Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Guten Morgen ☕☕☕ Diese Zeit Umstellung macht mich fertig…. Einen erholsamen Sonntag euch allen 🍀👋 https://t.co/vBQ24GG7wu
— Die Kellner’s (@andreas_kellner) October 25, 2026
O God, our Father, we pray for all in thy Church, which is set today amid the perplexities of a changing order, and face to face with new tasks. Baptize her afresh in the life-giving spirit of Jesus. Bestow upon her a greater responsiveness to duty, a swifter compassion with suffering, and an utter loyalty to the will of God. Help her to proclaim boldly the coming of the Kingdom of God. Bid her cease from seeking her own life, lest she lose it. Make her valiant to give up her life to humanity; that, like her crucified Master, she may mount by the path of the cross to a higher glory; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
–Robert W. Rodenmayer, ed., The Pastor’s Prayerbook: Selected and arranged for various occasions (New York: Oxford University Press, 1960)
Good morning from the Welsh Marches. All the pinks. And all the cider apples have been picked. 😊🍎 https://t.co/HGUOonBiIa
— Anne O’Brien (@anne_obrien) October 24, 2026
Christian charities and campaigners have condemned the Government’s approval of the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea. Tearfund and the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) have called for the decision to be reversed.
They emphasised the consequences for communities already suffering from climate change, and urged government ministers to refuse permission for the much larger Rosebank oilfield.
The Government announced on Wednesday that the Energy Secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh, had agreed that the regulator could grant consent for gas to be produced at the Jackdaw field. The Labour Party promised in its election manifesto not to issue any licences to explore new oilfields and gas fields, but Jackdaw already held a licence.
Ms Fahnbulleh said on Wednesday: “This decision will support the country’s energy security with home-grown gas this winter and help minimise the UK’s use of imported higher-emission fuels as we continue our transition to renewables and nuclear. The decision is compatible with our legally binding climate commitments, and we remain resolute in ending new licences for oil and gas and achieving net zero by 2050.”
Christian charities and campaigners have condemned the Government’s approval of the Jackdaw gas field 🌊 in the North Sea #ChurchTimes #ChurchNews https://t.co/mcw9bY1Jnn
— Church Times (@ChurchTimes) October 23, 2026
As the economy strains the U.S. public, pastors report increasing pressures and giving lagging behind inflation.
Lifeway Research’s annual tracking survey reveals most U.S. Protestant pastors (54%) report the economy is negatively impacting their congregation. Slightly more than a third (36%) say it’s having no impact, while 8% see a positive economic effect.
“Pastors hear the needs and problems of people in their congregations every week, so it is not surprising that they feel their pain from economic factors,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “Even seemingly positive financial changes such as a member getting a promotion or more overtime could negatively impact a church if those people attend less.”
Most U.S. Protestant pastors (54%) report the economy is negatively impacting their church. Slightly more than a third (36%) say it’s having no impact, while 8% see a positive economic effect. https://t.co/hsvFuUnhXW https://t.co/ZzjPpDZklk
— Lifeway Research (@LifewayResearch) October 22, 2026
Grant, we beseech thee, O God, that after the example of thy servant James the Just, brother of our Lord, thy Church may give itself continually to prayer and to the reconciliation of all who are at variance and enmity; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever.
St. James, Brother of the LordThe first Bishop of Jerusalem was thrown from the Temple for proclaiming Christ.He survived the fall and prayed for his attackers before being stoned and killed.His martyrdom occurred around A.D. 63.October 23#OrthodoxSaints https://t.co/a3I6gIL5Lw
— Orthodox Calendar Co (@orthodoxcalco) October 23, 2026
God, the giver of life,
whose Holy Spirit wells up within your Church:
by the Spirit’s gifts equip us to live the gospel of Christ
and make us eager to do your will,
that we may share with the whole creation
the joys of eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Divine geometry. Peterborough cathedral all lit up yesterday. https://t.co/o2i6Du5rZP
— Andy Marshall 📸 (@fotofacade) October 23, 2026
O God, who adorned Saint Acca with a love for sacred liturgy, noble chant, and the deep study of your Word, grant that by your Holy Spirit we may follow his example and be your faithful followers in the path you call us to to walk in, through Jesus Christ our Lord who with you and the Holy Spirit ever livest and reigneth forever and ever, Amen (moved from yesterday;KSH).
Today is the feast day for Saint Acca of Hexham: https://t.co/7mcrniO1ms https://t.co/R8Zj2TY3dA
— Rob Colley (@Welshracer) October 20, 2026
O Heavenly Father, who hast taught us to show forth thy praise in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs: So fill us, we pray thee, with thy Spirit that we may make melody to thee both in our hearts and with our lives, evermore giving thee thanks for all things, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Good morning! #SunsetBeach @EdPiotrowski @medwick @DylanHudlerWXII @jamiearnoldWMBF @LeeHaywoodWX @dogwoodblooms @marioncaldwx @JustinMcKeeWx @StarboardRail @ThePhotoHour @CMorganWX @Christina4casts @AndrewWMBF @ScottyPowellWX @jgreenhillwx @TimBuckleyWX @clairefrywx @matt_wx https://t.co/5MESFTckay
— Mark Moore (@MMoore_hoops) October 22, 2026
“Ruthless” action to make the Church of England fit for the 21st century should include a reduction in the number of dioceses and diocesan bishops to 30, cuts to diocesan staff, and giving deaneries control of budgets and clergy-deployment decisions.
The recommendations are set out in a new report, Wasted Money in a Diminishing Church, which says that “radical thinking” is necessary to interrupt a cycle of decline which has left many parishioners and clergy “deeply dispirited”.
“We want to break this silence because we are convinced that the Church of England is heading for financial disaster,” write the authors, Canon Robin Gill and Professor John Craven. “More and more of its funds are being spent on administration in every diocese while churchgoing continues to decline, and less and less is spent on supporting parish clergy.
“As clergy are spread ever more thinly in urban and rural areas, services are less frequent, congregations are getting smaller, and less money can be raised in church collections from people who wonder what they are getting for their money.”
📉💷 ‘Ruthless’ action to make the C of E fit for the 21st century should include a reduction in the number of dioceses and diocesan bishops to 30, cuts to diocesan staff, and giving deaneries control of budgets and clergy-deployment decisions. #ChurchNews https://t.co/TRh52PAPhq
— Church Times (@ChurchTimes) October 21, 2026
O God of the nations, who didst give to thy faithful servant Henry Martyn a brilliant mind, a loving heart, and a gift for languages, that he might translate the Scriptures and other holy writings for the peoples of India and Persia: Inspire in us, we beseech thee, a love like his, eager to commit both life and talents to thee who gavest them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever (moved from yesterday; KSH).
Henry Martyn, 1781 – 1812. Priest and Missionary to India and Persia. One of the founders of the Christian church in India and Iran. While in India he translated the NT into Hindustani, Persian, and Arabic, the Psalms into Persian, and the BCP into Hindustani. https://t.co/C69app75TG
— Saint Barnabas Anglican Church (@Barnabas_FW) October 19, 2024
O Blessed Jesus, who hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, and hast consecrated us in baptism to be temples of the Holy Ghost: Make us, we beseech thee, both in body and soul, meet for thy dwelling place; that our hearts may be houses of prayer and praise, of pure desires and holy thoughts of thee, whose we are and whom we serve, and to whom be glory, now and for evermore.
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."~ Loren EiseleyRiver Lee, Cork. #WaterWednesday #Reflections #October https://t.co/blkeuHWGlm
— Margaret O’Connell🌻 (@MargaretOC6) October 21, 2026
O God, who by thy Spirit didst call Cornelius the Centurion to be the first Christian among the Gentiles: Grant to thy Church, we beseech thee, such a ready will to go where thou dost send and to do what thou dost command, that under thy guidance it may welcome all who turn to thee in love and faith, and proclaim the Gospel to all nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
٢٠ تشرين الأول، القديس كُرنِليوس، قائد المئة 🙏October 20th, Saint Cornelius, the Centurion 🙏 https://t.co/B3P13za3iQ
— Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (@LPJerusalem) October 19, 2026
O Lord God of time and eternity, who makest us creatures of time that, when time is over, we may attain thy blessed eternity: With time, thy gift, give us also wisdom to redeem the time, lest our day of grace be lost; for our Lord Jesus’ sake.
Sunrise over the River Ouse, York 🧡The sky burnt orange, gulls circling overhead and the whole riverside glowing quietly before the city wakes up. https://t.co/gcAJ6XZRWh
— North Yorkshire (@visitnorthyork) October 20, 2026
The Community of St Paulinus (CsP) held a service at the cathedral on Sunday, which was attended by the Bishop of Sheffield, Dr Pete Wilcox; parish partners; members of the civic and cultural world in Sheffield; representation from the lieutenancy; and other members of the diocese.
The Canon Missioner and Prior of the CsP, the Revd Dr Justin Dodd, told the Church Times on Tuesday 13 October that it was a “joyful and prayerful moment”.
Describing the CsP, he said: “It’s the first mission community, as far as we know, that is with a specific purpose of resourcing and supporting inclusive sacramental mission in a diocese that’s going to be based at a Church of England cathedral.
“What’s unique is that it’s a mission community with that particular role, but also that it’s got quite a specific focus on inclusive sacramental work. We’re working with parish partners, where parish churches are located in some of the more economically deprived parts of the city. We want to be the gift in many ways to support those churches, congregations, and local communities.”
Enjoying the festive spirit 🎄a peaceful moment at Sheffield Cathedral this afternoon 🕊️ @sheffcath @VisitSheffield https://t.co/hqBFGp1sGW
— doristhehat (@doristhehat) December 2, 2025
The Rev. Dr. Sarah Coakley is one of the most original and consequential theologians in the world. An Anglican priest and philosopher of religion, she was the first woman elected the Norris-Hulse professor of divinity at Cambridge, a chair she held until 2018, and before that she was the Mallinckrodt professor of divinity at Harvard. She is the author of eight books, including “God, Sexuality and the Self,” the first volume of her projected four-part systematic theology.
I spoke to Dr. Coakley about why she decided, at a young age, that she wanted to be a theologian; the times she has wanted to disbelieve in God but never quite could; and her attempt to reunite academic theology with the life of the church and the practice of prayer. Contemplative prayer, Dr. Coakley said, is a “crucible of purification.”
My editor, Aaron Retica, joined me for the conversation, which has been lightly edited for clarity. It is the eighth in a series of interviews I am doing that explores the world of Christian faith.
Sarah Coakley: "I’m trying to overcome a chasm that has opened up in theological training and thinking, especially in the post-World War II period. Academic theology in university settings and seminary settings has become more and more esoteric. This is partly the influence of postmodern speak, which has done a very great disservice to the church and to theology. If most high-level theology is written incomprehensibly to the person in the pew, then a real disjunction has opened up between a set of conversations that are happening in the university for the purposes of the egos of the people taking part versus the people who are actually holding the faith." https://t.co/iKCsxpJcRm
— Massimo Faggioli (@MassimoFaggioli) October 18, 2026
Almighty God, who didst inspire thy servant Luke the physician to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of thy Son: Graciously continue in thy Church the like love and power to heal, to the praise and glory of thy Name; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
18th October is the Feast of St Luke who is depicted here with his symbol.Cologny, Fondation Martin Bodmer, Cod. Bodmer 34; The Four Gospels in Armenian; 1606 CE; Stampoul (Istanbul), Church of Saint Nikoghayos; ff.106v-107r (https://t.co/IToRSV1u3j) https://t.co/79bDUo0T1g
— Ennius (@red_loeb) October 18, 2026
Almighty God, the source of all that we can have, and all that we can hope for,
Grant that we may be worthy custodians of the earth in which we dwell.
Make us creative so that we will not burden others;
Make us conservative so that we will not squander what comes our way;
Make us perceptive so that we may properly weigh our necessities against the needs of others;
Make us generous so that we may give freely of what we have that others can enjoy a portion of our fortune.
Remove from us all trust in anything but thee;
Strengthen us in the knowledge that thou wilt always provide all that we really need;
And finally, by thy Grace, instill in us that perfect desire to be thy servants and ultimately to be with thee in thy Heavenly Kingdom,
Who reignest forever and ever, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
–Robert W. Rodenmayer, ed., The Pastor’s Prayerbook: Selected and arranged for various occasions (New York: Oxford University Press, 1960)
Travel day! It’s been a wonderful extended weekend in Bar Harbor, but today we head back home. Until next we meet again! . #acadia #maine https://t.co/bFE5TgZch5
— EricStormPhoto (@EricJStorm1) October 19, 2026
Set us free, loving Father, from the bondage of our sins, and in your goodness and mercy give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
🍁⛅🍂 Schönen guten Morgen am Sonntag ☕ Mit einem Foto vom Deuß – Tempel aus dem Neusser Stadtwald – wünsche ich euch einen wunderbaren Tag. Macht für euch das Beste daraus. 🍂⛅🍁 https://t.co/5CRofcg1Px
— 🇩🇪🇭🇺Ellen Lansen🇭🇺🇩🇪 (@lansen_ellen) October 18, 2026
Almighty God, we praise thy name for thy bishop and martyr Ignatius of Antioch, who offered himself as grain to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts that he might present unto thee the pure bread of sacrifice. Accept, we pray thee, the willing tribute of our lives, and give us a share in the pure and spotless offering of thy Son Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
‘Nothing will be hidden from you, if you are perfect in your faith and love towards Jesus Christ, for these are the beginning and the end of life: faith is the beginning and love is the end.’ (St Ignatius of Antioch, Office of Readings) https://t.co/z8bBrit6u6
— What Good News (@WhatGoodNews) October 17, 2026
Almighty God, who lookest upon the inward man, forbid us in thy presence the vain endeavor to hide from thee what we have thought and done and truly are. Give us candor to acknowledge freely to thee what must be forever hidden from the knowledge of others, and may no false shame keep us from confessing those sins which no proper shame kept us from committing; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
–Robert W. Rodenmayer, ed., The Pastor’s Prayerbook: Selected and arranged for various occasions (New York: Oxford University Press, 1960)
Morning everyone I hope you are well. With the fog coming down, it was time to get up, with some spectacular views from Spedding Crag along the Langdale Valley. Have a great day.#LakeDistrict https://t.co/Imu8sFCY3h
— Rod Hutchinson (@lakesrhino) October 17, 2026
Keep us, O Lord, constant in faith and zealous in witness, after the examples of thy servants Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, and Thomas Cranmer; that we may live in thy fear, die in thy favor, and rest in thy peace; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
16 Oct 1555: Bishops Hugh Latimer & Nicholas Ridley burnt at the stake in #Oxford #otd https://t.co/oEhw5eIe9k
— John McCafferty (@jdmccafferty) October 16, 2026
Almighty God, renew us day by day by thy Holy Spirit, in whom thou hast sealed us for thine own: Let all bitterness be put away from us, all anger and evil-speaking and malice; may we be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as thou, O Father, hast forgiven us for the sake of thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Wow 😍 Northern lights over Sundstraumen in Flakstad, Lofoten 💚 Photo Knut Dreiås #Norway #aurora https://t.co/0T7FSXEBii
— Elusive Moose (@elusive_moose) October 16, 2026
The presence of evangelical Christianity in Chile continues, new official records are showing.
An example is a review of Chile’s Official Gazette carried out by the Chilean news outlet Ex-Ante. It shows 82 religious organisations registered officially with the state in just three months: 36 in June 2026, 28 in July, and 18 in August.
These data amount to an average of nearly one new Protestant church per day, in addition to a further 16 that amended their statutes during the same period. They are spread across 13 regions, although they are concentrated in the centre and south of the country.
One in six people (16.3 per cent) in the country identify as “evangelical” or “Protestant”. A government plan to promote Christian centres with a social impact in neighbourhoods shows the growing public presence. https://t.co/LAmeN20a6B
— Evangelical Focus (@Evan_Focus) October 14, 2026
O God, who by thy Holy Spirit didst move Teresa of Avila to manifest to thy Church the way of perfection: Grant us, we beseech thee, to be nourished by her excellent teaching, and enkindle within us a lively and unquenchable longing for true holiness; through Jesus Christ, the joy of loving hearts, who with thee and the same Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever.
Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.St. Teresa of Avila https://t.co/ZEqOu8tqrc
— Memento Mori (@TempusFugit4016) October 15, 2026
O Lord, because we often sin and have to ask for pardon, help us to forgive as we would be forgiven; neither mentioning old offences committed against us, nor dwelling upon them in thought; but loving our brother freely as thou freely lovest us; for thy name’s sake.
Built in 1902 from massive stones, Boulder Bridge was designed to blend into the surrounding landscape.More than 120 years later, framed by fall leaves, it remains one of @RockCreekNPS’s most recognizable landmarks. https://t.co/5QIo8QoApN
— U.S. Department of the Interior (@Interior) October 14, 2026
The dangers of conflating God’s voice with a human one and letting prayer ministry turn into a form of control, even unintentionally, are among the issues explored in a new guide to prayer from Church House.
The guide, Lord, Teach Us to Pray: Prayer in pastoral settings and guidelines for good practice (Church House Publishing), was developed in partnership with specialists from the Faith and Public Life team, with advice and input from others, including victims and survivors of abuse.
The background to its production is “the realisation that churches have not always got it right when it comes to prayer and pastoral care”, the introduction says. “At the extreme end, practices like conversion therapy have deeply damaged and wounded people struggling to understand themselves and their identity before God.
“But there have been other questions asked, about safeguarding and how victims of abuse might be treated, and more generally about the ways in which prayer may be used to push certain agendas and beliefs, in ways that can be experienced as harmful and distressing.”
The dangers of conflating God’s voice 💬 with a human one and letting prayer ministry 🙏 turn into a form of control, even unintentionally, are among the issues explored in a new guide to prayer from the C of E’s Faith and Order Commission. #ChurchTimes https://t.co/W4RiuHaRlo
— Church Times (@ChurchTimes) October 14, 2026
O God, who in thy providence didst call Joseph Schereschewsky from his home in Eastern Europe to the ministry of this Church, and didst send him as a missionary to China, upholding him in his infirmity, that he might translate the holy Scriptures into languages of that land: Lead us, we pray thee, to commit our lives and talents to thee, in the confidence that when thou givest thy servants any work to do, thou dost also supply the strength to do it; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Today the Episcopal Church commemorates Samuel Isaac Joseph Schereschewsky, Bishop and Missionary, 1906 https://t.co/F0xkkbLRRH
— The Anglican Church in St Petersburg (@anglicanspb) October 14, 2023
Hear us, O Lord, as we come to thee burdened with our guilt, and bow in faith at thy feet. Speak to us thy word of absolution; say to our souls, Thy sins be forgiven thee; that with good courage we may rise up and go forth to serve thee, now and all our days, to the glory of thy holy name.
Good Wednesday morning from Malmö #malmö #dahlia #photofrommyheart https://t.co/nmXK96ak6w
— Lisa von Steijern🇸🇪 (@LisavonSteijern) October 14, 2026
For 150 years the story of Western Christianity has been one of decline and withdrawal. Even as Christians we have come to inhabit that narrative ourselves. We have leadenly accepted those who have told us that the only way is down and have mocked those who speak the language of renewal and growth. But every two hundred years, the French crop up and remind us that the fire of the Gospel is inextinguishable. Joan of Arc led the way in the fifteenth century, Vincent de Paul in the seventeenth, John Vianney and Teresa of Lisieux in the nineteenth, and now in the twenty first, it is a generation of teenagers and young adults who are heralding a time of change. They are seeking a deeper and more authentic truth than the consumer agenda can offer. And they are finding it in Jesus. The Holy Spirit is moving. Pope Leo on the way home from France described it as a Rebirth.
There is plenty of evidence that the wind is changing here also. Many of you are telling me about new families and especially young adults simply turning up in your churches, often starting with online exploration of the Gospel. A few Sundays ago I went to two churches where every year they have presented ten to fifteen Year 6 children for Confirmation. This time they were joined by ten adults in each church, passionate in their newfound Gospel faith. And that story is an increasingly common one across the county. There is a rebirth.
Which poses a challenge for an institutional church. Do we believe it? And are we ready for it? In northern Europe we have become so inured to the language and methodologies of decline that our imaginations have become dulled. Many congregations simply cannot picture their churches being thriving and full of people. A mindset of scarcity and anxiety has gripped them. That’s why we waste so much of our time arguing over money rather than storing up treasure in heaven. If in the Church of England we cannot believe in a rebirth, then the Spirit will simply find other vehicles for renewal.
But I think that in the Diocese of Blackburn, we do believe and are increasingly ready for what the Spirit is doing in our nation. Just four weeks ago we had the most mind-blowingly fabulous weekend of mission. Almost every parish and benefice across the Diocese planned a weekend of events with the unashamed intention of inviting people in to hear the Gospel. Our Centenary events, from a crazy Big Day Out in Blackpool, to the wonderful Diocesan Conference, to our plans for the Centenary Eucharist on November 12th, have had levels of engagement that reveal profound faithfulness and purpose amongst clergy and lay leaders.
And that has zeal has been demonstrated over the past two years as we have discerned God’s will for our new Diocesan vision, Joyful Followers of Jesus….
Philip North Announced as Next Bishop of Sheffield https://t.co/gl3oXFdubQ @c_of_e #AnglicanNews #religion #uk #episcopate https://t.co/KPVLKKfngg
— Kendall Harmon (@KendallHarmon6) January 31, 2017
O God, our heavenly Father, who didst raise up thy faithful servant Edwin to be King of Northumbria and to to bring the Christian faith to that fair land, and later gave his life for that same faith, grant us grace to be inspired by his faithful example of being your witness to the end; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Oct 12: Feast of Edwin (584-633), first Christian king of the Northumbrians. He came to power with the aid of Rædwald, king of the East Angles. He died at the Battle of Hæthfelth against Penda, pagan king of the Mercians, and British king Catguollaun. 📸DaveWebster14 https://t.co/TQCabhAgVt
— North Ages (@NorthAges) October 12, 2026