We believe God is calling us to a deeper commitment to prayer and are expectant for what He will do as we seek Him together. Let us build a culture where prayer is not just a practice but the very heartbeat of our diocese.
The Bishops’ Prayer Network is a dispersed community of Intercessors. These are individuals who feel called to a life of intercession and are ready to answer the call to prayer, standing in the gap for our Diocese, our city, and our communities. We welcome members from all traditions, each of whom will pray in the way most comfortable for them. This network will not only cover our Diocese in prayer but will also be a catalyst for stirring up a greater culture of prayer among us.
These prayer warriors will ‘gossip prayer,’ spreading the flame of intercession and inspiring others to deepen their commitment to seeking God’s presence and power in our midst.
As we seek God’s presence and guidance, we will particularly pray in alignment with Bishop Michael Volland’s five key prayer points:
1. God’s mercy on Birmingham and the region: That His grace would cover our city, healing wounds, restoring brokenness, and bringing renewal to every community.
2. That God would give us love for Birmingham and its people: That we would see our city through His eyes, loving its people with His compassion, and seeking its peace and prosperity.
3. That He would break the power of evil in Jesus’ name: Praying for strongholds to be torn down, for justice to prevail, and for God’s kingdom to advance in places of darkness.
4. That God would raise up workers for the harvest field: Asking the Lord of the harvest to call, equip, and send out many—lay and ordained, young and old—to serve His mission with boldness and joy across Birmingham and beyond. (Praying for more people to step up and make a difference—people of all ages and backgrounds, in all kinds of roles—to bring hope, love, and purpose to communities across Birmingham and beyond.)
5. That He would bring many to faith in Jesus: Interceding for a fresh move of the Holy Spirit, that many would come to know Christ and experience the transforming power of His love. To pray for a tithe of the City (10%) to find faith in Jesus and a home in our churches.
Commitment
As part of the Bishops’ Prayer Network, you are asked to take ownership of one hour a day for a seven-day call to prayer, ensuring that our Diocese is covered in prayer every hour of the day.
These weeklong prayer vigils will take place four times a year, and follow this pattern:
1. Week leading up to the first Sunday in September or after schools open
2. Week leading up to Lent
3. Week leading up to Pentecost
4. Week leading up to Advent
Additionally, there will be emergency 24h calls to prayer, for which you are committing to pray your adopted hour in times of urgent need.
As part of the Bishops’ Prayer Network, you are invited to attend an annual prayer gathering which will be help at the start of September and to actively encourage and cultivate a spirit of prayer in their churches and communities.
If you would like to join the Bishops’ Prayer Network please choose which hour in 24h you want to adopt and email BishopsPrayerNetwork@cofebirmingham.com
Weeklong Prayer Virgil Dates:
2025
Leading up to Advent Sunday – Monday 24 November to Monday 1 December - See here for details.
2026
Leading up to Lent Sunday – Monday 16 February to Monday 23 February
Leading up to Pentecost – Monday 18 May to Monday 25 May
Leading up to the first Sunday in September – Monday 31 August to Monday 7 September
Leading up to Advent Sunday – Monday 23 November to Monday 30 November
Urgent Prayer Days will be announced at the time of need.
Annual Prayer Gathering
We will hold one annual gathering for encouragement and connection, with a choice of an evening or morning gathering.
Date for 2026 are:
• Wednesday 2 September at 7.30pm (venue TBC)
• Thursday 3 September 11am (venue TBC)
If you would like to join the Bishops’ Prayer Network please choose which hour in 24h you want to adopt and email BishopsPrayerNetwork@cofebirmingham.com