Diocese of Bath & Wells

Renewing God, we give thanks for the constant changing of seasons, the beauty of trees as they turn gold and drop their leaves. May we, like them, recognise the need to let go and trust in your promise of renewal.

Gracious God, as the Taunton Archdeaconry Mission and Pastoral Group meet today, we ask you to help them notice all the signs of your presence across the area.

Faithful God, we give thanks for all those who clean and maintain our churches and churchyards so that they may be places of welcome, reflection and worship for all who enter them.

Jesus Christ, who took the form of a servant, we pray for your blessing for Multi-Academy Trust CEOs as they gather at Flourish House today with Bishop Michael. Inspire their leadership and uphold them in their roles as they seek to serve.

God, our judge and saviour, teach us to be open to your truth and to trust in your love, that we may live each day with confidence in the salvation which is given through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Loving God, we join Zambia on their National Day of Prayer and Fasting. Bless Zambia’s future, and the future of all nations, with peace, unity, and justice. Heal divisions, bring reconciliation, and guide all leaders and people in your truth and love.

Heavenly teacher, as the Education team gathers Church Secondary School colleagues together today, guide their connections and conversations. May their places of learning be beacons of hope in their communities.

Artist God, as the colours of autumn fill our lives, may we embrace the beauty of your palette and your constant creativity, reflected in our world.

Lord, grant that in all things, great and small, today and all the days of my life, I may do whatever you require of me. Help me respond to the slightest prompting of your Grace, so that I may be your trustworthy instrument for your honour. (St Teresa of Avila)

Generous God, we pray your blessing on all those who gather for the Money Matters Training Day in Cotford St Luke this evening. May the skills learned and wisdom shared help us all to be faithful stewards of the resources you entrust to us.

Continuous God, as the seasons change around us, as birds and animals migrate to winter grounds and as we seek shelter in colder weather, may we seek and find your safe havens through your constant provision. May we find and follow your light throughout all our journeys.

Gracious God, you call us to fullness of life: deliver us from unbelief and banish our anxieties with the liberating love of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Servant God, on this day when we remember James the Deacon, we give thanks for Deacons and Distinctive Deacons in our diocese, and those in training. May they flourish in their calling to serve you and their communities.

Loving God, on this World Mental Health Day when we also remember your servant Thomas Traherne, poet, we give thanks for those able to express our deepest pains and joys in ways for which we are unable to find the words. Bless those who reach for truth in mystery.

Teacher God, as school colleagues from across the diocese gather to consider their next steps in terms of their SIAMS (Statutory Inspection for Anglican and Methodist Schools) journey, may your Holy Spirit inspire and guide their thinking.

Almighty Father, strengthen and encourage those who minister in Chew Magna Deanery in parishes, schools and chaplaincies. Bless those parishes in vacancy and those preparing to welcome new incumbents. May their work and witness be to your honour and glory.

God of all, as the Bath Archdeaconry group, and the Audit and Risk Management Group meet today, we ask you to help these, and all ‘business’ meetings across our diocese, to respond to the prompting of your Holy Spirit in their thinking and their decisions.

As we remember William Tyndale, Translator of the Scriptures, Reformation Martyr, Father, we ask that you bless all who minister in our Magnificat parishes and help them to bring the Scriptures alive to everyone who needs to hear them.

Lord of creation, whose glory is around and within us: open our eyes to your wonders, that we may serve you with reverence and know your peace at our lives’ end, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Father, we give thanks for the blessings of Readers Day today: the inspiring training in the morning, and the Celebration Service with licensing of new Readers and welcoming of Readers into the Diocese. Forth in thy name O Lord we go, alongside all your people.