On this page, you will find information on:

• Call by Pope Francis for an interfaith prayer day - 14 May 2020, and a new prayer contributed by Dr Clare Amos for this day of prayer. 
• 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. 

Latest update: 13 May 2020

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Call by Pope Francis for an interfaith prayer day - 14 May 2020

As we reported earlier this week on Diocese in Europe twitter Pope Francis has suggested an interfaith prayer day on 14 May. 

Bishop David writes in his blog that "the inspiration for this comes from the "Higher Committee for Human Fraternity" which was set up when Pope Francis visited Abu Dhabi last year. The initiative transcends religious boundaries and invites all religious people to appeal to God, in accordance with their own faith and teachings." 

The Vatican has produced a video with a snapshot of people across the world who plan to take part.

From the Diocese, Dr Clare Amos has contributed this prayer for 14 May:

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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

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.

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.

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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 8 May:

https://faithineurope.net/2020/05/08/discipleship-in-difficult-days-11-love-is-his-meaning/

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

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The Diocesan Prayer Diary will continue to publish its cycle of daily prayers for chaplaincies across the Diocese on Twitter.  

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