Prayers for the Bishop Search and Transition Process

Here are a few prayers written by the Rev. Jennifer Phillips to focus and guide us all through the search process. Check out the prayers page of  www.episcopalrisearch.org for more as the process progresses

For the Search & Nomination Committee and Transition Committee

God our Wisdom and Light:
you alone have power to bring blessing out of all our choices
and to use all our actions for the building up of your reign;
be with us as we take council for the future,
turn our hearts always toward the common good,
guide us in raising up and welcoming new leadership for our diocese
and help us to discern the presence of Christ in our midst always,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God living and true. Amen.

Prayer for the Calling of a Bishop for Rhode Island

Gracious God who sets the seas in their bounds and gives life to all your creatures,
who continually renews the face of the earth and is faithful to your covenant from generation to generation:
Lift up and guide the people of the Diocese of Rhode Island as we seek the next bishop to lead us;
renew our strength in the baptismal ministries to which you call us;
watch over and inspire the work of the committees entrusted with this task;
and, by the power of your Spirit, draw your people always toward the vision of your holy reign;
we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.

Brief bidding for the Prayers of the People

I ask your prayers for all those who labor to seek the next bishop for our diocese; and that in this discernment process, we all may be strengthened in our discipleship in Christ, who has given us the ministry of reconciliation and in whom alone we rest our hope …

Prayer for the work of a the Search & Nomination Committee

God our Wisdom:
may we listen for and hear your voice among the many voices;
may we choose prudently, imagine boldly, and pray continually;
may we be strengthened by our companionship with one another,
and by your presence along the way;
and, trusting always in your goodness and mercy,
seek in all things to give you honor and glory,
for you are one God in Trinity of Persons and Unity of Being,
to the ages of ages. Amen.