Join us on the Diocesan Prayer Pilgrimage!
Everyone in the Diocese, women and men, children, young people and adults, are invited to join together in a Diocesan Prayer Pilgrimage, so that together we can pray to God for personal, spiritual renewal and for the regeneration of our Diocese. Register here (not compulsory but helpful!)
It will take place on the 3rd weekend of Lent – 1st – 3rd of March. You are invited to join Bishop Peter and others at one of 5 Waypoints during this special weekend of prayer. You may come to one Waypoint, or more than one, or gather with others in your local church, or at home – but wherever we are on this weekend let us pray for renewal!
Last September Synod members unanimously agreed to a “series of regional prayer gatherings” to “intercede for the regeneration of our Diocese.” Synod members were excited about this initiative partly because the idea came from a group of young people! The resolution reminds us that the Church belongs to God. God established it, it exists to serve God and it is God who grows it. We are entirely dependent on “God who gives the growth” (1 Cor 3:6).
The Prayer Pilgrimage will begin in Timaru and end in Hokitika. Bishop Peter’s group will stop off at the five Waypoints and you are invited to join him as together we pray for regeneration. The Waypoints are as follows;
Friday 1 March: 7pm @ St Mary’s Timaru
Saturday 2 March: 10am @ St Stephen’s, Ashburton, 1pm @ Transitional Cathedral and 4pm @ St John’s Rangiora
Sunday 3 March: 10am @ All Saints, Hokitika
At the Waypoints we will pray together, using both structured as well as informal, free prayer. We will pray for our own personal renewal as well as the regeneration of all our churches, ministry units, agencies and the whole Diocese. We will also listen to God and seek to discern God’s guidance. Finally, we will encourage everyone, whether present at the Waypoints or in their own parish or homes, to use the prayer “Come Holy Spirit and renew our Diocese” as well as the longer Diocesan Prayer for Regeneration printed below;
As the kotuku gently rests upon the tree, come Holy Spirit and rest upon us as we pray for the regeneration of our Diocese.
Silence
Everliving God,
through your Spirit you constantly renew the whole creation;
bring regeneration to your Diocese of Christchurch,
grant us courage to grow disciples of Jesus,
give us vision to reach young people and their families,
and strengthen us to create vibrant communities of faith.
All this we ask in Jesus' name.
Amen
Prayer Vigil: It is also hoped that all our ministry units will join together in a 40-hour continuous prayer vigil throughout the weekend – “40 hours in the 40 days of Lent” – beginning from 7pm Friday. This would involve people signing up to an hour of prayer at some point within the 40-hour period.
Sunday Worship: Worship on Sunday 3 March would be the climax of our prayers. Services around the Diocese would be resourced, so that we all have the same focus on prayer for the regeneration of our Diocese – readings, prayers, liturgical material, sermon ideas, hymn and song suggestions would be provided.
What Next?:
- Register here indicating which Waypoint you’ll be present at.
- Advertise the Prayer Pilgrimage at church.
- Commend the Prayer Pilgrimage to others and invite them to come with you.
- Pray for the Prayer Pilgrimage, personal renewal and the regeneration of the Diocese!