Christchurch Diocesan Prayer Pilgrimage - Lent 2024

Everyone in the Diocese, women and men, children, young people and adults, are invited to join together in a Diocesan Prayer Pilgrimage, so that together we can pray to God for the Regeneration of our Diocese. It will take place on the 3rd weekend of Lent next year - 1st - 3rd of March. You are invited to join Bishop Peter and others at one of 5 Waypoints during this special weekend of prayer. You may come to one Waypoint or more the one, or you may gather with others in your local church, or at home - but wherever we are on this weekend let us pray for renewal!

In September Synod members unanimously agreed to a "series of regional prayer gatherings" to "intercede for the regeneration of our Diocese." Synod members were excited about this initiative partly because the idea came from a group of young people! The resolution reminds us that the Church belongs to God. God established it, it exists to serve God and it is God who grows it. We are entirely dependent on "God who gives the growth" (1 Cor 3:6).

The Bishop will lead a group around the whole Diocese beginning in Timaru and ending at Hokitika. Bishop Peter's group will stop off at the five Waypoints and you are invited to join him there. The Waypoints are as follows;

• Friday 1 March: 7pm @ St Mary's Timaru.
• Saturday 2 March: 10am St Stephen's, Ashburton, 1pm Transitional Cathedral and 4pm St John's Rangiora
• Sunday 3 March: 10am All Saints, Hokitika

At the Waypoints we will pray together, using both structured as well as informal, free prayer. We will pray for our own personal renewal as well as the regeneration of all our churches, ministry units, agencies and the whole Diocese. We will also listen to God and seek to discern God's guidance. Finally, we will encourage everyone, whether present at the Waypoints or in their own parish or homes, to use the prayer "Come Holy Spirit and renew our Diocese" as well as a longer Diocesan Prayer for Regeneration.

Prayer Vigil: It is also hoped that all our ministry units will join together in a 40-hour continuous prayer vigil throughout the weekend - "40 hours in the 40 days of Lent" - beginning from 7pm Friday. This would involve people signing up to an hour of prayer at some point within the 40-hour period. There would be a number of nominated places Prayer Vigils would take place.

Sunday Worship: Worship on Sunday 3 March would be the climax and highlight of our prayers. Services around the Diocese would be resourced, so that we all have the same focus on prayer for the regeneration of our Diocese - readings, prayers, liturgical material, sermon ideas, hymn and song suggestions would be provided.

Diocesan Prayer Community: This will be launched on Sunday 26 May - Trinity Sunday. More information about how to get involved in praying daily for personal renewal and the regeneration of the Diocese will be available after Easter.

What Next?:

1. Register on this website indicating which Waypoint you'll be present at.
2. Advertise the Prayer Pilgrimage at church.
3. Commend the Prayer Pilgrimage to others and invite them to come with you.
4. Pray for the Prayer Pilgrimage, personal renewal and the regeneration of the Diocese!