The Bishop of Chester has joined the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and other senior church leaders in inviting Christians across the nation to participate in the month of prayer as the second lockdown in England comes into force.
Throughout the month, Christians will be encouraged to pray daily for a specific area of national concern, wherever they are, culminating into a collective moment of prayer at 6pm each evening, with cathedrals and churches across the country invited to ring a bell at this time.
Christians will be encouraged to follow a simple seven-day prayer cycle, praying for a specific area each day including the NHS and frontline workers, the bereaved, and those struggling with physical and mental ill-health, and for children and young people.
Prayers and other resources will be shared on social media with the hashtag #PrayerForTheNation.
The prayer call has the support of senior church leaders and is also being supported by the House of Bishops.
Bishop Mark says: "Prayer is both a duty and a joy. I love that insight. What greater privilege could we have than to bring the world before Christ and seek his blessing? And what higher responsibility do we have than to pray for our neighbours, communities, and nation.
"The thing about prayer is that you don’t have to be good at it, fired up for it, or go on about it… you just have to give it a go and God does the rest. Prayer makes a massive difference, and it is our privileged calling. Join me in #PrayerForTheNation this month if you can."
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said that in the face of feeling powerless and anxious, prayer is a gift: "Prayer is my first response when I feel out of my depth, when I need help, when I am worried, when I am concerned for those I love. It is a gift that God gives to all - whether you are a regular pray-er or not - bring your cares and the cares of the nation to God. For God loves and hears and holds. Prayer changes things.”
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said prayer changes us: “We can pray and invite God to change us, giving us the solace, strength and comfort we need for the difficult winter that is ahead of us. Let’s pray together at this difficult time.”
A selection of resources to suit Christians from across all denominations and traditions, and those exploring faith at this challenging time, will be made available on the Church of England website to guide prayer during this period.
Cathedrals will ring a bell as a call to prayer for the nation throughout the month.