ArchbishopArchbishop Bishop who also presides over a group of dioceses or provinces. Stephen was at Lancaster Priory on PentecostPentecost Also called Whit Sunday. Seventh Sunday after Easter. The Jewish Feast of Weeks (harvest). Day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples (Acts 2). SundaySunday Observed by Christians as a day of rest and worship. Traditionally regarded as the first day of the week, the day on which Christ's Resurrection is believed to have taken place. For this reason it replaced the Jewish Sabbath in Christian practice., 8 June, as part of an evening to learn more about the Lord’s Prayer and how it can offer a way to live as well as a way to pray.
The ecumenical event began with the opportunity to visit the Lord’s Prayer inspired prayer station within the Priory, followed by a Choral EvensongEvensong The medieval English name for the office of Vespers (see Divine Office). Used in the 1549 Book of Common Prayer for the service which later prayer books call Evening Prayer during which Archbishop Stephen gave the sermonSermon A talk which provides religious instruction or exhortation. Also during the service the Lancaster Priory choir sang a newly commissioned version of The Lord’s Prayer written by young composer Lucy Walker.
After a break for refreshments, there was then an opportunity to ask a panel of local people questions related to The Lord’s Prayer and what it can teach us about life and prayer today. The panel consisted of Archbishop Stephen; Paul Swarbrick, the Roman Catholic BishopBishop Bishops exercised pastoral care over a diocese and authority to confirm and ordain of Lancaster; Fr John Millar, DeanDean The head of the chapter (body of canons) of a cathedral or collegiate church. See also Rural Dean. of Lancaster Roman Catholic CathedralCathedral (Latin cathedra' throne') Church which contains the throne of the bishop and hence the mother church of the diocese; Marcus Mosey, Leader at New Life Church Lancaster, and Rachel-Ann Powers, a parishioner who designed the Lord’s Prayer prayer station.
Revd Leah Vasey-Saunders, VicarVicar (Latin vicarius 'substitute') 1. A substitute, representative, or proxy. 2. Title given to priest responsible for caring for a parish. In the Middle Ages many rectors (who had the right to the income from a parish church) appointed vicars to care for the parish in their place. Now also used of a priest who is a member (team vicar) of a team ministry. of Lancaster said: “It was a joy to welcome Archbishop Stephen to Lancaster Priory for this special Pentecost event. Exploring the depth and beauty of the Lord’s Prayer together—through music, reflection, and open conversation—reminded us that prayer is not just spoken, but lived. It was inspiring to see our community so engaged in discovering how this ancient prayer continues to shape faithFaith 1. Belief and trust in someone or something. 2. Acceptance of particular religious teachings. and life today.”
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of YorkYork 1. A Roman city and early centre of Christianity. 2. Diocese and province under the leadership of the Archbishop of York. said, “The Lord’s Prayer isn’t just a guide for prayer—it’s an invitation to live differently. It’s a lesson in desire and purpose. God may know what we need, but we don’t always see it ourselves. This prayer has been passed down through generations, and while not everyone may know it fully, most people have encountered it in some way.”
The event was organised as part of Faith in the North, a new movement across the North of England which looks to encourage prayer, storytelling and church planting inspired by the Northern Saints.
Theo Sheridan-Watts, Faith in the North Programme Manager, said: “The focus of Faith in the North for 2025 is The Lord’s Prayer. Our hope is to encourage churches, schools and individuals to explore and respond in a fresh way to the prayer that JesusJesus (Greek form of Hebrew 'Joshua' meaning 'Yahweh [God] is salvation') Also given the title Christ, meaning 'anointed one' or Messiah. His life is recorded mainly in the Four Gospels although he is also mentioned by the Jewish historian Josephus (c. 37-c.100) and the Roman historian Tacitus (c.110). taught us. We have lots of resources available on our website to help you do exactly that, from newly commissioned songs for children and choirs, collective worshipWorship 1. Doing homage and giving honour and respect to God. The Bible includes a wide range of physical expression in worship, including bowing down, lifting hands, dancing, processions and singing. The main day on which Christians gather for communal worship is Sunday (the day when Christ is believed to have risen from the dead). 2. Christian liturgy including sung material and prayers of thanksgiving and praise. resources for schools and small group resources for churches.”
There are several Lord’s Prayer events taking place across the North of England in the coming months. More information about them can be found here.
