A service to celebrate the World Day of Prayer, will take place in Ripon on Friday March 4.
The service, which is open to all, will be held at St Wilfrid’s Church Community Centre in Trinity Lane, starting at 10.30am.
It will be led by women and focus on prayers contributed by women from across the UK.
Pat Clark, a member of the Ripon committee for the World Day of Prayer movement, said:
“The service is held all round the world, so that at any moment in time on the first Friday in March there will be prayers raised to God on the topics selected by the preparation country. Young people’s and children’s activities are also provided.”
The service, at St Wilfrid’s Community Centre, is open to all
She added:
“It is an international ecumenical organisation, which enables women all over the world to share the ideas and concerns of the writing country (in which they live).
“The UK committee has chosen the Bible text ‘I know the plans I have for you’ from Jeremiah to reflect on some of the issues facing community today- poverty, domestic abuse and disability, finding hope in difficult situations and encouragement in the help people can give to each other.”
Preparation for the day takes several years, with an international committee, based in New York coordinating the work of national committees and facilitating the creation of the annual World Day of Prayer.
Initiated by Christian women in the USA and Canada in the 19th century, the World Day of Prayer has developed into a worldwide ecumenical movement of informed prayer and prayerful action.
Its first services in England were held in 1932.
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Ripon Cathedral leads district’s prayers for Prince Philip
Prayers are being said for Prince Philip, The Queen and Royal Family at Ripon Cathedral today.
Britain has entered a week of national mourning following the Duke of Edinburgh’s death.
The cathedral will be open until 5pm for both private prayer and Sunday services.
From tomorrow (Monday) and the rest of the week, opening hours are being extended from 10am until 7pm.
Socially-distanced prayer stations are in place for visitors and floral tributes can be left outside.
The flag of St George flies at half mast at the Parish Church of St Andrew in Kirkby Malzeard
The cathedral, which Prince Philip visited with The Queen in 1985 for the Royal Maundy Service, provides the city with a focal point for mourning prior to his funeral on Saturday.
The Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd. John Dobson, said:
“Our thoughts and prayers are obviously with Her Majesty the Queen and her family. We pray for comfort and strength for them.
“In this Easter week, we remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is with hope and confidence that we pray for the soul of Prince Philip, commending him to God’s safe and sure keeping.”
The Revd Canon Michael Gisbourne, canon precentor, at the cathedral, added this prayer:
“God of our lives, we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip, for the love he shared among us and for his devotion to duty.
“We entrust him now to your love and mercy through our Redeemer Jesus Christ.
“Merciful God, be close to all who mourn, especially Her Majesty The Queen and all members of the Royal Family. May they know the hope of your promises and the comfort of your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
An online book of condolences can be accessed via riponcathedral.org.uk
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Private prayer will be said today and in the coming week at churches of all denominations across the Harrogate district.
They, along with public buildings are flying flags at half mast to mark the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing.