A Prayer from the Synod Secretary

The Apostle Paul says in his letter to the Galatians 3:28:

‘28 There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.’

At our Synod we have been celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women presbyters. We have been hearing of the depth and richness of ministry that came from that conference decision 50 years ago. We have made a lot of progress! But we have also heard of some of the pain and inequality that still exists in our church communities. 

So let us pray together:

Generous, loving, God of hope, we give you thanks for every member of the Methodist Church in London. We give particular thanks for the ministry of women presbyters and deacons who have responded to your call to ministry. We thank you for the gifts you have developed within them and for the many people who have heard your call and have received your touch through their ministry.Lord God we are sorry for the times we have hurt you, for those times where our acts of prejudice and discrimination have lessened our ‘oneness’ as a church. We affirm all those who have been called by you to minister among us.

We ask these prayers in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.

Amen.

We ask you to please pray for:

• All women presbyters and deacons in our London District. That they may feel affirmed by you and those whom they minister to.

• For all other women who lead in our district, particularly local preachers, worship leaders, circuit stewards and church stewards. Give them a renewed sense of vision and purpose.

• For all in the district, women and men that we continue to commit to working towards a church and community where all are equal in Christ Jesus.