Sunday 22nd March
Light a candle of hope:
A national call to prayer
Presidents
of Churches Together in England have issued a call to prayer in the light of
the Coronavirus pandemic. This is for all churches and people of prayer to join
on Sunday 22nd March, Mothering Sunday.
They write….
This Mothering Sunday, 22nd March, we are calling all churches to a National
Day of Prayer and Action. At such a time as this, when so many are fearful and
there is great uncertainty, we are reminded of our dependence on our loving
Heavenly Father and the future that he holds.
At 7pm this Sunday, light a candle in the windows of your homes as a visible
symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, our source and hope in prayer.
Whether you are continuing to worship as congregations or not, we have the
great privilege and freedom to be able to call upon God, wherever we are,
individually and corporately, for healing in our nation. We would pray for all
in leadership at this time, making decisions about the containment of the COVID-19
virus, for those working in health and social care, and especially for the most
vulnerable, whether elderly or those with underlying health conditions.
There are already stories being told of wonderful acts of kindness across
neighbourhoods. Alongside your prayers, take the opportunity to telephone or
email someone who is isolated, buy some additional food for your local
foodbank, or offer to deliver shopping for an elderly neighbour. We may not be
able to touch physically, but we can make connections in so many other ways.
In the meantime, do please attend to all the
government health advice that
will be issued, and look out for resources from your specific church governing
bodies. At least for those of us in the global North, we do seem to be in
unusual times, and wisdom and flexibility about worship gatherings are a key
part of our Christian discipleship during this period.
We note that this call to prayer and action comes on Mothering Sunday: a time
of thankfulness, remembering especially mothers who have served us, often in
very costly ways. It is also a very mixed day for many. For some the
remembrance is painful, and for others Mothering Sunday is a reminder of
disappointment or loss. In many ways, this period under the shadow of the
coronavirus will be prompting similarly diverse reactions and so it seems
especially appropriate that the call to prayer is made this Sunday. At this
time of uncertainty join in with the National Day of Prayer and Action,
lighting a candle of hope*.
“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:7
Presidents of Churches Together in England
Archbishop Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
Revd Dr Hugh Osgood, The Free Churches Moderator
Archbishop Angaelos of London, CTE President for the Orthodox Churches
Pastor Agu Irukwu, CTE Pentecostal President
