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1st January 2026
New Year’s Day
God of new beginnings, renew our hearts and minds. May this year be rooted in your grace. Grow us as Kingdom People, bearing hope, peace, and purpose.
God of new beginnings, renew our hearts and minds. May this year be rooted in your grace. Grow us as Kingdom People, bearing hope, peace, and purpose.
2nd January 2026
Malvern Link with Cowleigh
We give thanks to God for the many blessings we receive and for the mission and
ministry we are privileged to carry out by his grace. As a parish, we have dedicated this year to discerning God’s call for the future - praying, listening, and seeking signs of his kingdom in our community. Pray for our ALM, School Chaplain Ness Everitt and all who are discerning a call to ministry. Clergy: James Williams, Alastair McKay, Sue Beverly, Ted Stokes. Readers: Jacqui Green, Eileen Tomlin, Allen Hudson, Mike Hancox
We give thanks to God for the many blessings we receive and for the mission and
ministry we are privileged to carry out by his grace. As a parish, we have dedicated this year to discerning God’s call for the future - praying, listening, and seeking signs of his kingdom in our community. Pray for our ALM, School Chaplain Ness Everitt and all who are discerning a call to ministry. Clergy: James Williams, Alastair McKay, Sue Beverly, Ted Stokes. Readers: Jacqui Green, Eileen Tomlin, Allen Hudson, Mike Hancox
3rd January 2026
Growing as Kingdom People
Guiding Lord, reveal your truth to our hearts. As the Magi sought you, may we seek
your kingdom. Grow us in wisdom, courage, and faithful discipleship.
Guiding Lord, reveal your truth to our hearts. As the Magi sought you, may we seek
your kingdom. Grow us in wisdom, courage, and faithful discipleship.
4th January 2026
Bishop Hugh Nelson
This month we are preparing to welcome Hugh Nelson as our new Bishop of
Worcester. Previously Bishop of St Germans in the Diocese of Truro, Bishop
Hugh brings with him a deep commitment to community, discipleship, and
faithful service.
Ordained in 2008 after many years living in the L’Arche community in London,
Hugh’s ministry has been rooted in inclusion and shared life. His experience
spans rural parishes, diocesan leadership, and his ongoing role as Bishop to the
Armed Forces, where he offers pastoral care to chaplains across the services.
Lord, we thank you for calling your servant Hugh to be Bishop of Worcester;
sustain him by your love, strengthen him in faith, encourage him in hope, and
grant him the needful gifts of grace as he begins his ministry among us.
This month we are preparing to welcome Hugh Nelson as our new Bishop of
Worcester. Previously Bishop of St Germans in the Diocese of Truro, Bishop
Hugh brings with him a deep commitment to community, discipleship, and
faithful service.
Ordained in 2008 after many years living in the L’Arche community in London,
Hugh’s ministry has been rooted in inclusion and shared life. His experience
spans rural parishes, diocesan leadership, and his ongoing role as Bishop to the
Armed Forces, where he offers pastoral care to chaplains across the services.
Lord, we thank you for calling your servant Hugh to be Bishop of Worcester;
sustain him by your love, strengthen him in faith, encourage him in hope, and
grant him the needful gifts of grace as he begins his ministry among us.
5th January 2026
Malvern Link with Cowleigh
We give thanks for the work of our Next Gen mission, for all that is happening in
schools, with families, children, and young people. We are especially grateful for the volunteers who serve so faithfully, offering their time and gifts to support this ministry.
We give thanks for the work of our Next Gen mission, for all that is happening in
schools, with families, children, and young people. We are especially grateful for the volunteers who serve so faithfully, offering their time and gifts to support this ministry.
6th January 2026
Old Hills Parishes
We thank you for our five villages, our four churches, our three schools, and our
two care homes in which we worship & serve. Bless all who live, work, and worship here, especially our wardens, lay ministers, and volunteers. Clergy: Gary Crellin.
Reader: Julia Davis
We thank you for our five villages, our four churches, our three schools, and our
two care homes in which we worship & serve. Bless all who live, work, and worship here, especially our wardens, lay ministers, and volunteers. Clergy: Gary Crellin.
Reader: Julia Davis
7th January 2026
Diocese of Morogoro
We pray especially for Bishop Godfrey as he prepares to travel to Worcester for the service of welcome for Bishop Hugh. We give thanks for the wonderful relationship that has been established between our two Dioceses and pray for God’s blessing on all that is to come in the future.
We pray especially for Bishop Godfrey as he prepares to travel to Worcester for the service of welcome for Bishop Hugh. We give thanks for the wonderful relationship that has been established between our two Dioceses and pray for God’s blessing on all that is to come in the future.
8th January 2026
Old Hills Parishes
We thank you for all in our villages of Powick, Guarlford, Callow End, Madresfield and Newland, for the children and staff of the schools in our area and those who live in the two care homes. Give thanks for all who worship with us and for our churchwardens, lay ministers, and volunteers. Clergy: Gary Crellin. Reader: Julia Davis
We thank you for all in our villages of Powick, Guarlford, Callow End, Madresfield and Newland, for the children and staff of the schools in our area and those who live in the two care homes. Give thanks for all who worship with us and for our churchwardens, lay ministers, and volunteers. Clergy: Gary Crellin. Reader: Julia Davis
9th January 2026
Upton and the Hook
Pray that the Lord would provide us with churchwardens and a treasurer in Upton. Pray for Rachel, new headteacher at Upton Primary School, for the work of Open the Book and all our school involvement. Clergy: Barry Unwin, Sue Adeney, Juliann Watson. Reader: Alison Martin, Mary Weatherill
Pray that the Lord would provide us with churchwardens and a treasurer in Upton. Pray for Rachel, new headteacher at Upton Primary School, for the work of Open the Book and all our school involvement. Clergy: Barry Unwin, Sue Adeney, Juliann Watson. Reader: Alison Martin, Mary Weatherill
10th January 2026
Growing as Kingdom People
God of revelation, shine through our words and deeds. May your kingdom grow as
we serve in love. Make us bearers of your light to the nations.
God of revelation, shine through our words and deeds. May your kingdom grow as
we serve in love. Make us bearers of your light to the nations.
11th January 2026
Plough Sunday
Plough Sunday, traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday after Epiphany,
marks the beginning of the agricultural year. It is a time when farmers and rural
communities gather to seek God’s blessing on the land and the tools of their
trade, offering prayers for a fruitful season ahead. Historically, ploughs were
brought into the church to be blessed, a symbol of dependence on God for the
success of the harvest.
In today’s context, Plough Sunday reminds us of the importance of creation and
our responsibility to steward the earth wisely. As we give thanks for the land,
we also remember the delicate balance of nature and the need for sustainable
practices. Our prayers extend beyond the fields, asking for God’s guidance in
tackling environmental challenges, promoting food justice, and ensuring that
all have access to the fruits of the earth.
We pray for all who work on the land, for farmers facing the uncertainties of
weather and market forces, and for those striving to preserve God’s creation.
May their labour be blessed and may we all recognise our role in caring for
this beautiful world God has entrusted to us.
Plough Sunday, traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday after Epiphany,
marks the beginning of the agricultural year. It is a time when farmers and rural
communities gather to seek God’s blessing on the land and the tools of their
trade, offering prayers for a fruitful season ahead. Historically, ploughs were
brought into the church to be blessed, a symbol of dependence on God for the
success of the harvest.
In today’s context, Plough Sunday reminds us of the importance of creation and
our responsibility to steward the earth wisely. As we give thanks for the land,
we also remember the delicate balance of nature and the need for sustainable
practices. Our prayers extend beyond the fields, asking for God’s guidance in
tackling environmental challenges, promoting food justice, and ensuring that
all have access to the fruits of the earth.
We pray for all who work on the land, for farmers facing the uncertainties of
weather and market forces, and for those striving to preserve God’s creation.
May their labour be blessed and may we all recognise our role in caring for
this beautiful world God has entrusted to us.
12th January 2026
Ripple, Earls Croome with Hill Croome and Strensham.
Pray for the building renewal project in Ripple, that its launch will go well and
that funds will be forthcoming. For the newly established Friends of Earls Croome
Church; and that the Lord will send more workers to help us in mission. Clergy:
Barry Unwin, Sue Adeney, Juliann Watson. Reader: Alison Martin, Mary Weatherill
Pray for the building renewal project in Ripple, that its launch will go well and
that funds will be forthcoming. For the newly established Friends of Earls Croome
Church; and that the Lord will send more workers to help us in mission. Clergy:
Barry Unwin, Sue Adeney, Juliann Watson. Reader: Alison Martin, Mary Weatherill
13th January 2026
Hanley Castle & Hanley Swan
Pray for the outreach work at St Mary’s Church through Gold Eco church award and exhibitions. For Stir Up Church all age service to continue to thrive, and for planned new schedule of services. For the links with the school through Open the Book,
Gather and Collective Worship and the building development programme. For our
churchwardens. Clergy: Barry Unwin, Sue Adeney, Juliann Watson
Pray for the outreach work at St Mary’s Church through Gold Eco church award and exhibitions. For Stir Up Church all age service to continue to thrive, and for planned new schedule of services. For the links with the school through Open the Book,
Gather and Collective Worship and the building development programme. For our
churchwardens. Clergy: Barry Unwin, Sue Adeney, Juliann Watson
14th January 2026
The Protestant Church of Central Germany
Let us pray for the Annual Ecumenical Conference on Youth Work, which takes place throughout the EKM under the motto ‘Swords into Soap Bubbles... Peace. Youth.
Responsibility’. What might peace, commitment and youth-oriented action really
look like in church youth work today?“ May all involved be inspired and a blessing
for each and everyone.
Let us pray for the Annual Ecumenical Conference on Youth Work, which takes place throughout the EKM under the motto ‘Swords into Soap Bubbles... Peace. Youth.
Responsibility’. What might peace, commitment and youth-oriented action really
look like in church youth work today?“ May all involved be inspired and a blessing
for each and everyone.
15th January 2026
Welland
Pray for continued growth of links with the community and opportunities to share the good news of Jesus. Clergy: Virginia Clements, Linda Bedford. Reader: Alison Martin
Pray for continued growth of links with the community and opportunities to share the good news of Jesus. Clergy: Virginia Clements, Linda Bedford. Reader: Alison Martin
16th January 2026
Retired clergy in Malvern & Upton Deanery
Give thanks for the ministry of our retired clergy, for all that they are, and for all that they have given and continue to give. Please pray that they and their families will know God’s blessing and peace.
Give thanks for the ministry of our retired clergy, for all that they are, and for all that they have given and continue to give. Please pray that they and their families will know God’s blessing and peace.
17th January 2026
Welcome for the Bishop of Worcester
Today Bishop Hugh Nelson is welcomed as the 114th Bishop of Worcester. We thank you Lord for calling your servant Hugh to join us. We also give thanks for all who have been involved in organising today’s service of welcome and pray for those across the Diocese who will come to take part.
Today Bishop Hugh Nelson is welcomed as the 114th Bishop of Worcester. We thank you Lord for calling your servant Hugh to join us. We also give thanks for all who have been involved in organising today’s service of welcome and pray for those across the Diocese who will come to take part.
18th January 2026
Using mantra for prayer - Second Practice
Having discovered mantra and the Jesus Prayer, we’ll move on to a prayer made
popular by Fr John Main. This mantra is very short, just a single word. As before,
it’s simply repeated using a prayer rope etc, or just our breath.
The mantra is maranatha.
When praying it whisper the word like this; ma-ra-na-tha.
Say the prayer by emphasising each syllable, ma…ra…na...tha. Then take a gentle in-breath and say it again, ma…ra…na…tha. Focus on the sound, how
it feels on the lips, tongue, mouth.
Give it all of your attention. The prayer corrals the mind, rounding it up and focussing it. If it escapes (it will, by remembering something, anything!) gently
bring it back into line by pausing and starting afresh.
Maranatha can be found in the Bible at 1 Corinthians 16:22. It’s one of the few Aramaic words untranslated into Greek and means, “Our Lord has come / is coming”. Sadly, it seems to be used by St Paul as a curse, but don’t let that put you off!
Own the word for yourself, don’t dwell on particular meanings, but use the sound and texture of the word to focus your mind in the direction of silence.
Ma-ra-na-tha
Having discovered mantra and the Jesus Prayer, we’ll move on to a prayer made
popular by Fr John Main. This mantra is very short, just a single word. As before,
it’s simply repeated using a prayer rope etc, or just our breath.
The mantra is maranatha.
When praying it whisper the word like this; ma-ra-na-tha.
Say the prayer by emphasising each syllable, ma…ra…na...tha. Then take a gentle in-breath and say it again, ma…ra…na…tha. Focus on the sound, how
it feels on the lips, tongue, mouth.
Give it all of your attention. The prayer corrals the mind, rounding it up and focussing it. If it escapes (it will, by remembering something, anything!) gently
bring it back into line by pausing and starting afresh.
Maranatha can be found in the Bible at 1 Corinthians 16:22. It’s one of the few Aramaic words untranslated into Greek and means, “Our Lord has come / is coming”. Sadly, it seems to be used by St Paul as a curse, but don’t let that put you off!
Own the word for yourself, don’t dwell on particular meanings, but use the sound and texture of the word to focus your mind in the direction of silence.
Ma-ra-na-tha
19th January 2026
St Wulfstan’s Day
On the feast day for St Wulfstan, we pray: Lord God, who raised up Wulfstan to be a bishop among your people and a leader of your Church: help us, after his example, to live simply, to work diligently and to make your kingdom known.
On the feast day for St Wulfstan, we pray: Lord God, who raised up Wulfstan to be a bishop among your people and a leader of your Church: help us, after his example, to live simply, to work diligently and to make your kingdom known.
20th January 2026
Pershore & Evesham Deanery
Give thanks for all who so generously serve churches and our communities. Please pray for our outreach to new residents especially in larger-scale developments.
Deanery Leadership Team: Sarah Dangerfield, Jack Hegarty, Jackie Knight, Robin Lunn, Ian Perry, Alison Sandham
Give thanks for all who so generously serve churches and our communities. Please pray for our outreach to new residents especially in larger-scale developments.
Deanery Leadership Team: Sarah Dangerfield, Jack Hegarty, Jackie Knight, Robin Lunn, Ian Perry, Alison Sandham
21st January 2026
Economy and Daily Life
Pray for all facing debt following Christmas and the holiday period and now receiving demands for payment – be it through credit cards, or loan companies – that they
may find ways of managing their debt. Pray for local projects, and their staff and
volunteers, supporting those in debt, for wisdom and sensitivity in their work.
Pray for all facing debt following Christmas and the holiday period and now receiving demands for payment – be it through credit cards, or loan companies – that they
may find ways of managing their debt. Pray for local projects, and their staff and
volunteers, supporting those in debt, for wisdom and sensitivity in their work.
22nd January 2026
ARCH Benefice
Give thanks for collaboration during the vacancy, the arrival of Revd Glenn, and the appointment of Caroline and Andy as SSM Associate Priests. Please pray for this new and exciting time in the life of our enlarged benefice with Norton and Lenchwick and for all who serve our churches and villages in their varied ministries.
Clergy: Glenn Reading, Caroline Green, Andy Green, Chris Sheehan. Reader: Pippa Heenan
Give thanks for collaboration during the vacancy, the arrival of Revd Glenn, and the appointment of Caroline and Andy as SSM Associate Priests. Please pray for this new and exciting time in the life of our enlarged benefice with Norton and Lenchwick and for all who serve our churches and villages in their varied ministries.
Clergy: Glenn Reading, Caroline Green, Andy Green, Chris Sheehan. Reader: Pippa Heenan