The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Revd Philip North, brought together pupils and staff from 128 primary schools across the diocese to kick off their 'Year of Prayer' programme.

The two-day Zoom event which took place earlier this week, brought together more than 22,000 pupils and staff to mark the beginning of a year-long ‘journey of spiritual growth and renewal’.

The Year of Prayer, running from Advent 2024 to Advent 2025, serves as a period for the diocese's centenary in 2026. 

Bishop Philip, supported by his Chaplain, Revd Sam Cheeseman, guided participants through an exploration of the significance, methods, and impact of prayer.

He said: "Prayer is not just about words; it's about opening our hearts to God and to each other.

"This year, we're inviting everyone in our diocese to join us in listening to God's voice and discerning His plan for the Church in Lancashire." 

Bishop Philip launches the Year of Prayer with pupils and staffDirector of Education for the Diocese of Blackburn Iain Parks said: "What an incredible occasion to see so many young people from across the diocese engage so attentively with the importance of prayer.

"They shared their worries and concerns, prayed for their communities, and also for themselves."

Bishop Philip gave pupils the challenge to pray each week together following a specially designed poster that will mean every school will be praying for the same topic in unison throughout the year. 

Alongside the poster, there are weekly worship and practical prayer activities for classrooms.