Lancashire Churches Sponsored Ride and Stride: prayer guide
Please use this as a prompt for prayer as you go round to the churches on and near the Guild wheel
Mile marker / Focus for prayer1 / ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH(Bird street)
Thank God for the witness of St Stephen’s Church, and enjoy the refreshments they provide for the ride and stride! Pray for everyone who attends the Gujarat Hindu Centre around the corner.
ST WALBURGE’S CHURCH (diversion off the Guild wheel)
The third largest church spire in England, and a Preston landmark. Pray for the Catholic church in Preston, and for the work of CAFOD, whose offices are just down the street.
1 - 2 / Riversway Docklands: Recall Preston’s industrial past, and pray for all Christians who work in Preston that they will have opportunities to witness to the Gospel with their work colleagues. Pray for the people who live in the apartments that they will know God’s blessing.
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH, Ashton
(head up Peddars Lane and turn right into Eggerton road; or access by travelling down St Mark’s road from St Walburges and up Tulketh Road).Thank God for The Space Centre (bottom of Peddar’s Lane)that provides disabled children and adults with a unique, caring multi-sensory centre.
Give thanks for St Michael’s in being Preston’s first eco-church,andfor the regular farmer’s market held there. Pray for our fragile environment, and how Christians and other churches can practice energy conservation.
3-4 / A583: the road to Blackpool, with car showrooms to the left. Think about the people in Preston who rush from one place to another; those who are weary and seeking rest; and those who are lost and searching for meaning. Pray for those whose job involves a lot of travel.
5 / Old Lea Hall Bridge (over the Blackpool road): consider the ruraland farming communities around Preston; also consider our neighbouring town of Blackpool, which has large areas of deprivation. Pray for the work of churches there who are working together to support those in need.
6 / UCLAN Sports Arena: pray for all students at UCLAN; for overseas students to hear the Gospel; for the Christians who work at UCLanand the CU that they will be a great witness; and that many will come to faith in Jesus whilst at university. Pray for the work of the multi-faith centre, which is celebrating its 25thyear.
Give thanks also for the sports arena and the wonderful facility available to Prestonians.
Savick primary school, Ashton Community Science school *
7 / COTTAM TRINITY CHURCH
A fresh expression of the Methodist church, which meets in the community centre (on Saturday this is being used by a dance class til 1 pm). Pray for the work of the small congregation within the large Cottam housing estate, and how they can be salt and light, and for those who are members of staff in Cottam Primary School *(which is next to the centre).
8 / Lightfoot Lane: as new houses are built over the coming years along this route – pray that people will be drawn to a church in the area, and that many will come to faith in Jesus. Give thanks for the Churches together in Fulwood and Broughton, and pray that relations between churches will strengthen, so that those outside might see Christians of different denominations united in love.
9 / FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH
(take a slight diversion past Preston Grasshoppers, cross the main road and turn left along the path, over railway bridge and FFMC is in front of you). Give thanks for the witness and work of FFMC in so many areas, with children, young people and adults. Pray for those living in the relative prosperity of Fulwood that they will find wholeness through finding God.
10 / Broughton High School: *Pray for the RE staff at Broughton and their efforts to develop pupils’ awareness of other traditions and faiths. Pray that churches will be creative in finding ways to engage with young people in their neighbourhoods.
11 / ST JOHN’S CHURCH
Pray for the new minister at St John’s, and for the Anglican church across the whole of Preston. Give thanks for the ongoing witness of the St John’s choir.
Broughton C of E Primary School: *
12 -13 / Preston North East Employment Area: during this mile be grateful that Preston is a relatively prosperous area, and is home to many large employers (BAe Systems; CSC; NHS Trust; City & County Councils; UCLAN) that provide good jobs. Pray for their continued success, and also for staff who go through periods of change which threaten their jobs (pray for anyone you know in that position).
15 / Pray for the homeless people of Preston and thank God for the accommodation provided by places like Recycling Lives and the Fox street shelter. Pray for those facing hardship, homelessness or hunger.Also pray for the work of those providing support to those in need; job clubs, food banks, and the efforts of those involved in Preston Christian Action Network (PCAN).
15-16 / Preston Crematorium: Thank God for those who have gone before us; take a moment of silence to remember loved ones; thank God for the promise of eternal life.
Pray too for those facing the end of life or recent loss, and for the work of St Catherine’s hospice. Pray too for the L’Arche community supporting those with learning disabilities, and for the staff at the hospital caring for those with a wide range of illnesses and ailments.
16 / Ribble valley:take care on the descent through trees – walking advised! After the steep descent look over to the left and give thanks for the beautiful contryside so close to Preston. Pray that we might act as better stewards of God’s creation.
17 / Brockholes Visitors Centre:
Take time to visit this unique facilty; take a few minutes to be still within the beauty of creation.
17 - 21 / Very close to the route are: Brockholes Wood Community Primary, St Theresa’s Primary, St Matthew’s Primary, Christ the King High, Frenchwood Primary & St Augustine’s Primary Schools,Cardinal Newman 6th Form College *
19 / Preston City Centre: (first views to right): Pray for all those who work in our city; thank God for that all our city provides; pray for those who work for the City and County Councils that they will govern and serve the people with wisdom, honesty and fairness.
Pray for the churches in the centre (Central Methodist, Preston City Mission, Oaklands, St John’s, St Wilfred’s, St James, Carey Baptist, All Saints, and the Salvation Army) serving and meeting inner city needs; along with the Foxton Centre, Fox Street Community & Cedar House.
21 / Pray for everyone in the parks today – look around and pray a blessing on each one you see.
Finally, please pray for peace in the troubled parts of the world today: for the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians; for the Ukraine; for the whole area of Syria and Iraq; and for those countries in central Africa suffering poverty and civil war. As well as praying, consider what we can do as individuals to be peace makers.
Closing Prayer:
Eternal God, we have cycled and walked round our city today and surrounded it in prayer
Bless all who live within the Guild Wheel
May every business be a place of integrity, comradeship, fulfilment and success
May every school be a place of learning, fun, friendship and safety
May every church be a blessing to their community as they hold out the Word of Life
May poverty, inequality and loneliness be erased
May every home be a place of love, security and nurture
May everyone who lives in our city have the opportunity to hear about Your love and grace
We long to be a loving community of God’s life changing presence
In Jesus’ name. Amen
*Schools: pray for staff, students; & young people from church who attend.
(Not all schools are covered - pray for others you feel an attachment to)