The people of Cornwall are being invited to join together for a shared moment of prayer on Sunday morning (5.4.20).

At 11am, everybody is invited to step outside if safe, or go to a window, and quietly say the Lord’s Prayer.

Margaret Stevens, from Mounts Bay, whose original suggestion is being taken up by churches across Cornwall, said: “I hope this can be helpful for anyone at all who feels the need to pray in a time of great anxiety, knowing that others are praying too.”

The Bishop of Truro, the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, said: “I think this is a wonderful idea. I believe we will each draw strength from knowing that wherever we are, and however isolated or fearful we might feel from time to time, we are united in fellowship. We will be sharing a prayer that expresses the essence of our faith, as well as our profound sense that God is the answer to our prayers. We are not alone.”

Steve Wild: ‘Many praying for the first time’

The Revd Steve Wild, chair of the Cornwall Methodist District, said: “I am very happy to endorse this call on people to come to their front doorsteps and say the Lord’s Prayer on Sunday at 11am. During our present situation many in our land are finding themselves praying for the first time and the Lord hears all prayers.

“The Lord’s Prayer is a prayer from the lips of Jesus; it is both simple and comprehensive. We are isolated at the moment, but by taking part in this act of faith we are showing a great unity by saying this prayer and also being a witness in our community.”

‘Stay connected to God and others’

Sarah Yardley, the mission and ministry lead for Creation Fest, added: “During this time of challenge and isolation, it’s so important that we find creative ways to stay connected to God and others. I’m looking forward to joining with the friends across the county to stand on our doorsteps and say the Lord’s Prayer at 11am on Sunday, and can’t wait to see some of the creative ways we might find to pray together for God’s kingdom to come on earth, as it is in heaven!”

The invitation is for people across Cornwall, as well as the Isles of Scilly and the two parishes that sit both within Devon and the Diocese of Truro.