Prayer Diary

Click on the link below to download our weekly Prayer Diary.
St Michael's Church, Stoke Gifford
Living to make a difference

Click on the link below to download our weekly Prayer Diary.

We dare to believe that Jesus is still Prince of Peace.
These are not ordinary times. Conflict and instability continue to shake many regions, and the escalation of war in the Middle East adds fresh urgency to our prayers. In response, we are interrupting our schedules to pray more intentionally for our world, and we invite you to join us.
From 16–22 March, we are committing to a week of prayer for peace. As we gather to stand in the gap for the nations, we’re asking you to join in—whether for a moment, an hour, or a watch in the night—as together we seek God’s peace and mercy for the world.
Make time to pray for peace this week, and join in with the online prayer meeting on Wednesday 18 March. Details at Global Week of 24-7 Prayer website
An initiative of the Global Week of 24-7 Prayer.
Source: 24-7 Prayer
A Global Prayer Gathering for Peace and Hope
For those who weren’t able to join live, the event is available on youtube, to join in with praying at any time
You are warmly invited to join a special prayer gathering with believers connected to churches in Iran, Lebanon, across the Middle East region, and around the world hosted by the Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani (Bishop of Chelmsford and a refugee from Iran) and Christian theologian and broadcaster Dr Krish Kandiah OBE, Director of the Sanctuary Foundation.
As violence and uncertainty affect many communities across the Middle East, we bring together church leaders and Christian voices from around the world to pray for peace, comfort and protection for all who are suffering.
Together we will listen, reflect on up-to-the-minute news and testimony and pray for those facing grave danger, displacement and loss, asking God to bring hope, justice and reconciliation in the midst of crisis.
Hosted by:
Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani – Bishop of Chelmsford, originally a refugee from Iran
Dr Krish Kandiah OBE – Director of Sanctuary Foundation
Lent 2026

The Church of England’s theme for Lent 2026 is Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent.
This year’s resources have the theme of a rhythm of life– habits and patterns which help us grow as disciples of Jesus day by day. This is similar to the Rule of Life practices which we have been focusing on as a church over the past few years.
There is a booklet containing the reflections, which can be purchased online (Church House Publishing, Amazon, and other retailers). The Everyday Faith app will have reflections every Monday to Saturday throughout Lent, based on the booklet.
The 2026 Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book is, Dancing to the Heartbeat of God, with stories of discipleship from across the Anglican Communion, which complements the daily reflections focus on habits and practices for following Jesus
There is also a booklet for families and children. Produced in partnership with 40acts, this 40-day challenge is designed to help families and children to join in the Draw Near journey. As well as an act of generosity, each day also offers a simple Bible verse, reflection and prayer ideal for families, children, school and church groups to do together. Download a wallchart to help you keep track of the challenges you’ve completed. There are also paper copies available in the centre. We’ll be posting an act each day on our social media channels

Lent began with our Ash Wednesday Communion Service on 18 February at 7.30pm in the auditorium.
This lovely service included the opportunity to be signed with the cross in ash, as we began this season of reflection.