Calendar of IntercessionsJanuary - March 2015

Welcome to the new edition of the prayer diary, which takes us through to the spring.

For some time I have thought that the format in Link for our diocesan intercessions was in need of refreshment. At various times people have also asked for additional material to be included, such as the Anglican Communion Cycle of Prayer. The appointment of my new Chaplain has given the opportunity to consider alternatives, and I am very grateful to Lindsay for her work on this.

What you have here is a new style Calendar of Intercessions for the first quarter of 2015. This is by way of a pilot edition, and your feedback would be much appreciated. As we change from one format to another, you will notice some slight discrepancies from what has already been published in Link for January, but by and large the two versions match. Once the new pattern is established, each quarter’s edition will be available for download from the diocesan website – the intention will be to update that version as necessary during the quarter.

Sunday entries are designed to look at some of the bigger pictures in our diocese – sometimes geographical (deaneries, archdeaconries, link dioceses) sometimes issues or activities (spirituality network, beginning of Lent). These are followed through the week by daily prayers from all over the diocese. You’ll notice the band of colour down the side changes through the year, as we move through the seasons of the Church.Some days have a name below them. These are the names of people down the centuries who are champions of the faith and who we remember on these days. Occasionally days will have the note ‘ember day’ – these are days set aside by the church to pray for vocations, for labourers at the harvest. The Anglican Communion encompasses a rich array of countries (165!) and cultures. This Anglican Diary enables us to feel connected in prayer to Archbishops, Bishops and our fellow Christians all over the globe. The Porvoo cycle of prayer, listed on Sundays, connects us to that body of Christians across Europe with whom the Church of England is in full Communion.

Finally, we’ve left space in the daily entries for you to note any prayer requests that have been made to you or your parish, or any special interests you want to remember in your prayers.

Please contact Lindsay with any comments or suggestions – Lindsay@Rochester.Anglican.org or 01634 814439. She will also be pleased to provide large print copies to any who would find that helpful.My hope is that this Calendar of Intercessions will enrich our sense of sharing in prayer with and for one another across the Diocese, strengthening our common life and our sharing in the life and mission of the wider church.With my prayers and good wishes for 2015.

+James

Thursday 1st JanuaryNaming and circumcision of Jesus

Rochester Diocese: For all those in need of a new start, or who are facing new beginnings with joy or trepidation.Anglican Communion: Kyushu - (Japan) The Rt Revd Luke Ken-ichi Muto

Prayer Requests:

Friday 2nd JanuaryBasil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishops, Teachers of the Faith, 379 and 389

Rochester Diocese: Tonbridge, St StephenAnglican Communion: Lafia - (Abuja, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Miller Maza

Prayer Requests:

Saturday3rd January

Rochester Diocese: Langton Green, All SaintsAnglican Communion: Lagos - (Lagos, Nigeria) The Most Revd Ephraim Ademowo 

Prayer Requests:

Sunday 4th January

Christmas 2

Jeremiah 31.7-14Psalm 147.13-21Ephesians 1.3-14John 1.[1-9]10-18

Beckenham DeaneryPlease pray for the worshipping life of parishes in the Deanery which reflects the broad spectrum of Anglicanism...may we be of one heart and one mind in our intention to proclaim a united witness to God's loving purpose revealed in Christ.  

Please pray for vibrant fellowship within Churches Together in Beckenham...for lay leadership and vision to complement the fellowship of the Ministers fraternal meetings.

Pray for the newly ordained serving in the Deanery -Tina (Priest) at St. George's and Andy (Deacon) at Holy Trinity

Pray for the witness and support offered through Food Banks at Christ Church, Anerley and Holy Trinity...giving thanks for the opportunity to serve those in need and the focus of support from other parishes collecting stock at Harvest and throughout the year.

Please pray for Parishes needing volunteers to come forward and bear responsibility for being Churchwardens, PCC Secretaries and Treasurers.

Rochester Diocese: Beckenham Deanery: Leon Carberry, Area Dean, and Sarah Poole, Lay Chair. Anglican Communion: Lagos West - (Lagos, Nigeria) The Rt Revd James OdedejiLagos Mainland - (Lagos, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Adebayo Akinde Porvoo: Church of England: Diocese of Chichester, Bishop Martin Warner, Bishop Mark Sowerby, Bishop Richard Jackson Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland: Diocese of Mikkeli, Bishop Seppo Häkkinen

Monday 5th January

Rochester Diocese: Rusthall, St Paul Anglican Communion: Lahore - (Pakistan) The Rt Revd Irfan Jamil

Prayer Requests:

Tuesday 6th JanuaryThe Epiphany

Rochester Diocese: For pilgrims and pilgrim shrinesAnglican Communion:O God, who revealed your only Son to the Gentiles by the leading of a star, mercifully grant theat we, who know you now by faith, may after this life enjoy the splendour of your gracious Godhead, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer Requests:

Wednesday7th January

Rochester Diocese: For our brothers and sister in the Eastern Orthodox traditionsAnglican Communion: Lainya - (Sudan) The Rt Revd Peter Amidi Pitia

Prayer Requests:

Thursday 8th January

Rochester Diocese: Southborough, St Peter with Christ Church and St Matthew and Bidborough, St Lawrence Anglican Communion: Lake Malawi - (Central Africa) The Rt Revd Francis Kaulanda 

Prayer Requests:

Friday 9th January

Rochester Diocese: Southborough, St ThomasAnglican Communion: Lake Rukwa - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Mathayo Kasagara 

Prayer Requests:

Saturday 10th JanuaryWilliam Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1645

Rochester Diocese: Speldhurst, St Mary the Virgin, with Groombridge, St John the Evangelist, and Ashurst, St Martin of ToursAnglican Communion: Lango - (Uganda) The Rt Revd John Charles Odurkami

Prayer Requests:

Sunday 11th January

Baptism of Christ

Genesis 1.1-5Psalm 29Acts 19.1-7Mark 1.4-11

Harare Diocese, ZimbabweIt is a little over two years since the High Court of Zimbabwe ruled against the rogue Bishop Kunonga, therefore releasing the cathedral, the church buildings, clergy houses, and church schools to the care of the rightful Bishop, Chad Gandiya. After five years of ‘exile’ this is still for them a subject of immense thanksgiving. ‘God is faithful!’ they cry.They invite us to continue to thank God for this High Court decision. But Kunonga and his men left large bills unpaid, especially at the Cathedral; please pray for these costs to be met in good time.Give thanks that whilst exiled from their buildings these congregations grew greatly in number! Some of them no longer fit into their parish churches! Pray for wisdom to know what to do next, and also for then now as they struggle as we do with the subtle challenges of materialism. Pray with them also for godly leaders for their nation.

Rochester Diocese: Link Diocese, Harare. Bishop, The Right Rev Dr Chad Nicholas GandiyaAnglican Communion: Langtang - (Jos, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Stanley FubePorvoo: Church of England: Diocese of London, Bishop Richard Chartres, Bishop Adrian Newman, Bishop Peter Wheatley, Bishop Pete Broadbent, Bishop Paul Williams, Bishop Jonathan Baker Church of Norway: Diocese of Nidaros/ New see and Trondheim, Presiding Bishop Helga Haugland Byfuglien, Bishop Tor Singsaas

Monday12th JanuaryAelred of Hexham, Abbot of Rievaulx, 1167Benedict Biscop, Abbot of Wearmouth, Scholar, 689

Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, Holy Trinity with Christ Church (redundant) Anglican Communion:Lebombo - (Southern Africa) The Very Revd Carlos Simao Matsinhe 

Prayer Requests:

Tuesday 13th JanuaryHilary, Bishop of Poitiers, Teacher of the Faith, 367

George Fox, Founder of the Society of Friends (the Quakers), 1691

Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, King Charles the Martyr.Anglican Communion:Leicester - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Timothy John StevensAssistant Bishop in the Diocese of Leicester - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Christopher John Boyle 

Prayer Requests:

Wednesday 14th January

Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St BarnabasAnglican Communion:Lesotho - (Southern Africa) The Rt Revd Adam Mallane Taaso 

Prayer Requests:

Thursday 15th January

Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St JamesAnglican Communion:Lexington - (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Douglas Hahn 

Prayer Requests:

Friday 16th January

Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St JohnAnglican Communion:Liberia - (West Africa) The Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Bau-Bau Bonaparte Hart 

Prayer Requests:

Saturday 17th JanuaryAntony of Egypt, Hermit, Abbot, 356

Charles Gore, Bishop, Founder of the Community of the Resurrection, 1932

Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St LukeAnglican Communion:Lichfield - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Jonathan Michael Gledhill ; Lichfield - Shrewsbury - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Mark James Rylands; Lichfield - Stafford - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Geoffrey Peter Annas; Lichfield - Wolverhampton - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Clive Gregory;

Prayer Requests:

Sunday 18th JanuaryHomelessness SundayWeek of Prayer for Christian Unity

Epiphany 2

1 Samuel 3.1-10[11-20]Psalm 139.1-5, 12-18*Revelation 5.1-10John 1.43-51

Homelessness SundayIn the Old Testament we see an emphasis on providing for the widow, the stranger and the refugee, which Jesus picks up most emphatically in the parable of the sheep and the goats.Please pray for hope for those sleeping rough, vulnerable to the elements and to wicked people, and those living in dangerous, cramped conditions, that they may be found decent places to live, with the security and stability that comes with a real home.For the charities and organisations that seek to find enough homes for those that need them, for wisdom and perseverance.For a change in how we treat the marginalised, the strange and the outcaste; for justice in our public policies, and a new vision for those involved in building, managing and selling housing in our land.Rochester Diocese: For those who seek to give shelter to the homeless, and to clothe the naked, feed the hungry.Anglican Communion: London - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Richard John Carew ChartresLondon - Edmonton - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Peter William WheatleyLondon - Fulham - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Jonathan Mark Richard BakerLondon - Kensington - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Paul Gavin WilliamsLondon - Stepney - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Adrian NewmanLondon - Willesden - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Peter Allan Broadbent Porvoo: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland: Diocese of Oulu, Bishop Samuel Salmi

Church of Norway: Diocese of Soer-Hålogaland (Bodoe), Bishop Tor Berger Joergensen Church of England: Diocese of Coventry, Bishop Chris Cocksworth, Bishop John Stroyan.Monday 19th JanuaryWulfstan, Bishop of Worcester, 1095

Rochester Diocese: For Minority Ethnic Anglican ConcernsAnglican Communion:Lincoln - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Christopher LowsonLincoln - Grantham - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Timothy William EllisLincoln - Grimsby - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd David Eric Court 

Prayer Requests:

Tuesday 20th JanuaryRichard Rolle of Hampole, Spiritual Writer, 1349

Rochester Diocese: For Christian Unity, for all who work to that end.Anglican Communion:Litoral Ecuador - (IX, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Alfredo Morante 

Prayer Requests:

Wednesday21st JanuaryAgnes, Child Martyr at Rome, 304

Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St Mark Anglican Communion:Liverpool - (York, England) The Rt Revd Paul BayesLiverpool - Warrington - (York, England) The Rt Revd Richard Finn Blackburn 

Prayer Requests:

Thursday 22nd JanuaryVincent of Saragossa, Deacon, first Martyr of Spain, 304

Rochester Diocese: RSCM, PRAXIS and all other groups working to assist churches in their worship of God. Anglican Communion:The Most Revd Dr Barry Morgan Archbishop of Wales & Bishop of LlandaffAssistant Bishop of Llandaff - (Wales) The Rt Revd David Wilbourne 

Prayer Requests:

Friday 23rd January

Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St PeterAnglican Communion:Lokoja - (Lokoja, Nigeria) The Most Revd Emmanuel Sokowamju Egbunu

Prayer Requests:

Saturday 24th JanuaryFrancis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, Teacher of the Faith, 1622

Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St PhilipAnglican Communion:Limerick & Killaloe - (Dublin, Ireland) The Revd Canon Kenneth Kearon

Prayer Requests:

Sunday 25th JanuaryThe Conversion of PaulLast Day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Epiphany 3

Genesis 14.17-20Psalm 128Revelation 19.6-10John 2.1-11

Erith DeaneryThere are lots of great things to praise God for in the Erith deanery but there is also a relatively high level of deprivation and social need. Many in our parishes have been hit hard by benefit changes and rising prices.Please pray for – the work of foodbanks in the area; Evergreen Care Bexley (a project for the vulnerable elderly); the children’s and youth work in our churches and the Erith Deanery Youth Trust. After the closure of our local CAP project we are also exploring how to work jointly with other Bexley churches to develop money and debt advice services and to promote credit unions.

Rochester Diocese: Erith Deanery – Julie Conalty, Area Dean, and Peter Green, Lay ChairAnglican Communion: Long Island - (II, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Lawrence ProvenzanoPorvoo: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland: Diocese of Tampere, Bishop Matti Repo Church of England: Diocese of Manchester, Bishop David Walker, Bishop Chris Edmondson, Bishop Mark Davies

Monday 26th JanuaryTimothy and Titus, Companions of Paul

Rochester Diocese: Bickley, St George and Fr Richard Norman, licensed todayAnglican Communion:Los Angeles - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Jon Bruno1. Suffragan bishop of Los Angeles - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Mary Glasspool2. Suffragan Bishop of Los Angeles - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Diane JardineBruce

Prayer Requests:

Tuesday 27th January

Rochester Diocese: Anerley, Christ Church and St PaulAnglican Communion:Louisiana - (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Morris Thompson

Prayer Requests:

Wednesday 28th JanuaryThomas Aquinas, Priest, Philosopher, Teacher of the Faith, 1274

Rochester Diocese: For theologians in this diocese, for all who strive to open up the mysteries of God.Anglican Communion:Luapula - (Central Africa) The Rt Revd Robert Mumbi

Prayer Requests:

Thursday29th January

Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, Christ ChurchAnglican Communion:Lucknow - (North India) The Rt Revd Maurice Dan

Prayer Requests:

Friday 30th JanuaryCharles, King and Martyr, 1649

Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St BarnabasAnglican Communion:Lui - (Sudan) The Rt Revd Stephen Dokolo Ismail

Prayer Requests:

Saturday 31st JanuaryJohn Bosco, Priest, Founder of the Salesian Teaching Order, 1888

Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St GeorgeAnglican Communion:Lusaka - (Central Africa) The Rt Revd David Njovu

Prayer Requests:

Sunday 1st February

Epiphany 4

Deuteronomy 18.15-20Psalm 111Revelation 12.1-5aMark 1.21-28

Rochester CathedralThe Cathedral is not only a local place of worship, but serves the whole diocese as a focus for prayer, a resource for exhibitions and musical excellence, and a centre for the great celebrations of our diocese.

Please pray for the work on the ‘Hidden Treasures, Fresh Expressions’ project, which aims to provide better access to the historic building, as well as to the many collections and documents the cathedral houses.

Pray for the Chapter, as they seek to reach out to the local community at this time of change and regeneration in Medway.

Pray for their work with the schools of our diocese, and for the work of holding a sacred space in the town centre.

Rochester Diocese: Rochester Cathedral – Dean, Mark Beach; Canon Pastor, Philip Hesketh; Precentor, Neil Thompson, Canon Missioner, Jean Kerr, Archdeacon of Rochester, Simon Burton-Jones; Lay Chapter, Andrew Gray, Barbara Lloyd and Paul Hudson.Anglican Communion: Luwero - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Evans KisekkaPorvoo: Church of England: Diocese of Birmingham, Bishop David Urquhart, Bishop Andrew Watson Church of Ireland: Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Bishop Paul Colton Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark: Diocese of Elsinore, Bishop Lise-Lotte Rebel

Monday 2nd FebruaryThe Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)

Rochester Diocese: For the criminal justice process, for judges, magistrates and juries who must judge now, in the light of the Eternal Judgement.Anglican Communion:Lweru - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Jackton Yeremiah Lugumira

Prayer Requests:

Tuesday 3rd FebruaryAnskar, Archbishop of Hamburg, Missionary in Denmark and Sweden, 865

Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, Holy TrinityAnglican Communion: Machakos - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Joseph Mutungi

Prayer Requests:

Wednesday4th FebruaryGilbert of Sempringham, Founder of the Gilbertine Order, 1189

Rochester Diocese: Pray for the Formation and Ministry team, and the CMD day today.Anglican Communion: Madhya Kerala - (South India) The Rt Revd Thomas Kanjirappally Oommen

Prayer Requests:

Thursday5th February

Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St JamesAnglican Communion: Madi & West Nile - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Dr Joel Obetia

Prayer Requests:

Friday 6th FebruaryThe Martyrs of Japan, 1597

Rochester Diocese: For Licensed Lay Ministers, and those who support their ministry.Anglican Communion: Madurai-Ramnad - (South India) The Rt Revd Marialouis Joseph

Prayer Requests:

Saturday7th February

Rochester Diocese: Beckham, St John the BaptistAnglican Communion: Mahajanga - (Indian Ocean) The Rt Revd Jean Claude Andrianjafimanana

Prayer Requests:

Sunday 8th February

2 before Lent

Proverbs 8.1,22-31Psalm 104.26-37Colossians 1.15-20John 1.1-14

Cobham DeaneryCobham deanery is now (at the time of print) 18 months in to its reshaping and change of deanery boundaries.  This has therefore given us the opportunity to put together a new DMMP focussing on growing together, numerically and spiritually.  Much of this will focus on prayer, deanery courses and events to encourage people to join together.  Most encouraging is that all the deanery clergy will be attending  a ‘Leading Your Church into Growth’ course in May 2015 and we are all encouraging others from our congregations to join us as well.  Three parishes in the deanery in the last two years have formed a Cluster partnership, and the other parishes in the deanery are looking and praying around this possibility as well.  It feels an exciting time in the deanery!

Rochester Diocese: Cobham Deanery – Jim Fletcher, Area Dean, and Norma Crowe, Lay ChairAnglican Communion: Maiduguri - (Jos, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Emmanuel Kana ManiPorvoo: Church in Wales: Diocese of Bangor, Bishop Andrew John Church of Ireland: Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough, Archbishop Michael Jackson

Monday9th February

Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St Michael and all Angels, with St AugustineAnglican Communion: Maine - (I, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Stephen LanePrayer Requests:

Tuesday10th FebruaryScholastica, sister of Benedict, Abbess of Plombariola, c.543

Rochester Diocese: For General Synod meeting today, especially those representing our diocese.Anglican Communion: Makamba - (Burundi) The Rt Revd Martin Nyaboho

Prayer Requests:

Wednesday11th February

Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St PaulAnglican Communion: Makurdi - (Abuja, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Nathan Nyitar Inyom

Prayer Requests:

Thursday12th February

Rochester Diocese: Penge, St JohnAnglican Communion: Malaita - (Melanesia) The Rt Revd Samuel SahuAssistant Bishop of Malaita - (Melanesia) The Rt Revd Alfred Hou

Prayer Requests:

Friday 13th February

Rochester Diocese:Shortlands, St Mary Anglican Communion: Malakal - (Sudan) The Rt Revd Hilary Garang DengMalakal - Bentiu Area - (Sudan) The Rt Revd John Gattek

Prayer Requests:

Saturday 14th February Cyril and Methodius, Missionaries to the Slavs, 869 and 885

Valentine, Martyr at Rome, c.269

Rochester Diocese: For all in love – and those feeling especially alone today.Anglican Communion: Manchester - (York, England) The Rt Revd David WalkerManchester - Bolton - (York, England) The Rt Revd Christopher Paul EdmondsonManchester - Middleton - (York, England) The Rt Revd Mark Davies

Prayer Requests:

Sunday 15th February

Sunday before Lent2 Kings 2.1-12Psalm 50.1-62 Corinthians 4.3-6Mark 9.2-9

Bromley and Bexley Archdeaconry The Archdeaconry is very much alive and well. However we still face challenges There will be fewer clergy than ever before and we need to think about how we use them effectively and also develop our lay ministry.

Prayer Challenge: That the sense of calling can be encouraged in our local churches so that people may put themselves forward for authorised ministry.

We have a number of buildings very close to each other in the Archdeaconry in some places, and we need to think carefully about what we need, and what we can resource.

Prayer Challenge: To discern what to do with the plant that we have in a way that honours the Kingdom rather than maintains the church.

We have three very good secondary schools in the Archdeaconry: St Olave’s, Trinity and Bishop Justus. There are also many primary schools.

Prayer Challenge: That there will be people willing to get involved in the Governance of our Church Schools and find ways to support staff so that links between the school and local church can be strengthened. Also we need to support those community schools not within our ‘Church’ umbrella.

Rochester Diocese: Archdeaconry of Bromley and Bexley – The Ven Dr Paul Wright, ArchdeaconAnglican Communion: Mandalay - (Myanmar) The Rt Revd David Nyi Nyi NaingPorvoo: Church of England: Diocese of Worcester, Bishop John Inge, Bishop Graham Usher Church of Norway: Diocese of Hamar, Bishop Solveig Fiske

Monday16th February

Rochester Diocese: Bickley, St GeorgeAnglican Communion: Manicaland - (Central Africa) The Rt Revd Julius Tawona Makoni

Prayer Requests:

Tuesday17th FebruaryJanani Luwum, Archbishop of Uganda, Martyr, 1977

Rochester Diocese: Biggin Hill, St MarkAnglican Communion: Mara - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Hilkiah Omindo Deya

Prayer Requests:

Wednesday18th FebruaryAsh Wednesday

Rochester Diocese: For all penitents, burdened by the weight of their sin.Anglican Communion: Marathwada - (North India) The Rt Revd Madhukar Kasab

Prayer Requests:

Thursday19th February

Rochester Diocese: Bromley, Christ Church Anglican Communion: Maridi - (Sudan) The Rt Revd Justin Badi Arama

Prayer Requests:

Friday20th February

Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St John the EvangelistAnglican Communion: Maryland - (III, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Eugene SuttonMaryland - (III, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Heather Cook

Prayer Requests:

Saturday21th February

Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St MarkAnglican Communion: Masasi - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Patrick Mwachiko

Prayer Requests:

Sunday 22nd

FebruaryLent 1

Genesis 9.8-17Psalm 25.1-91 Peter 3.18-22Mark 1.9-15

For a Holy LentLent was once a time of preparation for catechumens (those preparing for Baptism) and for those penitents waiting to be received back into the full life of the Church.As time went on, the Church increasing found this season, with its emphasis on self-examination, penitence, self-denial, study, and alms, not to mention preparation for Easter, was useful for all Christians. It has become a time of reflection and stock-taking, a time for us all to review our discipleship and to take steps to deepen our faith and increase our discipline.Pray especially for all preparing for Baptism; and for all returning to the Church, fearful of their reception, doubtful of their place.Pray for those leading Lent groups, especially ‘Challenging Poverty’, the Bishop of Tonbridge’s course, which picks up on the theme of almsgiving and challenges us to rethink poverty, our duties towards the poor, and our calling to be ‘poor in spirit’.Rochester Diocese: For a Holy Lent and for all lenten study and prayer groups.Anglican Communion: Maseno North - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Simon OketchMaseno South - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Francis AbieroPorvoo: Church of Ireland: Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe, Bishop Kenneth Kearon Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark: Diocese of Roskilde, Bishop Peter Fischer-Moeller

Monday 23rd FebruaryPolycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr, c.155

Rochester Diocese: For all those whose loyalty to Christ is being tested, or who doubt Christ’s faithfulness to them.Anglican Communion: Maseno West - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Joseph Wasonga

Prayer Requests:

Tuesday24th February

Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St MaryAnglican Communion: Masindi-Kitara - (Uganda) The Rt Revd George Kasangaki

Prayer Requests:

Wednesday25th FebruaryEmber Day

Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St Peter and St Paul Anglican Communion: Massachusetts - (I, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Alan McIntosh GatesBishop Suffragan of Massachusetts - (I, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Gayle HarrisWestern Massachusetts - (I, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Douglas Fisher

Prayer Requests:

Thursday26th February

Rochester Diocese: Bromley Common, Holy TrinityAnglican Communion: Masvingo - (Central Africa) The Rt Revd Godfrey TawonezwiMatabeleland - (Central Africa) The Rt Revd Cleophas Lunga

Prayer Requests:

Friday27th FebruaryEmber Day

George Herbert, Priest, Poet, 1633

Rochester Diocese: For Bishop James’ national work as Bishop to Prisons Anglican Communion: Matlosane (formerly Klerksdorp) - (Southern Africa) The Rt Revd Stephen Diseko

Prayer Requests:

Saturday 28th FebruaryEmber Day

Rochester Diocese: For those working to foster vocations in this diocese.Anglican Communion: Mbaise - (Nigeria) The Rt Revd Chamberlain Chinedu Ogunedo

Prayer Requests:

Sunday 1st March

Lent 2

Genesis 17.1-7,15,16Psalm 22.23-31Romans 4.13-25Mark 8.31-38

Dartford DeaneryDartford Deanery comprises 13 churches in 12 parishes, grouped into 10 benefices, serving a population of 92,940 from the towns of Dartford and Swanley and the intervening countryside. The parishes of St Edmund, Temple Hill and Stone form the northern Thames-side boundary and are subject to intense development with the recent building of hundreds of new homes. They, along with the town centre parishes of Holy Trinity, Dartford and St Mary, Swanley, contain some of the most deprived populations in the diocese.

There are 11 stipendiary clergy (of whom two are half time, and one is a curate in training). The parish of St Alban Dartford has a population that would warrant a full-time priest but the congregation cannot afford to pay for one. There are money issues in all of these parishes, with Crockenhill, St Peter’s Hextable and Stone all seeking to raise large sums for necessary building projects in addition to basic running costs.

Rochester Diocese: Dartford Deanery – Kenneth Clark, Area Dean, and Jim Tuhey, Lay ChairAnglican Communion: Mbale - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Patrick GiduduPorvoo: Church of England: Diocese of Peterborough, Bishop Donald Allister, Bishop John Holbrook Church of Ireland: Diocese of Meath and Kildare, Bishop Pat Storey

Monday2nd MarchChad, Bishop of Lichfield, Missionary, 672

Rochester Diocese: Bromley Common, St AugustineAnglican Communion: Mbamili - (Niger, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Henry Okeke

Prayer Requests:

Tuesday3rd March

Rochester Diocese: For the Finance Committee, meeting today, and all the PCC treasurers in this diocese. Anglican Communion: Mbeere - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Moses Nthuka

Prayer Requests:

Wednesday4th March

Rochester Diocese: Bromley Common, St LukeAnglican Communion: Mbhashe - (Southern Africa) The Rt Revd Elliot Williams

Prayer Requests:

Thursday 5th March

Rochester Diocese: Chislehurst, Christ ChurchAnglican Communion: Meath & Kildare - (Dublin, Ireland) The Rt Revd Patricia Louise Storey

Prayer Requests:

Friday 6th March

Rochester Diocese: Chislehurst, St NicholasAnglican Communion: Medak - (South India) Vacant

Prayer Requests:

Saturday7th MarchPerpetua, Felicity and their Companions, Martyrs at Carthage, 203

Rochester Diocese: Chislehurst, The AnnunciationAnglican Communion: The Most Revd Philip Leslie Freier Archbishop of Melbourne & Primate elect of AustraliaMelbourne - Eastern Region - (Victoria, Australia) The Rt Revd Barbara DarlingMelbourne - Northern & Western Region - (Victoria, Australia) The Rt Revd Philip HugginsMelbourne - Southern Region - (Victoria, Australia) The Rt Revd Paul White

Prayer Requests:

Sunday 8th March

Lent 3

Exodus 20.1-17Psalm 191 Corinthians 1.18-25John 2.13-22

Rochester Spirituality NetworkA Prayer Pack is being developed for the use of churches in this diocese to help our congregations, “Pray as you can, not as you can’t” (John Chapman, 1865-1933). Outlining different approaches to prayer, it encourages churches to set aside space for the practice of different ways of praying.

Pray for Susanne Carlsson and the Rochester Spirituality Network as they release this resource to the diocese.

Pray for ministry teams as they consider the use of this resource, and the time and space that might be available for it.

Pray for the deepening of the prayer life of all Christians, for patience and discipline to explore the paths of God.

Rochester Diocese: Rochester Diocesan Spiritual Network – co-ordinator, Susanne CarlssonAnglican Communion: Meru - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Charles MwendwaPorvoo: Church of England: Diocese of Canterbury, Archbishop Justin Welby, Bishop Trevor Willmott Church of Ireland: Diocese of Down and Dromore, Bishop Harold Miller

Monday 9th March

Rochester Diocese: Hayes, St Mary the VirginAnglican Communion: Mexico - (Mexico) The Rt Revd Carlos Touche-PorterWestern Mexico - (Mexico) The Rt Revd Lino Rodriguez-Amaro

Prayer Requests:

Tuesday 10th March

Rochester Diocese: KestonAnglican Communion: Eastern Michigan - (V, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Todd OusleyMichigan - (V, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Wendell Gibbs

Prayer Requests:

Wednesday11th March

Rochester Diocese: Barnehurst, St MartinAnglican Communion: Minna - (Lokoja, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Daniel Abu Yisa

Prayer Requests:

Thursday 12th March

Rochester Diocese: Belvedere, All SaintsAnglican Communion: Minnesota - (VI, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Brian PriorPrayer Requests:

Friday 13th March

Rochester Diocese: For the Diocesan Board of Education, meeting today, for all work with schools and school-age children.Anglican Communion: Missionary District of Oeste-Brasil - (Brazil) Vacant

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Saturday 14th March

Rochester Diocese: For Diocesan Synod; and those representing their deaneries.Anglican Communion: Milwaukee - (V, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Steven MillerMississippi - (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Duncan GrayMississippi - (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Brian Seage

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Sunday 15th March

Lent 4 (Mothering Sunday)

Numbers 21.4-9Psalm 107.1-3, 17-22*Ephesians 2.1-10John 3.14-21

DIOCESE of Mpwapwa, TanzaniaGive thanks for the Celebrations for the founding of St Philip’s College, Kongwa (1914) on the weekend of November 9th, at which Rochester was represented by Canon David Kitley, Bishop’s Adviser for overseas partnerships. Please pray for the College as the Principal, John Madinda, comes to England with his family for study to complete his Ph D.Please continue to pray for Jacob Chimeledya, who continues to be Bishop of Mpwapwa Diocese in addition to being Archbishop of Tanzania, for wisdom to know how to use each day and to make the most of the challenges and opportunities before him. His appointment creates work for those who support him; pray the Revd Agripa Ndatila.Pray for good rains this winter, to provide food for the coming year. Pray for former Bishop Simon Chiwanga’s work to provide re-forestation for the area, and so secure the future of inhabitants!

Rochester Diocese: Diocese of Mpwapwa, Tanzania – Rt. Revd. Dr Jacob Chimeledya, bishop.Anglican Communion: Missouri - (V, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Wayne SmithPorvoo: Church of England: Diocese of Chelmsford, Bishop Stephen Cottrell, Bishop John Wraw, Bishop Roger Morris, Bishop Peter Hill Church of Sweden: Diocese of Karlstad, Bishop Esbjorn Hagberg

Monday16th March

Rochester Diocese: Belvedere, St Augustine of CanterburyAnglican Communion: Mityana - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Stephen Kaziimba

Prayer Requests:

Tuesday 17th MarchPatrick, Bishop, Missionary, Patron of Ireland, c.460

Rochester Diocese: For the Bishop’s staff, meeting today.Anglican Communion: Mombasa - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Julius Katio KaluAssistant Bishop of Mombasa - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Lawrence Dena

Prayer Requests:

Wednesday 18th MarchCyril, Bishop of Jerusalem, Teacher of the Faith, 386

Rochester Diocese: Bexleyheath, Christ ChurchAnglican Communion: Monmouth - (Wales) The Rt Revd Richard Pain

Prayer Requests:

Thursday 19th MarchJoseph of Nazareth

Rochester Diocese: For complex families, for all caring for adopted and foster childrenAnglican Communion: Montana - (VI, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Charles Franklin Brookhart

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Friday 20th MarchCuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary, 687

Rochester Diocese: Bexleyheath, St PeterAnglican Communion: Montreal - (Canada, Canada) The Rt Revd Barry Bryan ClarkeMoosonee - (Ontario, Canada) The Rt Revd Thomas Corston

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Saturday 21st MarchThomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, Reformation Martyr, 1556

Rochester Diocese: For the Magpie Centre, Chatham, and for all community outreach projects.Anglican Communion: Moray, Ross & Caithness - (Scotland) The Rt Revd Mark Strange

Prayer Requests:

Sunday 22nd March

Lent 5 (Passion Sunday)

Jeremiah 31.31-34Psalm 51.1-13 orPsalm 119.9-16Hebrews 5.5-10John 12.20-33

Gravesend DeaneryGravesend Deanery is an urban area to the north of the Diocese, between Shorne and Greenhithe.  We are giving thanks that at the moment there are no vacancies in our Deanery, and for much fruitful co-operation between local churches  The area is affected by financial cuts to benefits and employment uncertainty, and the Gravesend foodbank supported by local churches, is well used.  Please pray for all experiencing financial hardship.  The Deanery faces a number of challenges for future mission:  the planned Ebbsfleet Garden City will add up to 15000 new homes around the town of Swanscombe, and if the Paramount Park Leisure facility also goes ahead these 2 developments together will change the demographic of the area completely, and raise challenges for mission among the new homes, and amongst the workforce on the developments.  There will also be challenges to local infrastructure, schooling and health services.  Please pray for wise decisions that will help these communities to thrive.  Pray for Christians in various fields who have opportunity to influence decision-making at this early stage.  The parishes of Chalk and Shorne at the East of the Deanery would also be affected by one of the proposed new Thames Crossings…  pray for our churches as they face these enormous challenges over the next few years.

Rochester Diocese: Gravesend Deanery – Sue Brewer, Area Dean and David Williams, Lay chairAnglican Communion: Morogoro - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Godfrey SehabaPorvoo: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Latvia: Archbishop Janis Vanags, Bishop Einars Alpe, Bishop Pavils Bruvers

Church of England: Diocese of Lichfield, Bishop Jonathan Gledhill, Bishop Mark Rylands, Bishop Geoff Annas, Bishop Clive Gregory Church in Wales: Diocese of St David’s, Bishop Wyn EvansMonday 23th March

Rochester Diocese: For those planning their retirement – with joy or trepidation.Anglican Communion: Mount Kenya Central - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Isaac NgangaSuffragan Bishop of Mount Kenya Central - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Allen WaithakaMount Kenya West - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Joseph Kagunda

Prayer Requests:Tuesday 24th MarchWalter Hilton of Thurgarton, Augustinian Canon, Mystic, 1396

Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, Martyr, 1980

Rochester Diocese: Bostall Heath, St AndrewAnglican Communion: Mount Kenya South - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Timothy RanjiSuffragan Bishop Mt Kenya South - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Charles Muturi

Prayer Requests:

Wednesday25th MarchThe Annunciation of Our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Rochester Diocese: Crayford, St PaulinusAnglican Communion: Mount Kilimanjaro - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Stanley Elilekia Hotay

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Thursday 26th MarchHarriet Monsell, Founder of the Community of St John the Baptist, 1883

Rochester Diocese: Police chaplains and for the police forces in KentAnglican Communion: Mpumalanga - (Southern Africa) The Rt Revd Daniel Kgomosotho

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Friday 27th March

Rochester Diocese: Erith, Christ ChurchAnglican Communion: Mthatha (formerly St John's) - (Southern Africa) The Rt Revd Dr Sitembele Mzamane

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Saturday 28th March

Rochester Diocese: Erith, St John the BaptistAnglican Communion: Muhabura - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Cranmer MugishaMukono - (Uganda) The Rt Revd William Ssebaggala

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Sunday 29th March

Palm Sunday

Liturgy of the Palms:Mark 11.1-11 orJohn 12.12-16Psalm 118.1-2, 19-24

Holy WeekThe events of the last days of Jesus’ life form the core of the Gospel narratives and the whole of our faith. By walking with Our Lord from the Joyful Entry through the events of the Last Supper and on into the arrest, death and resurrection of Jesus we can enter deeply into the mysteries of his giving of himself, and of the restoration of the Children of God.By their nature, then, these days can be highly emotive, especially for communities where tensions run high – hence the prayers of the Anglican Communion for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray that our participation in these holy days may be solemn and joyful, without recrimination or defensiveness.Pray for our relationships with people of other faiths, particularly our sister Abrahamic faiths, that by our love we may witness to that greater love.

Rochester Diocese: For inter-faith and multi-faith teams and projects around the diocese.Anglican Communion: Pray for the peace of JerusalemPorvoo: Church of Sweden: Diocese of Lund, Bishop Karl-Johan Tyrberg Church of Ireland: Diocese of Cashel, Ossory and Ferns, Bishop Michael Burrows Church of England: Diocese of Ely, Bishop Stephen Conway, Bishop David Thomson

Monday 30th March Monday of Holy Week

Rochester Diocese: For all Christians as they prepare to keep this week holyAnglican Communion: Multan - (Pakistan) The Rt Revd Leu Paul

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Tuesday31st March Tuesday of Holy Week

Rochester Diocese: For all approaching Easter with faithful eyes for the first time.Anglican Communion: Mumbai (Form. Bombay) - (North India) The Rt Revd Prakash Patole

Prayer Requests: