Almighty God, giver of every good gift:
Look graciously on your Church and illuminate our path as we seek a new Bishop.
Help us to work together for the good of your kingdom and all who live, work and study in the Diocese of Oxford.
Give wisdom and listening hearts to those who have influence.
Send out your Holy Spirit to call one who will faithfully teach, pastor, care for and equip us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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Prayer resources for clergy and church leaders
For use until 24 March 2026
Prayer points
- Give thanks for the ministry of +Steven and all that he has done.
- Pray for him and his wife Ann as he transitions to retirement.
- Pray for +Gavin as he prepares to be acting diocesan bishop through the vacancy, and that he may exercise wisdom , discernment and joy in the Holy Spirit.
- Reflect: 1 Thessalonians Ch1 v2-3
- Pray for the consultation process - that all consulted will listen to God and speak truthfully in love.
- Pray that God will give revelation to his church and that it may be a beacon for His Kingdom.
- Reflect: Proverbs 19 v27
- Pray for those discussing and preparing the Statement of Need, that they may be led by the Holy Spirit as they consider the consultations and discern what God is saying.
- Pray that those preparing it may be honest, courageous - fulfilling the challenges of the gospel and needs of the diocese.
- Pray for true loving unity among all of the members of the Vacancy in See Committee.
- Reflect: 1 Corinthians Ch1 v10
- Pray for the right members of the Vacancy in See Committee to be chosen for the Crown Nominations Commission - that each may listen, discern wisely and fulfil their duties with integrity.
- Reflect: Acts 1:24
Full prayers
a) For general intercessions (1)
God of love and grace, we pray for the consultations around the new bishop of Oxford. Be with those who are contributing to the consultations; help them to speak with honesty, vulnerability and grace. Be with those who are defining who we need as a bishop; help them to listen with understanding to everyone who speaks. Be with Bishop Steven as he prepares for retirement, and Bishop Gavin as he prepares to take on new responsibilities; help them to trust in you alone. And be with this diocese at this time of transition, that there may be peace, hope and joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
b) For general intercessions (2)
God our Shepherd, we give you thanks for Bishop Steven’s ministry as our bishop and ask your blessing on him as he prepares to retire. In this time of consultation and discernment, we ask your blessing also on our diocese and those who shape its future. May they listen to every voice, and particularly to your Word. May your love be at the heart of all their decisions, and your will be done in this process. We ask this through your Son, who shared your love in his life among us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
c) In simple language
Loving God, thank you for our bishops and for Bishop Steven. As we decide what our new bishop should be like, help decision-makers to listen to everyone and to you. Help us to trust you and to work together, to find out the important things, and to remember that you are always the most important. Amen.
d) In traditional language
O God our Ruler, in every age thou hast called men and women to serve thy Church and shepherd thy people. Bless, we pray thee, this our diocese of Oxford: that in seeking a new bishop, we may hear thy voice and listen to the needs of thy people; and that through this process, the good news of thy gospel may be made known; through thy Son, Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of thy sheep. Amen.
e) Full intercessions for Eucharist/ Service of the Word
In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
let us pray to the Father.
For the peace of the whole world,
for the welfare of the Holy Church of God,
and for the unity of all,
let us pray to the Lord.
All Lord, have mercy.
For this diocese of Oxford,
for Steven our bishop, soon to retire,
for Gavin, bishop of Dorchester,
soon to take up new responsibilities as acting diocesan bishop,
and for all the bishops, clergy and people of this diocese,
let us pray to the Lord.
All Lord, have mercy.
For the consultation process for a new diocesan bishop,
for the Vacancy in See Committee,
for the appointments secretaries,
for all those contributing to the consultation,
for clear speaking and faithful listening,
let us pray to the Lord.
All Lord, have mercy.
For Charles our King,
for our prime minister and government,
for the leaders of the nations,
and for all in authority,
let us pray to the Lord.
All Lord, have mercy.
For this community,
for all the communities of the diocese of Oxford,
and for all the people who live, work and worship here,
let us pray to the Lord.
All Lord, have mercy.
For those who are anxious and afraid,
for those who face change,
for those for whom hope is hard to find,
let us pray to the Lord.
All Lord, have mercy.
For all who are in any kind of trouble,
for those who are sick, sad or suffering,
for ourselves and our own needs,
let us pray to the Lord.
All Lord, have mercy.
Remembering all who have gone before us in faith,
and in communion with all the saints,
we commit ourselves, one another,
and our whole life to Christ our God;
All to you, O Lord.
Hymn
Should God call a shepherd who could lead us,
may they be full of Christ-like love and light.
So they can lead us faithfully to Canaan,
revealing God’s transforming power and might.
And may they show a never- ending kingdom,
a place where we can meet our Lord today.
And move us gently on towards our purpose,
Taking the time to guide us on our way.
Could we seek a servant who is giving,
Arms open wide, yet clasping hands in prayer.
Sharing the joy of all that’s in creation,
Bringing to us their story of God’s care.
So, when they sing it may be words of wisdom,
And when they pray it may be full of grace.
So when we gather for our celebrations,
God’s spirit may be present in each place.
Would God send the one whom we are seeking,
Willing to walk alongside you and me.
Who ministers so deeply and profoundly,
preaches the gospel that can set us free.
Then we can worship once again together,
led by the soul that God has sent anew.
So they can teach us how to listen truly,
and trust our hearts in everything we do.
© The Revd Canon Valerie Plumb
Tune: Londonderry Air (Danny Boy)