Let us pray for the election of a bishop for our Diocese

Prayer during the election

People can pray during the election in two ways:

1. Participate in the onsite prayer vigil at the Cathedral on February 28.

During the election an on-site Prayer Vigil will take place in the Reconciliation Chapel beside the main altar of the Cathedral, welcoming non-delegates and delegates. All are invited to come to the Cathedral and participate at any time after 8 am and join the Prayer Vigil. Participants do not have to be present for the whole time and may come and go as their personal schedule allows. People planning to come to the Cathedral to pray are asked to contact Paul Dumbrille at [email protected]; 613-225-0806.

2. Those who cannot come to the Cathedral, either alone or with others, are encouraged to set aside time on February 28 for prayer.

Weekly prayers

Parishes are encouraged to include prayers for the election in their liturgies and gatherings in the weeks preceding the February 28 election. The following are suggested prayers for the 6 weeks prior to the election.

Week of January 18

Pray for the mission of the Church.

Everliving God, whose will is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ. Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Week of January 25

Pray for the Ottawa Diocese.

0 God, by your grace you have called us in this Diocese of Ottawa to a goodly fellowship of faith.  Bless the one who is to be our bishop, the other clergy and all the people.  Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received.  Amen.

Week of February 1

Pray for the Electoral Synod.

Loving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who will take counsel in the Synod of this Diocese for the renewal and mission of your Church. Amen.

Week of February 8

Pray for those offering to serve as bishop.

Gracious God, you led your holy apostles to ordain ministers in every place.  Grant that your Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may choose suitable persons for the ministry of being a bishop, and may uphold them in their work for the extension of your kingdom. Amen.

Week of February 15

Pray for the election of the person God would have to be Bishop.

Almighty God, giver of every good gift, look graciously on your Church in this Diocese, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for us, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Week of February 22

Pray for the one who shall be chosen.

Gracious God, give your grace, we humbly pray, to the one who will be called to the office and ministry of bishop for your people in this Diocese; and so fill them with the truth of your doctrine and clothe them with holiness of life.  Amen

Prayer gatherings prior to the election

Parishes or deaneries are encouraged to hold in-person or online prayer gatherings in the time before the election focussed on praying for the election of a bishop. Resources for such a gathering can be provided by contacting Paul Dumbrille at [email protected]; 613-225-0806.