Monthly Message from our Rector - May 2026
Five a Day?
10 years ago the Church of England revived an ancient season of prayer, from Ascension Day to Pentecost, calling the initiative “thy Kingdom Come” from the Lord’s Prayer. 10 years later, well over a hundred countries and almost every type of church are participating in what has become a global wave of prayer.
And a central strand of “thy Kingdom Come” has been the call for each of us to pray for five people around us to know “the life transforming love of Jesus” as Archbishop Sentamu put it. And it’s that call to pray for ‘five a day’ that I want to explore in this letter.
What sort of people do we pray for? Pray for five people you already know and care about, such as family members, friends, neighbours, colleagues, school contacts or community friends.
How do I choose which ones? Ask God to place people on your heart. Choose people you naturally encounter in everyday life and be realistic — choose five people you can remember and pray for regularly.
Where and when should I pray? Set a regular prayer time that works for you. You could pray in the car, when you go for a walk or every time you make a cup of tea or coffee. You can pray anywhere. Archbishop Sentamu talked about praying on the hour.
What if I forget? The goal is to connect with God and pray for others – not perfection! Any prayer is better than none. But if you are anything like me reminders are essential – put the names on your phone alarm, use post-it notes or have five pebbles to help you to remember.
Almost 2000 years ago, a group of followers of Jesus, got together and prayed each day for God’s kingdom to come – praying for the Holy Spirit. Ten days after they started, Pentecost transformed hearts and minds.
What might happen if we were to pray?
Revd Peter Francis