100 Days of Prayer
As we begin the new year, the National Office for Vocation has decided to dedicate the first 100 days to prayer, celebrating our Church, and will have a special focus on the saints of England and Wales.
We will guide you in prayer over these days in order to help you contemplate on each saint and a part of their mission here on earth. Let us keep praying for the Church across England and Wales and also an increase to the multiple states of life individuals can be called to.
Prayers will be uploaded onto this page for each day, as well as on our Facebook page (@ukvocations) – ‘like’ and follow the page for the daily prayer update.
Prayers for Week 1:
1st January
Almighty God, as we begin our
100 days of prayer together,
Let us pray for the Church in England and Wales,
For its clergy, consecrated and laity,
that as we enter this new year they may be renewed in faith and hope.
Let us ask the saints to guide us
as we contemplate on their lives,
So that they inspire us to strive for holiness.
We ask this through Christ your Son our Lord.
Amen
2nd January
Loving Father,
you call us by name.
As we journey through life
help us to be confident in our own unique identity
and to find opportunities
to develop our own gifts and passions.
We pray that the Holy Spirit
will pour on us wisdom and guidance
to help us realise and follow our dreams,
discerning your plan for our lives.
Bless your Church
by raising up dedicated and generous people
from our families and friends
who will serve as Priests, Deacons,
Sisters and Brothers, husbands and wives,
friends and local heroes.
May we support one another in response to God’s call.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
3rd January
St Alban (3rd Century) Feast Day: 20th June
Legend has it that St Alban was a Roman Soldier in Verulanium – now St Albans (Hertfordshire) – during the 3rd and 4th century. He was killed after a judge found that he changed clothes with a priest he was hiding with, for him to escape to safety.
Dear Lord,
as we reflect on Saint Alban,
we give thanks for his bravery,
as the first British martyr.
As we look upon his example of conversion
and protection of the Faith,
let us too reflect this in our daily lives.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
St Alban … Pray for us
St Alban’s Story
During a persecution of Christians, Alban, though a pagan, hid a priest in his house. The priest made such a great impression on him that Alban decided to become a Christian himself.
It was discovered that the priest was hiding in Alban’s house, and soldiers were sent to capture him. Alban changed clothes with the priest and gave himself up instead so that the priest could escape.
The judge was furious when he found out, and ordered to have Alban beheaded. On the way to the execution, the soldier who was to kill Alban was so moved by Alban’s faith that he himself was converted. He too became a martyr.
4th January
Dear Lord,
as we begin our first full week,
let us be energised and ready to be Your servants.
As we go back to school, work and our lives
after the Christmas Season, let us carry
the Christmas message in our hearts and proclaim to all.
Let the light that has come into our world
shine out for all to see.
We ask this through Christ, Your Son, our Lord.
Amen
5th January
St Anne Line (1556 – 1601) Feast Day: 30th August
St Anne was a martyr from Dunmow in Essex. She was found to be hiding priests at the time of the reformation and was executed in Tyburn, London, 27th February.
Dear Lord, as we reflect upon Saint Anne Line,
we look upon her courage,
as she continued to serve the people of God.
We pray that we can always serve you,
without fear and look to St Anne for inspiration.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
St Anne Line … Pray for us
6th January
The Epiphany
On that day the Magi arrived,
led by a star to the Christ Child,
we pray that we may be guided, like the wise men,
to the love of Christ.
We ask this through Christ, Your Son, our Lord.
Amen
7th January
Saint Alexander Briant (1556-1581) Feast Day: 1st December
St Alexander was born in Somerset and was a convert. He served as a Priest there after training at the English Seminary in Remis. He was executed after being caught up with authorities and refusing to hand over names of other Priests.
Dear Lord, as we reflect on
St Alexander Briant,
we pray in thanksgiving for his mission
here on earth as a Priest,
and for the bravery shown
when he was killed serving Your people.
We thank all those who protect our Faith,
even at the time of persecution.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
St Alexander Briant … Pray for us