Author: Laura Frank

The first ‘quiet day’ of the week, with no feast day. Take a few minutes today to be thankful for things that can be celebrated from the last week. We remember those who have not been able to see family and friends as they have been caring for others and serving in the emergency services. We also pray for The Diocese of Bondo (The Anglican Church of Kenya).

ST THOMAS BECKET (Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr) Today we commemorate another martyr. We give thanks for Thomas’s gift of faith and pray for Justin Welby, his successor. We also pray for The Diocese of Bolivia (The Anglican Church of South America).

THE HOLY INNOCENTS This sombre commemoration of the death of the young is a sharp counterpoint to the celebration of new birth. Please pray today for those who are victims of aggression. We also pray for The Diocese of Boga (Province de L’Eglise Anglicane Du Congo).

ST JOHN (Apostle & Evangelist) ‘The Word was made flesh and dwelt Among Us’. With these words John acclaims, the Incarnation of God and Man. Today, we are thankful for John’s gift and for all evangelists in the Church. Pray for Christians in other denominations and the work of the ecumenical movement. We also pray for The Diocese of Bo (The Church of the Province of West Africa).

ST STEPHEN'S DAY (Deacon, Martyr) Today we recall the first Christian martyr. Someone will lose their life today because they proclaim Christ. In the midst of celebrations, take a moment today to reflect upon this and pray for those who do not count the cost in being a sacrificial offering. We also pray for The Diocese of Blackburn (The Church of England).

CHRISTMAS DAY The greatest birth in history is celebrated today. We pray for all Christians across the world with whom we have links as the Saviour of the world is acclaimed. O Come Let Us Adore Him! Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and the People of Bethlehem. We also pray for The Diocese of Birmingham (The Church of England).

CHRISTMAS EVE As we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we pray for ourselves that we might invite Him to be born again in us as we Grow as Disciples. We also pray for The Episcopal Church in the Philippines.

Today we pray for all those attending Christmas services, especially for those who don’t usually attend church. We also pray for The Diocese of Biharamulo (The Anglican Church of Tanzania).

Today we pray for those who work in hospitality around our diocese at this busy time of year. We also pray for The Diocese of Bida (The Church of Nigeria).

Today we pray for those who are lonely and isolated over the Christmas period. We also pray for The Diocese of Bhopal (The Church of North India).