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 – Lindsay@Rochester.Anglican.org 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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: