Hundreds of worshippers took part in a 90-mile pilgrimage, praying for the people, churches and communities in South East Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
They spent 7 days completing 7 separate Prayer Pilgrimages around the Diocese of Portsmouth. The walks took place around the Bishop’s Waltham area, Fareham, Havant, Petersfield, the Isle of Wight, Gosport and Portsmouth on successive days.
Prayer pilgrims paused to pray on the hour, each hour, as part of their walks, and then held evening prayer services in each area.
It took place to mark the 10th anniversary of the global prayer initiative Thy Kingdom Come, which involves Christians from different denominations across the world spending time specifically in prayer between Ascension Day and Pentecost.
They were led by the Rev Andrew Hargreaves, diocesan director of Ministry and Discipleship, who completed all 90 miles in 7 days.
On day 5, worshippers walked 15 miles around the Isle of Wight. They began at Oakfield CofE Primary School in Ryde, where the Revs David Morgan and Andrew Hargreaves led collective worship. Several classes then joined the walkers for the first kilometre of the walk through Ryde, while other children waved them off as they marched out of the playground.
After stopping for prayer in a Ryde playground, the children headed back to school while the walkers went onwards to Sandown. They shared Communion and lunch in The Bay CofE School in Sandown, before walking on to Newport. The evening prayer celebration took place in Newport Minster.
The Rev Andrew Hargreaves was joined by worshippers from various churches on his walk, and they prayed at churches and community landmarks across the town.
The Rev Andrew Hargreaves said:
“What a privilege to walk around this wonderful diocese, seeing God’s diversity in creation and all the people that he’s given us. It has been an absolute delight to pray for people to come to know Jesus in all of our parishes and to pray Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done.”
