John Taylor was Bishop of Winchester from 1975-85.

He was a distinguished writer, poet and theologian as well as being a much loved pastor and priest in our diocese.

On the occasion of his enthronement in Winchester Cathedral he wrote this prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, alive and at large in the world, help me to follow and find you there today, in the places where I work, meet people, spend money and make plans.

 

Take me as a disciple of your Kingdom, to see through your eyes and hear the questions you are asking, to welcome all people with your trust and truth, and to change the things that contradict your love, by the power of your cross and the freedom of your Spirit. Amen.

I like this prayer for 3 reasons:

1) It recognises that God/Jesus Christ is out there in the world, in all people, and our task is to find him and to work with him, especially in the everyday things of life and often in the most unexpected places.

2) The prayer doesn't direct God to do this and that, to put things right that are wrong in the world - rather it asks God to direct and guide us to make the right decisions in our lives, to change our attitudes where they are wrong and to cooperate with him in bringing about healing, justice and peace.

 

3) It doesn't mention belief (with which I think the Church is obsessed at present) - rather it emphasises being a follower and disciple of Jesus and the building up of his Kingdom which was so central to his message.

When I was Vicar of Eastleigh we were all very fond of Bishop John and had his prayer printed at the back of our service book to be used as an alternative to the one set. I think the prayer has lost none of its original appeal and would be equally appropriate today.

Nigel Harley 

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