YEAR OF PRAYER 2023

Wherever we are on our journey in faith, prayer is a significant part of it. Prayer is for everyone, and everyone can pray.

As part of living out our values in every corner of our diocese, Bishop Richard has called us all to join in a Year of Prayer in 2023. This invitation is offered to explore different ways of praying, there are activities to join in and opportunities to create your own prayers and prayer activities either as a church or as part of a small group, or in the quiet of your home.

We hope through prayerful engagement across many communities, villages and towns of our diocese that lives will be transformed and that more people will come to know Jesus Christ.

Please do reflect on these prayers offered by members of our community here at Hereford Cathedral, and contributions from local Schools.

This prayer is offered for those who may wish to pray for the current situation in the Middle East:

In Psalm 122, King David extols us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. The Diocese of Jerusalem invites us to do just that. They have produced and shared this Litany for Peace in the Holy Land. They are asking churches and Christians around the world to use it in their prayers.

The litany has evolved out of prayers said daily in the Cathedral Church of St George-the-Martyr in Jerusalem, as a result of the tensions, violence, paranoia and fear that swept through Jerusalem eight years ago; and is now again sweeping through the Holy Land, and which is continuing to affect the entire region.

The Diocese of Jerusalem is actively engaged in reconciliation and peace-building efforts and is often seen as a bridge between Israelis and Palestinians.

Litany for Peace in the Holy Land

O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, 


Have mercy upon us.



O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,


Have mercy upon us.



O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,


Grant us your peace.


Lord, have mercy.


Christ, have mercy.


Lord, have mercy.



Heavenly Father, we thank you for the birth in Bethlehem of the Word made flesh, your Son, Jesus Christ; who dwelt among us full of grace and truth.

For your love and your goodness
We give you thanks, O God



We thank you for his life; his death here in Jerusalem as he carried our sins and suffering, and for his glorious Resurrection in which he gave us new life with him.

For your love and your goodness
We give you thanks, O God



We thank you for entrusting to us the ministry of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace-making for the healing of your creation.

For your love and your goodness
We give you thanks, O God



We pray for all victims of bloodshed, violence, and persecution. We especially pray for all in danger and those fleeing persecution in the Holy Land, and throughout the Middle East.

Lord, hear our prayer
And let our cry come unto you



We pray for all who grieve for those they have loved and lost as a result of violence, particularly those grieving in Palestine and Israel.

Lord, hear our prayer
And let our cry come unto you



We pray for the Holy Spirit to guide all leaders, especially on those who lead the peoples in the Land of the Holy One, the United Nations and upon all in authority, so Your people may seek ways of peace and justice.

Lord, hear our prayer
And let our cry come unto you



Heavenly Father, we praise and glorify you. You are our only refuge in a troubled world.

Lord, hear our prayer
And let our cry come unto you



The Lord be with you.


And also with you.



 Let us pray.

 

Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: 
Give to us and the people of all the nations a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that all of your people may use their liberty in accordance with your gracious will; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. 
Amen.