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1st February 2026
Candlemas
Candlemas, celebrated on 2 February, marks a beautiful turning point in the
Church’s year - the moment we look back to the light of Christmas and forward
toward the shadows of Lent. It recalls the day when Mary and Joseph brought
the infant Jesus to the Temple, where Simeon and Anna recognised him as the
promised light to the nations.
As Simeon held the Christ Child, his eyes saw salvation - not power or grandeur, but divine love made visible in vulnerability. Candlemas invites us to that same vision: to recognise Christ’s light shining in ordinary lives, homes, and communities.
Traditionally, this feast is when candles are blessed, symbols of Christ’s light
guiding us through the dark and uncertain places of life. It reminds us that we
too are called to bear that light - not only within the safety of church walls, but
in workplaces, families, and the wider world.
As we cross this threshold from Epiphany’s brightness into Lent’s reflection, may
we carry the light of Christ with courage and hope, trusting that his presence
will never fade.
Light of the World, shine in our hearts and homes. As Simeon rejoiced to see your glory, may we recognise your presence and share your light. Guide us faithfully into the way of peace. Amen.
Candlemas, celebrated on 2 February, marks a beautiful turning point in the
Church’s year - the moment we look back to the light of Christmas and forward
toward the shadows of Lent. It recalls the day when Mary and Joseph brought
the infant Jesus to the Temple, where Simeon and Anna recognised him as the
promised light to the nations.
As Simeon held the Christ Child, his eyes saw salvation - not power or grandeur, but divine love made visible in vulnerability. Candlemas invites us to that same vision: to recognise Christ’s light shining in ordinary lives, homes, and communities.
Traditionally, this feast is when candles are blessed, symbols of Christ’s light
guiding us through the dark and uncertain places of life. It reminds us that we
too are called to bear that light - not only within the safety of church walls, but
in workplaces, families, and the wider world.
As we cross this threshold from Epiphany’s brightness into Lent’s reflection, may
we carry the light of Christ with courage and hope, trusting that his presence
will never fade.
Light of the World, shine in our hearts and homes. As Simeon rejoiced to see your glory, may we recognise your presence and share your light. Guide us faithfully into the way of peace. Amen.
2nd February 2026
Bowland Benefice
Please pray for energy in our small rural churches across Peopleton, White Ladies Aston, Upton Snodsbury and Broughton Hackett as we seek to promote God’s
mission. For all lay leaders, existing congregations and seekers. Clergy: Claire
Billington, Sarah Dangerfield, Emma Goldby
Please pray for energy in our small rural churches across Peopleton, White Ladies Aston, Upton Snodsbury and Broughton Hackett as we seek to promote God’s
mission. For all lay leaders, existing congregations and seekers. Clergy: Claire
Billington, Sarah Dangerfield, Emma Goldby
3rd February 2026
Bredon Hill Group
At Elmley Castle with Bricklehampton & the Combertons, pray for families coming to Messy Church, the children and staff of Elmley Castle First School and the Open the Book team. For the witness of Christians in our villages, that we may be gently bold in telling our own stories of faith. Clergy: Katryn Leclézio, Allison Davies, Roger Spiller
At Elmley Castle with Bricklehampton & the Combertons, pray for families coming to Messy Church, the children and staff of Elmley Castle First School and the Open the Book team. For the witness of Christians in our villages, that we may be gently bold in telling our own stories of faith. Clergy: Katryn Leclézio, Allison Davies, Roger Spiller
4th February 2026
Diocese of Morogoro
Pray for Yona, midwife at Tunguli Health Centre, as he supports women’s groups,
providing vital education on maternal and child health. Give thanks for the gift of a
motorbike to provide outdoor clinics in more remote areas.
Pray for Yona, midwife at Tunguli Health Centre, as he supports women’s groups,
providing vital education on maternal and child health. Give thanks for the gift of a
motorbike to provide outdoor clinics in more remote areas.
5th February 2026
Bredon Hill Group
In Overbury w Teddington, Alstone & Little Washbourne with Beckford & Ashton
under Hill, pray for our living witness to Jesus. For Overbury CE First School, Ashton First School and Bredon Hill Academy and our Open the Book teams. Clergy: Katryn Leclézio, Allison Davies, Gerard Moate, Alma Organ
In Overbury w Teddington, Alstone & Little Washbourne with Beckford & Ashton
under Hill, pray for our living witness to Jesus. For Overbury CE First School, Ashton First School and Bredon Hill Academy and our Open the Book teams. Clergy: Katryn Leclézio, Allison Davies, Gerard Moate, Alma Organ
6th February 2026
Bredon Hill Group
Pray for our farming community who have had a challenging two years of much
reduced harvest. That community support and our love and prayers would sustain
farms and farmers who are struggling. Pray also for our generous giving to mission partners overseas in our cost-of-living challenges. For our ALMs and churchwardens.
Pray for our farming community who have had a challenging two years of much
reduced harvest. That community support and our love and prayers would sustain
farms and farmers who are struggling. Pray also for our generous giving to mission partners overseas in our cost-of-living challenges. For our ALMs and churchwardens.
7th February 2026
Bredon Hill Group
At Bredon with Bredon’s Norton, Eckington and Defford cum Besford please pray
for our regular coffee mornings and new Board Games morning. For strengthened links with three Primary Schools and Open the Book teams. Pray for the Pastoral Team at Bredon, as they care for the elderly and those in need, our retired clergy
and ALMs. Clergy: Allison Davies, Sooz Maggee
At Bredon with Bredon’s Norton, Eckington and Defford cum Besford please pray
for our regular coffee mornings and new Board Games morning. For strengthened links with three Primary Schools and Open the Book teams. Pray for the Pastoral Team at Bredon, as they care for the elderly and those in need, our retired clergy
and ALMs. Clergy: Allison Davies, Sooz Maggee
8th February 2026
ATC Sunday
Today is ATC Sunday - a day when the Air Training Corps (ATC), now part of the
Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC), celebrates its formation, which happened
on 5 February, 1941.
Typically observed on the Sunday closest to this anniversary, it’s a day for RAF
Air Cadets across the UK to parade and attend services, often in local churches,
to commemorate the founding of the corps and the beginning of their aviationfocused training and activities.
Fr Adam Hadley is padre to the Kingswinford Squadron, regularly leading padre’s
hour during the year and hosting a number of squadrons from across the Black
Country for ATC Sunday at St Mary’s Kingswinford.
This ATC Sunday please pray for all those who volunteer with the ATC and for the cadets themselves.
Today is ATC Sunday - a day when the Air Training Corps (ATC), now part of the
Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC), celebrates its formation, which happened
on 5 February, 1941.
Typically observed on the Sunday closest to this anniversary, it’s a day for RAF
Air Cadets across the UK to parade and attend services, often in local churches,
to commemorate the founding of the corps and the beginning of their aviationfocused training and activities.
Fr Adam Hadley is padre to the Kingswinford Squadron, regularly leading padre’s
hour during the year and hosting a number of squadrons from across the Black
Country for ATC Sunday at St Mary’s Kingswinford.
This ATC Sunday please pray for all those who volunteer with the ATC and for the cadets themselves.
9th February 2026
Broadway, Wickhamford and Childswickham
We pray for coming together as a benefice working across boundaries with
Sedgeberrow and Hinton on the Green; working together to show God’s presence
in our villages. We give thanks for all who volunteer in our churches to help sustain ministry and for the work our PCCs and Friends’ committees do for our church community and buildings. For our ALMs and retired clergy. Clergy: Shellie Ward. Readers: Elaine Major, Helen Black
We pray for coming together as a benefice working across boundaries with
Sedgeberrow and Hinton on the Green; working together to show God’s presence
in our villages. We give thanks for all who volunteer in our churches to help sustain ministry and for the work our PCCs and Friends’ committees do for our church community and buildings. For our ALMs and retired clergy. Clergy: Shellie Ward. Readers: Elaine Major, Helen Black
10th February 2026
East Vale & Avon Villages
We give thanks for our dedicated, faithful & multi-tasking people including ALMs and retired clergy in our team, conducting services, running Messy Church, Open the Book, coffee mornings and special events. Clergy: Jo Fielding. Reader: Margaret Pye
We give thanks for our dedicated, faithful & multi-tasking people including ALMs and retired clergy in our team, conducting services, running Messy Church, Open the Book, coffee mornings and special events. Clergy: Jo Fielding. Reader: Margaret Pye
11th February 2026
The Protestant Church of Central Germany
We pray for the congregations of our church district (Kirchenkreis Salzwedel) and
that all those working there will not feel hopeless or get frustrated by the many
challenges we are facing due to the shrinking membership and financial resources.
We pray for the congregations of our church district (Kirchenkreis Salzwedel) and
that all those working there will not feel hopeless or get frustrated by the many
challenges we are facing due to the shrinking membership and financial resources.
12th February 2026
East Vale & Avon Villages
Pray for our three church schools, children, staff & governors in challenging times, and for the growth of Gather & Story Explorers, as we seek to show God’s love in our community. Clergy: Jo Fielding. Reader: Margaret Pye
Pray for our three church schools, children, staff & governors in challenging times, and for the growth of Gather & Story Explorers, as we seek to show God’s love in our community. Clergy: Jo Fielding. Reader: Margaret Pye
13th February 2026
HMP Long Lartin
Your prayers are asked for all who live and work at HMP Long Lartin. For all the
members of the chaplaincy team. For the Prison Fellowship Group and all volunteers and supporters of our ministry here. Chaplain: Nick Scott
Your prayers are asked for all who live and work at HMP Long Lartin. For all the
members of the chaplaincy team. For the Prison Fellowship Group and all volunteers and supporters of our ministry here. Chaplain: Nick Scott
14th February 2026
St Valentine’s Day
We pray today for all those who we love and for those who love us. We especially
remember those who will find today difficult for whatever reason – help them to
know that they are loved by you.
We pray today for all those who we love and for those who love us. We especially
remember those who will find today difficult for whatever reason – help them to
know that they are loved by you.
15th February 2026
Ashing at St Bartholomew Primary School
Last year on Ash Wednesday, pupils in Key Stage 2 at St Barnabas CE Primary
School in Worcester took part in a special assembly to learn about Lent.
The service was led by the Revd Sarah Northall with support from members of
the churches of St Barnabas with Christ Church, St Wulstan and St Nicholas.
Children aged 7-11 were involved, joining in with a question and answer liturgy,
prayers and songs, and choosing for themselves if they wished to receive ashes
on their forehead.
Sarah said: “I wanted to invite the children to step into something special. We
make lots of space to do this in Advent and Christmas and I felt it was important
to show the other side of the coin.”
Headteacher Sarah Hanson said: “I absolutely loved this afternoon – it was a
really purposeful, meaningful service. We have children from all faiths and none
in school and everyone was very respectful. It was particularly great that the
children had the confidence to either come up to receive ashes or not – it was
completely their own choice.”
Please pray for all those parishes who are finding ways to share the story of Easter with their local school throughout Lent and that those children and their families will take new steps into developing their faith.
Last year on Ash Wednesday, pupils in Key Stage 2 at St Barnabas CE Primary
School in Worcester took part in a special assembly to learn about Lent.
The service was led by the Revd Sarah Northall with support from members of
the churches of St Barnabas with Christ Church, St Wulstan and St Nicholas.
Children aged 7-11 were involved, joining in with a question and answer liturgy,
prayers and songs, and choosing for themselves if they wished to receive ashes
on their forehead.
Sarah said: “I wanted to invite the children to step into something special. We
make lots of space to do this in Advent and Christmas and I felt it was important
to show the other side of the coin.”
Headteacher Sarah Hanson said: “I absolutely loved this afternoon – it was a
really purposeful, meaningful service. We have children from all faiths and none
in school and everyone was very respectful. It was particularly great that the
children had the confidence to either come up to receive ashes or not – it was
completely their own choice.”
Please pray for all those parishes who are finding ways to share the story of Easter with their local school throughout Lent and that those children and their families will take new steps into developing their faith.
16th February 2026
Inkberrow, Cookhill, Kington with Dormston
We pray for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and guidance as we begin the Bishop’s Certificate Course. We pray the participants of the course may have their faith encouraged and strengthened. Clergy: Ian Perry, Diane Hayward-Wright. Reader: Janice Swan
We pray for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and guidance as we begin the Bishop’s Certificate Course. We pray the participants of the course may have their faith encouraged and strengthened. Clergy: Ian Perry, Diane Hayward-Wright. Reader: Janice Swan
17th February 2026
Shrove Tuesday
Forgiving God, as we prepare for Lent, cleanse our hearts and renew our joy. May we grow as Kingdom People, ready to serve You in humility and love.
Forgiving God, as we prepare for Lent, cleanse our hearts and renew our joy. May we grow as Kingdom People, ready to serve You in humility and love.
18th February 2026
Ash Wednesday
Merciful Lord, mark us with your cross. Teach us repentance, restore our hope.
May these forty days grow us in faith, turning our hearts toward your kingdom ways.
Merciful Lord, mark us with your cross. Teach us repentance, restore our hope.
May these forty days grow us in faith, turning our hearts toward your kingdom ways.
19th February 2026
Church musicians
Pray for all those who offer their skills as musicians in our churches, whether as
organists, pianists, choir members or as part of a worship band. Give thanks for all they do to enhance our worship and help us offer praise to God.
Pray for all those who offer their skills as musicians in our churches, whether as
organists, pianists, choir members or as part of a worship band. Give thanks for all they do to enhance our worship and help us offer praise to God.
20th February 2026
Pershore Benefice
Pray for our growing Café Church which meets in the St Andrew’s Centre. For Abbey Walking Church and St James’ Church, Birlingham’s Sunday Walks. We pray that we may journey well with those exploring faith. For our ALMs, clergy with PTO, Children and Families’ Worker: Sam Andrews, Ordinand: Terry Palmer and Penny Gordon on the Auxiliary Pathway. Clergy: Claire Lording, Jayne Parker. Readers: David Bray,
Angela Gerrard, Peter Stansbie, Joanna Williams
Pray for our growing Café Church which meets in the St Andrew’s Centre. For Abbey Walking Church and St James’ Church, Birlingham’s Sunday Walks. We pray that we may journey well with those exploring faith. For our ALMs, clergy with PTO, Children and Families’ Worker: Sam Andrews, Ordinand: Terry Palmer and Penny Gordon on the Auxiliary Pathway. Clergy: Claire Lording, Jayne Parker. Readers: David Bray,
Angela Gerrard, Peter Stansbie, Joanna Williams
21st February 2026
Growing as Kingdom People
Lord, we pray that all our worship is welcoming and accessible to a wide variety of
people and helps to develop a deeper discipleship.
Lord, we pray that all our worship is welcoming and accessible to a wide variety of
people and helps to develop a deeper discipleship.
22nd February 2026
Legacies / funeral planning week
This week marks the start of Funeral Planning Week - a gentle invitation to
reflect on the shape of our lives, our hopes, and the legacy we leave behind.
For churches, legacies are more than financial gifts; they are lasting acts of
faith, gratitude, and love. Across our diocese, many parishes have been blessed
by gifts left in wills - restoring buildings, funding mission and ministry, supporting
young disciples, or caring for those in need.
Making a will and considering a legacy to the Church is a way of saying thank you to God for His faithfulness throughout our lives. It is a practical expression of stewardship - ensuring that the work of worship, witness, and service can continue for generations to come.
As we reflect on our own journey, we are reminded that every prayer, act of kindness, and gift given in faith becomes part of God’s ongoing story in the world. Our legacy, however large or small, helps grow the Kingdom beyond our lifetime.
Faithful God, thank You for those whose generosity sustains your Church. Teach us wise stewardship and joyful giving, that our lives and legacies may continue to
share your love and light.
This week marks the start of Funeral Planning Week - a gentle invitation to
reflect on the shape of our lives, our hopes, and the legacy we leave behind.
For churches, legacies are more than financial gifts; they are lasting acts of
faith, gratitude, and love. Across our diocese, many parishes have been blessed
by gifts left in wills - restoring buildings, funding mission and ministry, supporting
young disciples, or caring for those in need.
Making a will and considering a legacy to the Church is a way of saying thank you to God for His faithfulness throughout our lives. It is a practical expression of stewardship - ensuring that the work of worship, witness, and service can continue for generations to come.
As we reflect on our own journey, we are reminded that every prayer, act of kindness, and gift given in faith becomes part of God’s ongoing story in the world. Our legacy, however large or small, helps grow the Kingdom beyond our lifetime.
Faithful God, thank You for those whose generosity sustains your Church. Teach us wise stewardship and joyful giving, that our lives and legacies may continue to
share your love and light.
23rd February 2026
Pershore Benefice
Pray we may welcome all in Pershore, Birlingham, Pinvin and Wick; for our work
to become dementia friendly churches; for our outreach to those who are new
in our communities, especially children, young people and their families. For our
ALMs, clergy with PTO, Children and Families’ Worker: Sam Andrews, Ordinand:
Terry Palmer and Penny Gordon on the Auxiliary Pathway. Clergy: Claire Lording,
Jayne Parker. Readers: David Bray, Angela Gerrard, Peter Stansbie, Joanna Williams
Pray we may welcome all in Pershore, Birlingham, Pinvin and Wick; for our work
to become dementia friendly churches; for our outreach to those who are new
in our communities, especially children, young people and their families. For our
ALMs, clergy with PTO, Children and Families’ Worker: Sam Andrews, Ordinand:
Terry Palmer and Penny Gordon on the Auxiliary Pathway. Clergy: Claire Lording,
Jayne Parker. Readers: David Bray, Angela Gerrard, Peter Stansbie, Joanna Williams
24th February 2026
Emergency services
Pray for all those who work in the emergency services. Give them strength and pray
that they will feel God’s love as they carry out their vital work.
Pray for all those who work in the emergency services. Give them strength and pray
that they will feel God’s love as they carry out their vital work.
25th February 2026
Economy and Daily Life
Pray for the new team of chaplains to the Severn Valley Railway, all of whom are
also volunteers on the railway. Give thanks for the companionship and community
many find in volunteering as the new season begins during the February half-term.
Pray for the new team of chaplains to the Severn Valley Railway, all of whom are
also volunteers on the railway. Give thanks for the companionship and community
many find in volunteering as the new season begins during the February half-term.
26th February 2026
Stoulton with Drakes Broughton & Pirton
Please pray for the churches of St Edmund, St Barnabas, and St Peter in our
servant-hearted ministry. For St Barnabas CE School, and our churchwardens
Corinna Wilcox, Tina Homer, and Teresa Gardener. Clergy: Emma Goldby
Please pray for the churches of St Edmund, St Barnabas, and St Peter in our
servant-hearted ministry. For St Barnabas CE School, and our churchwardens
Corinna Wilcox, Tina Homer, and Teresa Gardener. Clergy: Emma Goldby
27th February 2026
Evesham w Norton & Lenchwick
Please pray for our churchwardens during our vacancy and at this time of change. For our Administrator, the ministry team and the PCCs. For Evesham Vale Welcomes Refugees, for the Yellow Scarf addiction recovery programme and for Stay and Play parent and toddler group. For our ALMs. Clergy: Prajna Pal-Lad, Andy Green, Caroline Green. Readers: Amanda Palmer, Julie Westlake
Please pray for our churchwardens during our vacancy and at this time of change. For our Administrator, the ministry team and the PCCs. For Evesham Vale Welcomes Refugees, for the Yellow Scarf addiction recovery programme and for Stay and Play parent and toddler group. For our ALMs. Clergy: Prajna Pal-Lad, Andy Green, Caroline Green. Readers: Amanda Palmer, Julie Westlake
28th February 2026
Growing as Kingdom People
Merciful God, water our spirits with grace. In fasting, prayer, and service, grow our
hearts to bear fruit. Prepare us to share the life of your risen kingdom.
Merciful God, water our spirits with grace. In fasting, prayer, and service, grow our
hearts to bear fruit. Prepare us to share the life of your risen kingdom.