Archbishop of Canterbury launches new initiative to host Prayer Days

12/05/2023

Justin profile

Archbishop Justin is launching a new initiative with the aim of ‘demystifying prayer’ through teaching and learning how to pray together at in-person events around the country.  

Intending to convene three or four gatherings a year, these Prayer Days will create a space for the church to come together in prayer and conversation, with the first of these will be held in Canterbury Cathedral on Saturday, May 27th. The events are free but booking a place is essential.  

The goal is to strengthen existing initiatives and inspire the whole Church to explore new possibilities of how to pray. 

This initiative is part of Archbishop Justin’s priority of Prayer and the Religious Life, and will include the Community of St Anselm, the ecumenical community of young Christians who live at Lambeth Palace for a year in prayer, study and service.

The gatherings will aim to: 

- Provide an opportunity for people to hear Archbishop Justin’s vision on prayer

- Hear from key local leaders on the impact of prayer in the world today 

- Build unity in prayer by offering the church a chance to explore and experience the offerings of other denominations and traditions 

- Resource those at the event, and the wider church, to develop or encourage corporate prayer in churches, schools, homes and workplaces 

Archbishop Justin said: 

“Prayer is simple, accessible to all and yet indispensable. Absolutely anyone can pray. It doesn’t take a saint or even an Archbishop to pray. In prayer we learn to see God at work in our world and open our lives to God’s transforming love. I hope this new initiative will bring the church together, in all its glorious diversity and traditions, in learning to pray to God who hears every prayer.” 

For the first event at Canterbury Cathedral 27th May, Archbishop Justin will be supported by Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Dean. Rev. David Monteith, Rev. Richard Braddy, Rev. Mark Griffin, Lyndall Bywater (Canterbury Diocese Prayer Co-Ordinator), The Chemin Neuf Community, Community of St Anselm, and the various churches and networks involved in praying for the Canterbury community, in association with the Diocese of Canterbury. Further locations will be announced later in the year. 

Attendance to the event is free, however you do need to register on Eventbrite here >>

2 min read