An invitation to congregations to join a global prayer movement

Bishop Nicholas Hudson addressing the launch

Congregations in England and Wales have been warmly invited to support the annual global and ecumenical prayer initiative, ‘Thy Kingdom Come.’ Since it began four years ago, Thy Kingdom Come has gathered more than a million Christians in nearly 90% of countries worldwide, to pray for more people to come to faith in Christ during the period from Ascension to Pentecost.

The 2020 TKC was launched with a gathering at Lambeth Palace, at which Bishop Nicholas Hudson, an auxiliary in Westminster diocese, gave an opening address - a reflection on John 20 (v 19-31). See: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/39008

Sr Sue, far left, with Anglican Franciscans & the Archbishop of Canterbury

The Anglican Representative on the Conference of Religious Executive Committee, Sr Sue Berry CSF, hailed the annual prayer movement as a wonderful endeavour:  “I haven’t been involved in leading TKC events, but have been impressed with the effectiveness of a combination of clear focus and inclusivity, focusing on the 11 days from Ascension to Pentecost,  while encouraging people to “pray in your own way” as Archbishop Justin says.”

Sr Sue went on: “This means that churches of varying traditions, and all sorts of groups and individuals have been able to hold very diverse prayer events according to their own preferred ways of prayer and outreach,  all using the Lord’s Prayer with the intention of evangelisation, and so feeling very much part of what is now an annual global Christian event.  On an individual level the faith building “pray for five” initiative is also very inclusive,  encouraging us all to be part of TKC through our personal prayers for five people we know to become followers of Jesus,  whether or not we are able to participate in special events. I have found that using the materials provided has helped me to be more aware and responsive to the Spirit at work amid the ordinariness of life and relationships.”

Teresa Carvalho introducing Facebook live

At the Lambeth Palace launch event, Teresa Carvalho, Home Mission officer for the department for Evangelisation and Catechesis at the Catholic Bishops Conference, facilitated a Q & A session with Archbishop Justin Welby,  with questions submitted from those in attendance and watching live around the world on Facebook. Topics included how to engage more children and young people  and encourage leaders - ordained and lay - to lead on prayer and ecumenism. Those connecting with the Facebook live session included people in Australia, Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Netherlands, Thailand, Mauritius, South Sudan, America and Canada.

The Catholic bishops of England and Wales have been involved since the first year, and resources this year include a Catholic edition of "Evening Prayer of the Church", with an intention for each day from Ascension to Pentecost.  The bishops' conference, working with Thy Kingdom Come, has in addition produced "Journey with Mary", a guide to praying with Mary "for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit". This includes intentions for those who are isolated and alone, those in need of mercy, and those becoming interested in the Christian faith. 

Bishop Hudson said: “We're being called not just to pray but to pray for the grace to tell others that Jesus died for them; and to show them his wounds by touching their wounds. Touching their wounds? Well, yes, and here's the mysterious part because, as Pope Francis tells, it's when we touch the wounded flesh of others that we touch the wounded Body of Christ. Put your hand into their side and you're putting your hand into Christ's.”

In his main address, Archbishop Justin Welby spoke about the potential life-changing power of prayer during Thy Kingdom Come: "What excites me is that as we come together and pray for people to be filled with the Spirit, so they come to know and love Jesus Christ, to repent of their sins and turn away from all that is wrong and to find the love of Christ filling their hearts, we are in fact praying for the changing of our world."

He added: "Catholic participation is just one of the most beautiful and exciting things for me, as is Orthodox participation. There is a depth of history there that just moves me so deeply." Referring to the video he recorded with Pope Francis for last year's Thy Kingdom Come, the Archbishop said: "I know he is supportive of this." 

More information and Catholic resources available at : https://www.thykingdomcome.global/