Sunday 1 November 2026

"In our joys and in our sorrows, days of toil and hours of ease,
Still he calls, in cares and pleasures, Christian, love me more than these.” (StF 250 v. 4)

The Conference, the Connexional Council, the District Chairs and the Warden of the Diaconal Order have heard your call, Risen Shepherd of the Church. Guide and direct them, we pray, that in their discerning and their decisions they may love you above all else. Loving you, may they follow wherever you lead, giving themselves away in your service. Through their self-giving, may your people be nourished, and through the flourishing of the Church, may your glory be revealed. Amen.

Prayer inspired by Singing the Faith (StF) 250 v. 4 and John 21:15–19

Jonathan Hustler, Secretary of the British Methodist Conference

Almighty God,
God of the silence
We pray for siblings across the world who may only whisper your name in praise.
May they know your presence in the quiet, silent air, yet full of faith.

God of the darkness
We pray for siblings across the world only able to meet at night, in secret or even alone.
May they know your creative Spirit hovering over the depths of their hope.

God of the outsiders
We pray for siblings across the world, locked out of places of worship by government authorities.
May they see your hand at work in the sanctuary of your creation and the signature of your love.

God of Justice, as we pray for siblings in the persecuted Church, for the freedom to worship you,
help us to avoid simplistic and wrong characterisations of other faiths, cultures and people.
May we see with your love, seek justice with your passion and stand in solidarity with all who seek to worship and express their faith free from fear.

Amen.

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Let our souls rejoice in your power, O God, and our hearts in your love. As our mouths are filled with your praise, may our lives testify to your grace. Amen.

Sarah Crosby, Methodist Preacher (1729–1804)