On Saturday, Winchester Cathedral welcomed people from across the Diocese for ‘The Upper Room’, a special service of prayer and worship marking the beginning of ‘Thy Kingdom Come’.
Young people from St John’s Hartley Wintney, Andover Parish Youth Church, Romsey Abbey, Basingstoke Church and St Peter’s Yateley took a leading role in the service with prayers for their schools, for the world and for people to come to know Christ.
The Upper Room marked the start of the eleven days of Thy Kingdom Come, that invites Christians worldwide to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and for people to experience God’s love.
The sermon was given by Bishop Philip, while music ranged from the cathedral organ to reflective Taizé chants and a time led by the worship band from Christ Church, Winchester.
Everyone was later invited to spend time engaging with the interactive prayer spaces, created by the Diocesan Education Team, throughout the cathedral designed to encourage reflection and deeper prayer.
Musician Cory from Christ Church Winchester said, “From the moment I heard about this event, I was booming with excitement because I love the cathedral, I love the space, I loved its reverence and I love its history. It’s an incredible space to be in and feel the presence of God. It really was emanating tonight when we were praising and worshipping.”
Bishop Philip said, “It’s been a wonderful service, and it’s been young people who have been leading us in prayer and in worship. I hope that people will go from here today with a renewed and strengthened commitment to be people of prayer, people who pray expectantly for God to change people’s lives, in the life of the church and in the life of the world.”
The prayer spaces will remain in place in the Cathedral throughout the week, offering visitors further opportunities to pause, pray and reflect.
See all the photos from The Upper Room here >>>
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