Posted on: 8th March 2019

The launch of the Leeds Lent Prayer Diary was an occasion to celebrate the Good News in, for and with Leeds. Bishop Paul Slater opened the gathering with prayer focussing on our calling to fully immerse ourselves in city life for the welfare of all. Duncan Stow of Horsforth Churches Together then spoke reminding us of the centrality and the power of the Cross and calling on Christians of all denominations and churches to our common cause. He spoke from his own experience that we should not be daunted by the size of the need or the practical difficulties we face, but should celebrate the passionate people at the heart of seeking social transformation in our city.

There was time in the evening for people to visit a marketplace of stalls of Leeds Lent Prayer Diary Projects to find out more about them and think how they might connect with the work and pray for people. As there were 20 stalls and over 80 people attended, there was plenty of talk and a real buzz about the place. Some people also took the time to participate in a workshop based on research into ‘The Ingredients for Life-Giving Ecumenical Mission in Leeds’. Full details of the report to be found at https://lcileeds.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/city-theology-autumn-2018-for-web.pdf

Throughout the evening, the Leeds City Prayer Community prayed with us and for the city. People were also fed physically as well as spiritually with a fantastic vegan meal form Shine in Harehills. It was a vibrant evening of celebration and fellowship which will set us up for praying for our city in Lent.

Written by Dr Helen Reid, Director of Leeds Church Institute.

See report with images here on the LCI website