Christian LivingMinistry

The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?

We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third year under COVID, the ACR thought it would be helpful for us to begin the year by praying for one another.

The Sydney Anglican Diocese is a fellowship of churches partnering together in the gospel for the glory and Kingdom of our great God. There are many ways in which we can and should express this fellowship, and one great way is by praying for one another.

Over the next few weeks, the ACR will be sharing prayer points from various church pastors from within the Sydney Anglican Diocese. Will you join me in praying for these churches? What better way to express our fellowship as churches than by mimicking Paul in his relationship with the Philippian church, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer (Phil 1:3-5).

In Christ,
Mike Leite
ACR Editor


St Andrew’s Cathedral

As we emerge into living with COVID, thank God for many encouraging and welcoming interactions with people at St Andrew’s, both regular church members and the many visitors who come on Sundays and during the week.

Ask that the Holy Spirit would assist all who preach from and all who listen to the unique parts of Luke’s Gospel that we are preaching over first semester, that we might know, trust and love the Lord Jesus more. 

Give thanks that we have been able to re-open the Cathedral to the public (Tues-Thurs 10am-2pm) and pray for our team of welcomers to be hospitable to those who simply want to enjoy the building’s heritage and aesthetics, but also alert, sensitive and bold to those who may be interested to hear more of the Christian gospel that is our reason for being! Pray that the many Essential Jesus Luke’s Gospels and Two Ways to Live tracts in various languages that are distributed will be read and that the word so sown will find productive soil. 

Ask for wisdom and patience for me as the new Dean in getting my head around the variety of people, congregations and ministries, so that I can play my part in equipping God’s diverse people for the variety of works of service around the Cathedral and in their daily lives. Please pray that senior staff can make constructive, biblically principled, and wise contributions as members of various committees, boards and other Christian organisations.

Please pray for the re-establishment of Cathedral Kids (Sunday School), that God will send the right number of kids, and that the little team of regular leaders and rotating helpers can faithfully and engagingly teach the young ones from the Scriptures of the Lord’s great love and plans for them. Pray also for teaching SRE at Ultimo Public School. 

Beyond the immediate busyness of Cathedral life, pray that members only ever grow in enthusiasm to introduce people to Jesus, as our apostolic namesake, Andrew, did so well.

Thank you,
Sandy Grant