Statistics and stories from around the diocese and beyond, reflect that churches can find it difficult to connect with children, young people and their families. Perhaps you once did but no longer have the resources or energy required. Perhaps you don’t know where to start. Perhaps you are working with children, young people or families but know there are so many more you aren’t reaching and are acutely aware of the challenges that young people face. In all cases, praying for children and young people in our communities is something we can all do and is a great place to start.
From 2–8 July 2023, we are holding a diocesan-wide week of prayer for children and young people, their families and their schools, and are encouraging churches across Bath and Wells to join in.
The Go Team have created a Prayer Guide for the week with a theme for each day plus some creative ideas you could use to inspire your prayers, whether praying at home, as a small group or leading prayers in a service.
Andy Levett from the Go Team commented “We’ll be praying together as a team at midday each day and we’ve created the Prayer Guide to help you do the same wherever you are and at a time that suits you. Who knows what opportunities might begin to open up as we pray for the children and young people of our diocese?”
Schools, colleges and universities in our diocese will also be encouraged to join the Week of Prayer, especially through chaplains and local church links. During the week itself the daily themes and prayer points will be released through our social media channels and young people will be taking over the Diocesan Prayer Calendar.