Although large-scale events are still not possible this year, there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved in Thy Kingdom Come (from Ascension Day to Pentecost) and pray for more people to come to faith.
Prayer walking
We are encouraging as many people as possible to get to know their new deanery during the ten days of Thy Kingdom Come through prayer walks. This is a chance to get out in your local area, visit some other churches and pray for the congregations and communities there.
Why not drive to another part of your deanery and start a prayer walk from there, or cycle around your deanery praying for the communities you pass though. Or you could simply drive to different churches during the week to pray for them – or plan a virtual tour using Google maps.
It would be great if you would take a photo of yourself praying for the community or even record a short video with your prayer (not forgetting to say where you are) which we can share on our diocesan social media. Send them to jatkinson@cofe-worcester.org.uk.
The Thy Kingdom Come Dudley group have put together a walking/ cycle plan roughly covering the Borough for the 10 days from Ascension Day:
- Thurs 13 May: Sedgley-Gornals-Coseley between 2 and 5m
- Fri 14 May: Coseley - St James Eve Hill Dudley 3m
- Sat 15 May: Eve Hill - Old Hill 3.5 m
- Sun 16 May: Old Hill – Halesowen 3m
- Mon 17 May: Halesowen – Cradley 2m
- Tues 18 May: Cradley – Pedmore 3m
- Weds 19 May: Pedmore – Wordsley 4m
- Thurs 20 May: Wordsley – Kingswinford – Pensnett 4m
- Fri 21 May: Pensnett – Quarry Bank 3m
- Sat 22 May: Quarry Bank – Stourbridge 3m
Could you put something similar together for your deanery? Don’t forget to let us know your prayer plans!
(You could also use the miles walked as part of the Journey to COP26 Climate Change conference challenge – find out more!)
Smaller outside services
Thy Kingdom Come have put together this guide to taking the Church outside for Pentecost
Big events where we gather together might not be possible, but you could hold a Pentecost service outside your church and let your community know that you are praying for them!
Focus on Children and Young People
Thy Kingdom Come has partnered with the Cheeky Pandas to develop a variety of resources that seek to get children excited about the Bible and prayer, and ultimately, help each child build a beautiful life-long relationship with God… with some panda fun along the way! The flagship resource is an 11-part fun-filled and Bible-based video series, with songs, animated stories, prayer and interviews with special guests, all based on the daily themes of Thy Kingdom Come. These episodes are designed for use in church services, school assemblies, children’s ministries and at home within the family. To accompany each episode, there is a daily activity pack and service plan. Find out more
For young people, Thy Kingdom Come has a series of daily reflections done by some brilliant special guests, as well as a brand new Escape Room resource! Contributors to the reflections include Guvna B (Rapper and Author); Jamie Jones-Buchanan (former professional Rugby League player), Pippa Baker (Catholic Charismatic Renewal); Joshua Luke Smith (Spoken Word Artist) and Elle Limebear (Worship Leader). Keep an eye on this page for updates.
Other resources available
The Thy Kingdom Come website has a wide range of resources for the 10 days to either download or purchase. These include:
- A new prayer journal for 2021
- A novena which prays the Psalms from Ascension to Penteocst
- Ideas for Covid-secure prayer stations
- Resources for services
- Run an ‘upper room’ for continuous and 24 hour prayer
- New worship song to the tune of Abide with me: 'We Seek your Kingdom'
Thy Kingdom Come Prayer
Almighty God, your ascended son has sent us into the world to preach the good news of your kingdom: inspire us with your Spirit and fill our hearts with the fire of your love, that all who hear your word may be drawn to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.