On this page, you will find information on:

• Core Church of England Daily and prayer and related resources
• A link to a blog resource “Discipleship in Difficult Days” which shares reflections from contributors across the Diocese in Europe
• An online Bible Study event on The Bible and Creation on 25 April

Latest update:  24 April 2020

Church of England:

https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer

Diocese of Exeter:

Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.

Other Church of England prayer and related resources:

https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-liturgy-and-prayer-resources

Spiritual Communion

The term ‘Spiritual Communion’ has been used historically to describe the means of grace by which a person, prevented for some serious reason from sharing in a celebration of the Eucharist, nonetheless shares in the communion of Jesus Christ. You can find Church of England guidance here:

https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches

And you can find a simple order for spiritual communion that people can use in their own homes in the attachment

A series of biblical texts, prayers, and reflections

Psalm 23 NIV

This Psalm was included in Bishop Robert's Message to the Diocese on 20 Mar 2020

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2   He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

From the Jesuits, USA, contributed by Bishop David:

Jesus Christ, you travelled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.

Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.

Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbours from helping one another.

Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders. Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.

Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.

Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace.

Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.

Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.

Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.

Exploring Faith in Europe blog: “Discipleship in Difficult Days”

Dr Clare Amos, Director of Lay Discipleship in the Diocese

Clare is a developing a blog entitled “Discipleship in Difficult Days” which shares prayers, reflections, and meditations. 

You can access Clare's latest blog at this link, published on 24 April:

https://faithineurope.net/2020/04/24/discipleship-in-difficult-days-our-journey-to-emmaus/

You are invited warmly to send your contributions directly to Clare at: clare.amos@europe.anglican.org

Online Bible Study event on The Bible and Creation, 25 April

Led by Dr Clare Amos:

This event was publicised last week on Bishop David's blog which has more information on the event and how to join the Zoom session:

Dr Amos writes: 

"Drawing on both the Old Testament and the New Testament this study morning will explore what the Bible has to say about the relationship between human beings and the rest of creation, which is increasingly seen as one of the most significant issues for our time. It will suggest that our relationship to creation is absolutely integral to our Christian faith".

This study morning was originally scheduled as a physical meeting for the parish of Holy Trinity Geneva. It will now be held by Zoom due to the lockdown. Given the widespread interest across the diocese in the theology and care of creation, Dr Amos has widened participation in this study to any who are interested."