Province One Lambeth Prayer Vigil
July 16–August 3. 2008

The Province of New England invites all members of the province to pray for the twelve New England bishops during the Lambeth Conference. The prayers below are written by the Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris. Download an 8.5x11 bulletin insert (pdf). Download an 8.5x14 bulletin insert (pdf)

Province One Bishops: Laura Ahrens, Bud Cederholm, James Curry, Thomas Ely, Gayle Harris, Chilton Knudsen, Stephen Lane, Gene Robinson, Gordon Scruton, Andrew Smith, Thomas Shaw, Geralyn Wolf.

Petitions
Gracious and loving God, whom we know as the God of justice, peace and reconciliation and who alone can order the affections of your people, be present with those assembled in prayer, study, worship and converse at this fourteenth decennial Lambeth Conference. Watch with them in their daily round. Lend your Holy Spirit to the diverse minds, tongues and interpretations of Scripture gathered there that they might seek to strengthen the bonds which unite us and seek to dispel those things that divide and separate us.

Let flow the balm of mutual respect which brings a realization that unity does not require uniformity, nor that such unity is achieved at the cost and sacrifice of your great gift of diversity.

Give to the bishops, spouses and other attendees, especially those from Province One of the Episcopal Church, strength to witness to the wholeness of all your creation and people, including our brother Gene who has been excluded and relegated to the margins of this gathering. Help them to raise clear voices as they seek to engage others in dialogue. Also give them open hearts as they listen to other understandings of your purpose and will for your people.

As we keep vigil here at home, strengthen us in that deep sense of solidarity which upholds us in the fellowship of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord and Savior in whose Holy name we pray. Amen.