Diocese Prayer Run: Days 2 & 3
The Diocese Prayer run is a 120km route stretching from the north of the diocese to the south. The run is taking place over the 21st – 26th October and is an opportunity to pray for Living Hope in the city, towns and villages of Nottinghamshire and beyond. Each day is split into a number of 5km and 10km runs that people can join, as well as prayer meetings at over 20 churches across the diocese.
Day 2: St Swithun’s Retford to St Martin’s Ranby
At the start of each day of the run, the team set off from where it finished the day before. On Day 2 we set off from St Swithun’s Retford after such an encouraging time there the day before. Alastair, Jane and Reuben joined the runners as they set off on a beautiful path along the canal, praying for Retford as they went, taking a moment to pray for the prison which they were running alongside. Along the way there was even a field of pigs and Reuben prophetically prayed for any demons to be cast out (see Matthew 8:28-34). On the run to Ranby, Gary explained how he hadn’t been able to contact anyone from the church, so didn’t think anyone would be there but they would pray outside the church nonetheless. As they ran, they prayed that they would bump into someone from the church, and as they came off the canal path and down the hill towards the church, there was a man out front waving. Paul from St Martin’s asked, “Are you the diocese prayer runners? We’ve been expecting you, welcome!” What followed was such a special time of prayer and sung worship together, as well as some much needed refreshments including shortbread!
Day 2: St Martin’s Ranby to Christ Church Worksop
Gary and Jacob took the next leg of the day towards Christ Church Worksop along the canals and over the fields. It was a challenge for Gary at that point of the journey, but they pushed on through, praying as they went. When they made it to Christ Church they were greeted by the lovely team there and there was an opportunity to pray for Jenni, the new vicar who has recently started there, with a fresh vision for the church.
Day 2: Christ Church Worksop to St Anne’s Worksop
At this point in the journey Gary and Jacob were joined by Andy Bishop, a former British triathlete, and also Emily Charkham, Bishop’s Chaplain. They prayed the runner’s liturgy as they set out, and ran with Andy and Emily down through Worksop. Andy is a native to Worksop so he guided and talked through the history and encouraged different points of prayer. There was a special opportunity getting to stop off at Andy’s business, a cycling shop, and pray outside there. After that the team finished the day at St Anne’s Worksop. During the time of prayer there was a wonderful picture shared of people flooding into the church, and also a flood of runners over this week blessing the diocese. And that was the end of day 2!
Day 3: St Anne’s Worksop to St Winifred’s Holbeck
On Wednesday the team set off from St Anne’s Worksop for what was going to be the longest day of the prayer run in terms of distance covered. There was a short time of prayer outside the church, again including the runner’s liturgy, before Gary, Jacob, Andy, and Andy’s dog, Xena, set off towards St Winifred’s Holbeck. Andy led them on a scenic route, passing through the grounds of the Welbeck Estate, praying as they ran. The runners were greeted at the beautiful church of St Winifred’s by Nigel, who is a curate in the parish, as well as Amanda Lees (Bishop’s Office) and her son, Roland, who were to join them on the next leg. Nigel shared some of the history of the church, and the group had a time of prayer. Nigel had talked about the amazing acoustics in the church, and so Amanda closed the time of prayer with a beautiful version of a song for Mary, mother of Jesus – it was a really special moment in this peaceful place of worship.
Day 3: St Winifred’s Holbeck to St Peter & St Paul Warsop
Andy finished his journey with the team in Holbeck, as Amanda and Roland joined the runners for the journey from Holbeck to Warsop. This was a 6km route along country paths and a main road. As the runners approached Warsop, they saw the church on top of the hill, and were greeted by Jake Hyatt (curate in Mansfield), who was joining for the final leg of the day. The team arrived at St Peter & St Paul’s Warsop just in time to meet the verger. She shared some of story of the church, as well as some points for prayer, including for the appointment of a new Rector. We had a wonderful time of prayer and worship, before heading out for the final stretch towards St John’s Mansfield.
Day 3: St Peter & St Paul Warsop to St John’s Mansfield
Jake, Jacob and Gary ran the final 10km along the main road through Mansfield Woodhouse towards the centre of Mansfield. Jake is from Mansfield Woodhouse and so shared some its story along the way. The runners took a quick detour to stop off at St Edmunds’ The Stable Centre cafe, and prayed with the team there, before heading to St John’s Mansfield. At St John’s the team were greeted by vicar, Chris, and a few member of the church, as they prayed for the town of Mansfield and the ministry of the parish.
It’s been such a great week so far, and such a pleasure to be able to pray with and for churches all over the diocese. The full route is available here for the coming days. Look out for another update towards the end of the week.
If you’ve been enjoying following along, we’d love to invite you to join us in a celebration at the final stop on Saturday at 1pm at St John’s Stanford-on-Soar. Come and cheer the runners as they complete the 120km route and celebrate all that has happened throughout the week.
Contact us at comms@southwell.anglican.org if you’re interested in running, joining a prayer meeting, or feel free to send a message of encouragement for those running!