wider consequences of food shortages and guide our prayer life and actions so that we can do your will in supporting them in their need. We pray Father for there to be good and timely rains over these next few months and that the harvest may be plentiful. Father, please bless Bishop Given and provide him and his Diocese with the people and other resources that will bring stability and sustainability to the Diocese. We pray that you will bring many encouragements to those clergy, church leaders and others who faithfully serve you in tough circumstances. Please protect them as they promote your word and give them your strength and your wisdom.May your church there and here flourish and may your bonds of love bind us always.
Rochester Diocese: Diocese of Kondoa: The Rt Rev Given Gaula, Bishop.
Anglican Communion: PRAY for The Church of Bangladesh: The Most Rev Paul Shishir Sarker Moderator, Church of Bangladesh & Bishop of Dhaka
Prayer Requests:
Monday18 January Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins.Amy Carmichael, spiritual writer, 1951
Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St Peter and St PaulVicar: The Rev Anne JablonskiAnglican Communion: Akoko - (Ondo, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Gabriel Akinbiyi; Akoko Edo - (Bendel, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Jolly Oyekpen
Prayer Requests:
Tuesday19 JanuaryWulfstan, Bishop of Worcester, 1095
Rochester Diocese: Bromley, Holy TrinityVicar: The Rev Roger BristowAnglican Communion: Akot - (Sudan) The Rt Rev Isaac Dhieu Ater
Prayer Requests:
Wednesday20 JanuaryRichard Rolle, spiritual writer, 1349
Rochester Diocese: Bromley Common, St AugustineVicar: The Rev Canon Katrina BarnesAnglican Communion: Akure - (Ondo, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Simeon Borokini
Prayer Requests:
“Jesus, receive my heart,/and bring me to thy love./All my desire thou art.Kindle fire within me,/that I may win to thy love,/and see thy facing blisswhich shall never cease,/in heaven with never an ending.”
Richard Rolle, 1295-1349
Thursday 21 JanuaryAgnes, child martyr at Rome, 304
Rochester Diocese: Bromley Common, St LukePriest-in-Charge: The Rev George CollettAnglican Communion: Alabama - (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev John Sloan; Assistant Bishop of Alabama - (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev Santosh Marray
Prayer Requests:
Friday22 JanuaryVincent of Saragossa, Deacon, 1st martyr of Spain, 304
Rochester Diocese: For parish treasurers, and all who manage Church budgets.Anglican Communion: Alaska - (IX, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev Mark Lattime; Albany - (II, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev William Love
Prayer Requests:
Saturday 23 January
Rochester Diocese:For lay ministers in the Diocese, and those who train and support them.Anglican Communion: Algoma - (Ontario, Canada) The Rt Rev Stephen Andrews
Prayer Requests:
Sunday 24 January Homelessness Sunday
Epiphany 3
Nehemiah 8.1-3, 5-6, 8-10Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 12.12-31aLuke 4.14-21
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity "Called to proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord" (1 Peter 2:9)“Lord Jesus, who prayed that we might all be one, we pray to you for the unity of Christians according to your will, according to your means. May your Spirit enable us to experience the suffering caused by division, to see our sin and to hope beyond all hope.Lord Jesus, you said that everyone will know that we are your disciples if there is love among us. Strengthened by your grace, may we work tirelessly for the visible unity of your Church, so that the Good News that we are called to proclaim will be seen in all our words and deeds.”
Jointly prepared and published by The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity The Commission on Faith and Order of the
World Council of Churches
Rochester Diocese: For the Ecumenical groups of this DioceseCounty Ecumenical Officer: The Rev Chris RuddleAnglican Communion: PRAY for Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil: The Most Rev Francisco De Assis Da Silva Primate of Brazil & Bishop of South-Western Brazil
Prayer Requests:
Monday25 January Conversion of Paul
Rochester Diocese: Chislehurst, Christ ChurchVicar: The Rev Dave JohnstonAnglican Communion:Prayer Requests:
Tuesday 26 JanuaryTimothy and Titus, companions of Paul
Rochester Diocese: For those who minister in a culture that is foreign to them.Anglican Communion: Amazon - (Brazil) The Rt Rev Saulo Mauricio de Barros
Prayer Requests:
Wednesday27 January
Rochester Diocese: Chislehurst, St NicholasRector: The Rev Alan MustoeAnglican Communion: The Most Rev Dr Eliud Wabukala Primate and Archbishop of All Kenya; All Saints Cathedral Diocese - Garissa Missionary Area - (Kenya) The Rt Rev David Mutisya; Suffragan Bishop All Saints Cathedral Diocese - (Kenya) The Rt Rev Cleti Ogeto
Prayer Requests:
“I forget what is behind me and push on to what lies ahead.” Philippians 3.13
Thursday28 JanuaryThomas Aquinas, Priest, Philosopher, Teacher of the Faith, 1274
Rochester Diocese: Chislehurst, the Annunciation Vicar: The Rev Paul FarthingAnglican Communion: Amichi - (Niger, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Ephraim IkeakorPrayer Requests:
Friday 29 January
Rochester Diocese: Hayes, St Mary the VirginRector: The Rev Napoleon JohnAnglican Communion: The Most Rev Pradeep Samantaroy Moderator of CNI & Bishop of Amritsar; Andaman & Car Nicobar Islands - (North India) The Rt Rev Christopher Paul
Prayer Requests:
Saturday30 JanuaryCharles, King and martyr, 1649
Rochester Diocese: KestonRector: The Rev Carol MorrisonAnglican Communion: Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior (formerly Cariboo) - (British Columbia & the Yukon, Canada) The Rt Rev Barbara Jean Andrews
Prayer Requests:
“Bestow upon me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know thee, diligence to seek thee, wisdom to find thee, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Thomas Aquinas, c.1225-74
Sunday 31 January
Epiphany 4
Ezekiel 43.27-44.4Psalm 481 Corinthians 13Luke 2.22-40
Rochester DeaneryPlease pray for the homeless of Medway as we approach the cold winter months. We give thanks for the willingness of the members of our churches to be involved in providing a winter shelter and we pray for those plans to come to fruition.
We give thanks for the spirit of cooperation and openness that is evident as the Chatham congregations work across parish boundaries. We pray for the clarity of future plans for mission in the town of Chatham.
We are thankful for all the outreach events such as The Arts Cafe, Christmas Tree Festival and all other seasonal events. We pray for all those whose lives will be touched, particularly of those who may never have been to a church before and for those who have not been to a church in a long time.
The Magpie Centre (next to All Saints’ Church in Chatham) is now open. We give thanks for everyone who has worked hard to make this possible and also for all who will come through the doors in the coming months.
We remember in our prayers all those in the Hospice, for the staff, volunteers and for all who minister there.Rochester Diocese: Rochester Deanery: The Rev Canon Penny Foreman, Area Dean; Mr Rob Mills, Lay Chair.Anglican Communion: PRAY for The Anglican Church of Burundi; The Most Rev Bernard Ntahoturi Archbishop of the Province of Burundi & Bishop of Matana
Prayer Requests:
Monday1 FebruaryBrigid, abbess, c.525
Rochester Diocese: Barnehurst, St MartinVicar: The Rev Gareth BowenAnglican Communion: Angola (Missionary Diocese) - (Southern Africa) The Rt Rev Andre SoaresPrayer Requests:
Tuesday2 FebruaryThe Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)
Rochester Diocese: For the diocesan Baptism Day, and all who nurture the faith of catechumens. Anglican Communion: Ankole - (Uganda) The Rt Rev Sheldon Mwesigwa
Prayer Requests:
Wednesday 3 FebruaryAnskar, Archbishop of Hamburg, Missionary in Denmark and Sweden, 865
Rochester Diocese: Belvedere, All SaintsVicar: The Rev Jane EdwardsAnglican Communion: Antananarivo - (Indian Ocean) The Rt Rev Samoela Jaona Ranarivelo; Antananarivo - Tulear - (Indian Ocean) The Rt Rev Todd Andrew McGregor
Prayer Requests:
“I have a sin of fear, that when I’ve spunMy last thread, I shall perish on the shore;Swear by thyself that at my death thy SonShall shine - as he shines now, and heretofore;And, having done that, thou hast done,I fear no more.” John Donne, 1573-1631
Thursday4 FebruaryGilbert of Sempringham, Founder of the Gilbertine Order, 1189
Rochester Diocese: Belvedere, St Augustine of CanterburyVicar: The Rev Clive JonesAnglican Communion: Antsiranana - (Indian Ocean) The Rt Rev Theophile Botomazava
Prayer Requests:
Friday5 February
Rochester Diocese:Bexleyheath, Christ Church Vicar: The Rev Trevor WyattAnglican Communion: The Most Rev William Brown Turei Pihopa o Aotearora and Primate and Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia Aotearoa - Central North Island - (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia) The Rt Rev Ngarahu Katene; Aotearoa - Northern Region - (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia) The Rt Rev Te Kitohi Wiremu Pikaahu; Aotearoa - South Island - (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia) The Rt Rev John Robert Kuru Gray; Aotearoa - Wellington/Taranaki - (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia) The Rt Rev Muru Walters
Prayer Requests:
Saturday 6 FebruaryThe Martyrs of Japan, 1597;Accession of Queen Elizabeth the II, 1952
Rochester Diocese: For Queen Elizabeth II and those who serve the national church.Anglican Communion: Argentina - (South America) The Rt Rev Gregory James Venables
Prayer Requests:
Sunday 7 February
Sunday next before LentExodus 34.29-endPsalm 992 Corinthians 3.12-4.29.28-43a
65 Maidstone RoadThe vision for 65 Maidstone Road is to support and nourish the Church and its workers through offering a space for people to seek God and reflect on their experiences. Give thanks for the good will that has already been shown towards the project, and the many resources – time, labour, funds, furniture – that have generously been given to bring it to fruition.Please pray for the nascent community as it lays the foundations for what is to come, and serve the people coming to Maidstone Road.Pray for the day groups who are already using the ground floor facilities. Pray too for the reordering of the attic into a retreat space for overnight guests.
Rochester Diocese: Companions of Christ: Convenor: The Rev Canon Susanne CarlssonAnglican Communion: PRAY for The Anglican Church of Canada: The Most Rev Frederick Hiltz Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada
Prayer Requests:
Monday 8 February
Rochester Diocese: Bexleyheath, St PeterVicar: The Rev Jim CharlesAnglican Communion: Argyll & The Isles - (Scotland) The Rt Rev Kevin Pearson
Prayer Requests:
Tuesday9 February
Rochester Diocese: Bostall Heath, St AndrewVicar: The Rev Sulaiman ShahzadAnglican Communion: Arizona - (IX, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev Kirk SmithPrayer Requests:
Wednesday10 FebruaryAsh Wednesday
Rochester Diocese: For all penitents, burdened by the weight of their sin.Anglican Communion: Arkansas - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev Larry Benfield
Prayer Requests:
Thursday11 February
Rochester Diocese: Crayford, St PaulinusRector: The Rev Canon Anthony LaneAnglican Communion: Armidale - (New South Wales, Australia) The Rt Rev Richard Lewers
Prayer Requests:
Friday12 February
Rochester Diocese:Erith, Christ Church Vicar: The Rev Julie ConaltyAnglican Communion: Arochukwu/Ohafia - (Aba, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Johnson Onuoha; Asaba - (Bendel, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Justus Mogekwu
Prayer Requests:
Saturday13 February
Rochester Diocese: Erith, St John the BaptistVicar: The Rev Rob RadcliffeAnglican Communion: Aru - (Congo) The Rt Rev Dr Georges Titre Ande
Prayer Requests:
Sunday14 February Valentine, Martyr at Rome, c.269
Lent 1
Deuteronomy 26.1-11Psalm 91.1-11Romans 10.8b-13Luke 4.1-13
Rochester ArchdeaconryGive thanks for the willingness of the north Gillingham churches to work together in discerning the needs and opportunities of mission in the locality and pray for a good resourcing of the work that emerges.
Please pray for the generous leading of God in our witness and social action in Chatham town centre. There are multiple issues to reconcile and those involved need special wisdom to identify what God is calling them to do and how to get there.
As housing is built in the new Ebbsfleet development, please pray that the Diocese would use its resources wisely in establishing a lasting witness in an area where the population could grow by up to 50,000 people. Please pray also for an early and creative engagement with the Paramount London theme park on the Swanscombe peninsula.
Rochester Diocese: Rochester Archdeaconry, The Venerable Simon Burton Jones, Archdeacon.Anglican Communion: PRAY for The Church of the Province of Central Africa
The Most Rev Albert Chama Archbishop of Central Africa & Bishop of Northern Zambia
Prayer Requests:
Monday 15 FebruarySigfrid, Bishop, 1045;Thomas Bray, priest, founder of SPCK and SPG, 1730
Rochester Diocese: For the Mission and Community Engagement Team.Director: The Rev Canon Jean KerrAnglican Communion: Asante-Mampong - (Ghana, West Africa) The Rt Rev Dr Cyril Ben-Smith
Prayer Requests:
Tuesday16 February
Rochester Diocese: Northumberland Heath, St PaulVicar: The Rev Clive Beazley-LongAnglican Communion: Athabasca - (Rupert's Land, Canada) The Rt Rev Fraser Lawton
Prayer Requests:
Wednesday17 FebruaryJanani Luwum, Archbishop of Uganda, Martyr, 1977Ember Day
Rochester Diocese: For those who fear to confess their vocation.Anglican Communion: Atlanta - (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev Robert C Wright
Prayer Requests:
“For those who are weak in faith,Give them courage.For those who search for you,Give them courage.For those who long to speak of you,Give them courage.” Scottish Episcopal Church
Thursday18 February
Rochester Diocese: Slade Green, St AugustineVicar: The Rev Ann TarperAnglican Communion: Attooch - (Sudan) The Rt Rev Moses Anur Ayom
Prayer Requests:
Friday19 FebruaryEmber Day
Rochester Diocese: For all those discerning vocations, and those having their vocation examined.Anglican Communion: Auckland - (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia) The Rt Rev Ross Bay
Prayer Requests:
Saturday20 February Ember Day
Rochester Diocese:For diversity among those called to minister in this diocese.Anglican Communion: Aweil - (Sudan) The Rt Rev Abraham Yel Nhial
Prayer Requests:
“Jesus Christ, Son of God, make yourself known through me. Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, speak through me to others.”
Episcopal Church of the United States of America
Sunday 21 February
Lent 2Genesis 15.1-12, 17-18Psalm 27Philippians 3.17-4.1Luke 13.31-end
Sidcup DeaneryPlease pray for:Deanery Synod as we discuss “hot topics” within each parish.Inspiration for 2016 programme of events.Our Advent and Christmas Services in schools, care homes, and church.Those who work in our schools, especially governors and chaplains.PCC’s, Churchwardens, and those who volunteer within our congregations.Those who enhance the music of our services, especially choirs and worship groups.Those who stand on Diocesan Synod as representatives of our Deanery.The Licensed Lay Ministers and Clergy serving this DeaneryRochester Diocese: Sidcup deanery: The Rev Colin Terry, Area Dean; Mrs Madeleine Waggett, Lay Chair.Anglican Communion: PRAY for Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America: The Most Rev Sturdie Downs Primate of IARCA & Bishop of Nicaragua
Prayer Requests:
Monday 22 February
Rochester Diocese: Welling, St John the EvangelistVicar: The Rev Adam Foot Anglican Communion:
Prayer Requests:
Tuesday 23 FebruaryPolycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr, c.155
Rochester Diocese: For all those whose loyalty to Christ is being tested, or who doubt Christ’s faithfulness to them.Anglican Communion: Awgu / Aninri - (Niger, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Emmaunuel Ugwu
Prayer Requests:
Wednesday24 February
Rochester Diocese: Chelsfield, St Martin of ToursRector: The Rev John Tranter
Anglican Communion: Awka - (Niger, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Alexander Ibezim; Awori - (Lagos, Nigeria) The Rt Rev J Akin Atere
Prayer Requests:
Thursday 25 February
Rochester Diocese: Cray, St BarnabasVicar: The Rev Neil Coleman
Anglican Communion: Ayod - (Sudan) The Rt Rev Thomas Tut
Prayer Requests:
Friday 26 February
Rochester Diocese: Cray ValleyVicar: The Rev Paul PrenticeAnglican Communion: Badagry - (Lagos, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Joseph Adeyemi
Prayer Requests:
Saturday 27 FebruaryGeorge Herbert, Priest, Poet, 1633
Rochester Diocese:For farmers, and those who work in the countryside.
Anglican Communion: Ballarat - (Victoria, Australia) The Rt Rev Garry Weatherill
Prayer Requests:
“Teach me, my God and King,in all things thee to see,and what I do in anythingto do it as for thee. “ George Herbert 1593-1633
Sunday 28 February
Lent 3
Isaiah 55.1-9Psalm 63.1-91 Corinthians 10.1-13Luke 13.1-9
Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church
We thank you Father for the blessing of our partnership with the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church. In particular at this time, we pray for Archbishop Urmas Vilma, as his first year in office draws to a close, for the clergy and all who serve the Church in Estonia.
We thank you for the growing number of friendships we enjoy with the EELK and seek your blessing that these friendships grow deeper and flourish.
We ask for your blessing on the preparations and for the Clergy Conference that takes place on 19 and 20 January and thank you that Bishop James and others from our diocese are able to share that celebration with them.
Rochester Diocese: Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church: Archbishop Urmas Viilma
Anglican Communion: PRAY for Province de L'Eglise Anglicane Du Congo: The Most Rev Kahwa Henri Isingoma Archbishop of the Congo & Bishop of Kinshasa
Prayer Requests:
Monday 29 February
Rochester Diocese: Crofton, St PaulVicar: The Rev Canon Bimbi Abayomi-Cole
Anglican Communion: Bangor - (Wales) The Rt Rev Andrew John
Prayer Requests:
Tuesday1 MarchDavid, Bishop of Menevia, patron of Wales, c.601
Rochester Diocese: Cudham, St Peter and St Paul, and Downe, St Mary MagdalenVicar: The Rev John Musson
Anglican Communion: Banks & Torres - (Melanesia) The Rt Rev Alfred Worek
Prayer Requests:
Wednesday 2 MarchChad, Bishop of Lichfield, Missionary, 672
Rochester Diocese: Farnborough, St Giles the Abbot and St NicholasRector: The Rev Matthew Hughes
Anglican Communion: Bari - (Kaduna, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Idris Zubairu
Prayer Requests:
Thursday 3 March
Rochester Diocese: For conservationists and those who care for wildlife.
Anglican Communion: Barrackpore - (North India) The Rt Rev Brojen Malakar
Prayer Requests:
Friday 4 March
Rochester Diocese: Green Street Green, St Marys and Pratt’s bottom, All SoulsVicar: The Rev Karl CarpaniAnglican Communion: Bath & Wells - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Rev Peter Hancock; Bath & Wells - Taunton - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Rev Ruth Worsley
Prayer Requests:
Saturday5 March
Rochester Diocese: Orpington, All SaintsVicar: The Rev Brian McHenryAnglican Communion: Bathurst - (New South Wales, Australia) The Rt Rev Ian Palmer
Prayer Requests:
Sunday 6 MarchMothering Sunday
Lent 4
Joshua 5.9-12Psalm 322 Corinthians 5.16-endLuke 15.1-3, 11b-32
Mothering SundayMothering Sunday is a joyful day for many, the day to delight in mothers and maternal figures; but it can also be a day difficult to handle by some: by people who have a complex relationship with their mother; by women who long to be mothers; or who have lost their children either through death, adoption, or a breakdown in the relationship. All these groups need special prayer today.Mothering Sunday is also a day we can reflect on the feminine in God. (There are several points in the scriptures, and in the writings of the Church, in which God is described with feminine imagery.) Weary from the demands of this world, we can rest in the lap of our Heavenly Mother, and in the strength of her care, we can care for others.Mother Church is another focus of thanksgiving for this day, both in terms of structure (cathedral churches, minster churches and churches that have sent out church plants) and in the imagery of the wider church who nurtures us, and feeds our faith.
Rochester Diocese: For Mothers’ Union and other groups supporting family life.
Anglican Communion: PRAY for the Church of England: The Most Rev and Rt Hon Justin Welby Archbishop of Canterbury
Prayer Requests:
Monday 7 MarchPerpetua, Felicity and their Companions, Martyrs at Carthage, 203
Rochester Diocese: Orpington, Christ ChurchVicar: The Rev Jay ColwillAnglican Communion: Bauchi - (Jos, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Musa Tula
Prayer Requests:
Tuesday 8 MarchEdward King, bishop, 1910;Phoenix, Bishop, 647;Geoffrey Stoddart Kennedy (Woodbine Willie), priest, poet, 1929
Rochester Diocese: For the chaplains in the Diocese.Anglican Communion: Belize - (West Indies) The Rt Rev Philip Wright
Prayer Requests:
Wednesday 9 March
Rochester Diocese: Petts Wood, St FrancisVicar: The Rev Robert Lane
Anglican Communion: Bendigo - (Victoria, Australia) The Rt Rev Andrew William Curnow
Prayer Requests:
“O most courageous and blessed martyrs! Truly they were called and chosen for the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord! All you who seek to magnify and adore the glory of Christ should read the story of these new witnesses… For these new manifestations of virtue testify that the same Holy Spirit is working among us now.” From a contemporary account of the martyrdom of Perpetua, Felicity
and their companions at Carthage 203.AD
Thursday10 March
Rochester Diocese: Bexley, St John the Evangelist and St Mary the VirginTeam Rector: The Rev Scott LambAnglican Communion: Benin - (Bendel, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Peter Imasuen
Prayer Requests:
Friday11 March
Rochester Diocese: Blendon, St James the GreatVicar: The Rev Andrea Ward
Anglican Communion: Bethlehem - (III, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Rev Dr Paul Marshall
Prayer Requests:
Saturday12 March
Rochester Diocese: Footscray, All Saints, with North Cray, St JamesPriest-in-Charge: the Rev Paul KeownAnglican Communion: Bhopal - (North India) The Rt Revd Robert AliPrayer Requests: