Thank You, O Lord, 

that you have called each of us, 

     the ordained ministers of our Diocese, 

to serve You in this distinct way. 

For some that was very recently, for others it seems a lifetime ago.

You call us to “proclaim afresh” our faith in a changing world 

    and to lead and work with others in this.

This is at the heart of our vocation. But sometimes it can become pushed to the edge.

Lead us gently back to Your heart and the heart of Your calling to us.

As hands laid were laid on us, we gratefully agreed

“in the strength of the Holy Spirit, 

    to continually stir up the gift of God that is in (us), 

        to make Christ known among all whom (we) serve …”

Save us from slipping so easily from working with You to working for You.

Stir up this gift, Your gift, in us. 

As You do so 

may we seek and gratefully receive the opportunities and fruits 

    of reflection, study and development, 

open to be shaped and reshaped by You for loving service. 

In Jesus’ name.  Amen

By Rev Canon Geoff Read

Interim head of CMD

March 2026

You can download a copy of this prayer here: A Prayer for our clergy to keep growing in their vocation and the skills for ministry