A Note from the Dean - Wednesday 25 March

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has called on people to recite the Lord’s Prayer this week to pray for an end to the outbreak at 11 am (UK time).

He tweeted (25/3/20): ‘I’ll be praying the Lord’s Prayer with Pope Francis and millions around the world today.

Please join us wherever you are. Prayer unites us in testing times.

Pope Francis tweeted: ‘We want to respond to the virus pandemic with the universality of prayer, compassion and tenderness. Let us stay united.

‘I invite all Christians to direct their voices together toward Heaven, reciting the Our Father on Wednesday, 25 March, at noon.

Wherever we are in Hereford – most likely in our homes, please do pause  and remember all caught up in this present crisis – the sick, those in caring professions, all whose lives are being disrupted, our loved ones, those far from us.

Today is the Feast of the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel told Mary she was to be the mother of Jesus Christ.  It is a feast which looks forward – forward to Christmas. And today, we’re looking forward – God willing long before Christmas, but to the time when this pandemic has run its course and life and normality can return.

So, do remember to pray at noon today:

       Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done;

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation;

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the glory.

for ever and ever.

Amen.