Join in with our prayers below and click on links to see video or audio that has been sent from all people across CofE Birmingham.
We also have a printable version to download here.
Wednesday 1 January
The Naming and Circumcision of Jesus
Gracious God, we come before you seeking renewal in the new year.
Renew our minds, our hearts, and our spirits. May we be transformed by the power of your Holy Spirit, leaving behind the old and embracing the new that you have in store for us.
We lift up to you, our loved ones, our communities, and the world. May your peace reign in our hearts and in the hearts of all people. Bring healing where there is brokenness and reconciliation where there is division.
Amen
Thursday 2 January
Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishops, Teachers of the Faith, 379 and 389
Almighty Lord,
We thank you for all those who contribute to this, our diocesan prayer cycle.
Bless their faithfulness and may their words continue to inspire and draw others closer to you.
Amen
Friday 3 January
Heavenly Father, as Advent concludes, may your peace fill every heart touched by 'Snap and Seek' and 'Calm and Bright.'
Inspire all to seek refuge in local churches, reflecting on the joys that bring calm and light.
Amen
Saturday 4 January
World Braille Day
Dear Lord, on World Braille Day, we celebrate the gift of accessibility and understanding.
Inspire us to foster inclusion and awareness for the talents of those who live without sight.
Amen
Sunday 5 January
Today is Epiphany Sunday,
The Collect of the day,
Almighty God,
in the birth of your Son
you have poured on us the new light of your incarnate Word,
and shown us the fullness of your love:
help us to walk in his light and dwell in his love
that we may know the fullness of his joy;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen
Monday 6 January
The Epiphany
Heavenly Father,
We pray for teachers and children returning to school after their break.
Grant them renewed energy, hope, and joy in learning.
May classrooms be places of growth, kindness, and inspiration, guided by Your love and wisdom.
Amen
Tuesday 7 January
Today we pray the CofE prayer for peace,
Almighty God,
from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed:
kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace
and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom
those who take counsel for the nations of the earth
that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward,
till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen
Wednesday 8 January
Gracious God, we thank you that Birmingham diocese's Net Zero Carbon by 2030 Action Plan was approved at Diocesan Synod in November and ask for guidance for churches and schools as they look to play their part in achieving it.
Amen
Thursday 9 January
Loving God,
We pray for those struggling with mental health.
Bring them hope, peace, and light in Jesus.
Remind them you are always near, even in dark times,
and that brighter days will come.
Amen
Friday 10 January
William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1645
National Cut Your Energy Costs Day
Lord, we are reminded to check homes for leaks, draughts, and other hidden places we may be wasting energy in our properties. We pray that we may spot where improvements can be made, and that this may help to reduce bills. Amen
Saturday 11 January
Mary Slessor, Missionary in West Africa, 1915
Canon Claire Laland, Malawi Task Group, invites us to pray for those in Malawi affected by the heavy rains.
Dear Lord, the rains have devastated much infrastructure in Malawi. Many children are affected as a large number of schools have lost their roof and it is difficult to find anywhere to shelter. We also pray for the strength and guidance of those who are working tirelessly to assist those in distress, granting them resilience and compassion in their efforts.
Amen
Sunday 12 January
Aelred of Hexham, Abbot of Rievaulx, 1167
Plough Sunday
Blessed are you, Lord God, for providing us with fertile land, water, light, and the skills to cultivate it. May the plough be a symbol of your promises, prospering our work and yielding abundant crops to share. Blessed be God, now and forever.
Amen
Monday 13 January
Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, Teacher of the Faith, 367
Heavenly Father, we pray that you would bless our churches and worship groups in CofEB and help us to build strong and nurturing relationships with one another. Help us to be mindful of the needs of others, to offer support when it is needed, and to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. Amen
Tuesday 14 January
Dear God, we ask you to bless our efforts to establish oversight areas and ministers, guiding them with wisdom and strength to lead sustainably, fostering flourishing ministries and ministers for your glory.
Amen
Wednesday 15 January
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for our frontline workers, for their courage, hard work, and care for others.
Bless them with strength, peace, and protection as they serve.
Surround them with your love and grace each day.
Amen
Thursday 16 January
Gracious God,
We give thanks for your chaplains, guide and protect them and magnify your grace in them.
Through your chaplains bring hope and joy and provide them with words of comfort and truth.
May they effuse the peace that comes only from you.
Amen
Friday 17 January
Antony of Egypt, Hermit, Abbot, 356
We are invited to pray for Warley & Edgbaston CFME
Dear Lord, guide our parishes, in welcoming new children and families, nurturing their faith, and creating vibrant pathways to worship and discipleship, aligned with your divine purpose.
Amen
Saturday 18 January
Amy Carmichael, Founder of the Dohnavur Fellowship, spiritual writer, 1951
John Nightingale, Footsteps, invites us to pray,
Let us lament the lack of real progress last year at COP16 (Biodiversity) and COP 29 (climate) - where the funding committed to developing countries was well below what they need to decarbonise their economies, and no progress was made on the commitment to transition away from fossil fuels; we also lament the failure of the recent plastics conference to agree on a cap on virgin plastic production. Let us pray for the countries of the world to come forward with ambitious revised carbon cutting commitments ahead of COP30 in Belem, Brazil, and for negotiators to persevere in pushing for meaningful action.
Amen
Sunday 19 January
Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester, 1095
Dear God, we thank you for the transport systems in Birmingham and our region that connect our city and people. We appreciate the safety and convenience they provide, enabling us to travel with ease, may these systems continue to run smoothly, and have the resourcing they need, fostering unity and accessibility for all.
Amen
Monday 20 January
Richard Rolle of Hampole, Spiritual Writer, 1349
Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
God of justice and peace,
We thank you for Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of unity and equality.
Guide us to respect the dignity of all people, embrace equity, and work together for progress, harmony, and lasting peace.
Amen
Tuesday 21 January
Agnes, Child Martyr at Rome, 304
Prayer today is inspired by this image taken of Lickey church.
We do not always have to pray with words. If there is someone you want to pray for, visualize that person in your mind and heart, and offer them to God in this way. Envision people and situations, songs or photos as heartfelt prayers.
Wednesday 22 January
Vincent of Saragossa, Deacon, first Martyr of Spain, 304
Loving God, envelop those who are housebound in your love and comfort.
Grant them peace, joy, and connection, and may they feel your presence.
Amen
Thursday 23 January
Lord, we lift up Revd Canon Esther Prior as she prepares for her new role as Bishop of Aston. Grant her strength, wisdom, and peace, and bless her and her family in this new journey. Amen
Friday 24 January
Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, Teacher of the Faith, 1622
Today Parliament is due to debate the Climate and Nature Bill.
Lord, we ask that the MPs who have said they will support the bill and debate, will enter the House and vote for it. We pray for wisdom and cooperation among nations as we unite to combat climate change.
Amen
Saturday 25 January
The Conversion of Paul
Dear God, we seek your guidance for those without paid work. Grant them strength, clarity, and opportunities. May they find fulfilling paths that bring joy and purpose, and be surrounded by support in their journey.
Amen
Sunday 26 January
Timothy and Titus, Companions of Paul
International Environmental Education Day, 
Loving Creator,
We give thanks for the beauty and wonder of your creation.
Guide us to learn and teach about its fragility.
Inspire us to protect the earth, honour its gifts, and nurture future generations.
Amen
Monday 27 January
Holocaust Memorial Day
Loving God, we come to you with heavy hearts, remembering the six million Jewish souls murdered during the Holocaust.
In the horrors of that history, when so many groups were targeted because of their identity, and in genocides which followed, we recognise destructive prejudices that drive people apart.
Forgive us when we give space to fear, negativity and hatred of others, simply because they are different from us.
In the light of God, we see everyone as equally precious manifestations of the Divine, and can know the courage to face the darkness.
Through our prayers and actions, help us to stand together with those who are suffering, so that light may banish all darkness, love will prevail over hate and good will triumph over evil.
Amen
Tuesday 28 January
Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Philosopher, Teacher of the Faith, 1274
Prayer today is inspired by Psalm 51:12,
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.
Wednesday 29 January
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the diverse communities in CofE Birmingham.
Help us unite in love, learning from each other and offering grace.
We are grateful for the uniqueness you have given us, and may our differences draw us closer to you and one another.
Amen
Thursday 30 January
Charles, King and Martyr, 1649
Today the Project Management Office (PMO) invites us to pray,
Lord we ask you to bless the 'Create the Culture Project Report', that this project will support the change journey for oversight areas to help shape a positive cultural environment and support Area Deans in their change agent role.
Amen
Friday 31 January
John Bosco, Priest, Founder of the Salesian Teaching Order, 1888
Loving God, we thank you for all our dedicated volunteers across CofEB. Bless their compassion and strength as they support and uplift others. May they feel appreciated and loved.
Amen