The voice of prayer is never silent - Reflection by Canon Myles

It is now three weeks since the lockdown began. When it first started, my initial thought was that it would be more or less impossible to keep the rest of Lent and Holy Week with anything beyond saying Morning and Evening Prayer privately each day. My next thought was what a sad impoverishment this would be, not just for me, but for all who look to us in our churches and Cathedrals to help them walk the way of the Cross and to discover once again the joy of Easter. My third thought was that, unusually for the Precentor, there wasn’t going to be much to do. On all three counts, how wrong I was!

I am by no means the most technically gifted of people, but I failed to reckon with the knowledge and talents of my colleagues. Within a day or so, the clergy were saying Morning and Evening Prayer virtually, which has allowed us to continue our daily round of prayer, supporting one another and praying for those who have asked us to do so for them.

We also began work to produce services for Holy Week for the Cathedral Company and anyone else to share. We soon had services for Palm Sunday, for the Diocesan service for the Renewal of Commitment to Ministry, for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and for Easter Day. All of these have been produced within our homes, and from the comments received, they have helped to meet the spiritual needs of many during these difficult days of social distancing and isolation. May I take this opportunity to thank those colleagues who have given their expertise, their time, and - bearing in mind that they were having to deal with clergy - let’s not forget their patience too!

I write on the morning of Easter Day. Shortly, at the time the Cathedral Eucharist would normally begin, the clergy will meet to celebrate the Eucharist together, virtually of course. Wherever you are spending this challenging time for all of us, please know that within the shadow of Liverpool Cathedral, a place of encounter, we are not ceasing to pray for you. We ask that Christ’s Easter victory may be shared throughout our world, that darkness and despair will be defeated, and that the Risen Lord will continue to walk beside his people, especially those who are suffering and all whose front line work is enabling them to bring badly needed help and hope to those in distress.

May God, who out of defeat brings a new hope and a new future, fill us with his risen life.

Canon Myles
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Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.