People from across Church of England Birmingham started the new season with a dedicated Week of Prayer this September.
From 31 August to 7 September, members of the Bishops’ Prayer Network – representing churches from different traditions and contexts across the diocese – set aside regular time each day to pray for God’s mercy on Birmingham and the region.
The week also saw many gather at St Philip’s Cathedral for two Prayer and Praise events, while others committed to praying in hour-long slots throughout the week.
Together, the activities created opportunities for people to intentionally make space for prayer.
Bishop Michael explains the significance of the Bishops’ Prayer Network Week of Prayer.
“Prayer is at the heart of all we do across Church of England Birmingham,” he says.
"Prayer underpins our shared life and mission as we bring before God the needs of our communities, seek wisdom and direction from the Holy Spirit, intercede for the renewal of the Church and pray for more people to come to know Jesus.”
The Bishops’ Prayer Network
The Bishops’ Prayer Network brings together people from across Church of England Birmingham who commit to praying regularly for our churches, communities and the life and mission of the diocese.
The Network is a way for people across different churches to stand together in prayer, seeking God’s leading and encouraging a deeper culture of prayer across the diocese.
During the Weeks of Prayer members receive daily themes, bible verses and prompts to shape their times of prayer.
A rhythm of prayer across the diocese
The recent Week of Prayer marked the beginning of a new season for the Bishops’ Prayer Network, with more regular opportunities to pray together planned over the coming months.
Starting this autumn, the Network will host new monthly online prayer gatherings on Monday mornings and evenings. Hosted by Bishop Michael and Bishop Esther, the gatherings will provide updates on prayer priorities across the diocese.
The Network is also planning another dedicated Week of Prayer at the beginning of Advent.
Bishop Michael explains why a rhythm of prayer is so important for Church of England Birmingham.
He says, “Jesus’ words in John 15:15 – ‘Apart from me you can do nothing’ – call us back to prayer as the foundation of all that we seek to do.
“We depend upon Christ for his wisdom, his strength and his leading.”
Bishop Esther adds: “As we pray together over the next few months, we place the life and mission of the diocese into His hands, and trust Him to work in ways beyond our own ability.”
Join the Bishops’ Prayer Network
Whether prayer is already part of your daily life or you would like to pray more regularly for the mission of Church of England Birmingham, you are invited to join the Bishops’ Prayer Network.
Sign up to receive more information, invites to prayer gatherings and news about future Bishops’ Prayer Network activities.