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Prayer Walk : the City of Oxford with Bishop John
Central Oxford is served by a number of park-and-ride car parks (01865 815649). The start of the walk is a ten minute walk from Oxford Rail station.
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Begin atCarfax Tower (where Queen St, Cornmarket, High St and St Aldates meet). You are in the heart of the city centre. You might like to pause for a moment, to try and hear God’s voice in the bustle. Think about the people around you and the burdens they carry. You may like to pray for them.
Walk up Cornmarket and turn left into St Michael’s Street. TheOxford Unionis on your left. Bishop John remembers hearing inspiring speakers here, such as Michael Green and David MacInnes, when he was a student at nearbySt Peter’s College. Think for a moment: who has inspired you in your Christian journey? Who do you inspire?
Continue down St Michael’s St and turn left into New Inn Hall St. Look for theWesley Memorial Church andSt Peter’s College on your right. Opposite St Peter’s a plaque commemorates John Wesley’s sermon on 4 July 1783. Both John and his brother Charles were students at the University, and formed the group that became known as “Methodists” here. They were later ordained at Christ Church Cathedral. You might like to think for a moment about those who have been trailblazers for their faith.
Cross Queen St into St Ebbe’s St, and then turn left into Brewer St. You emerge onto St Aldates, facing Christ Church. Cross the road, turn right, and then left intoChrist Church Meadow.You may choose to take a diversion into the Cathedral, the “mother church” of the diocese. The Cathedral is often used for big occasions, such as Bishop John’s installation service in 2007. What have been the big occasions in your life – whether public (such as a wedding) or more private, known only to you and God? Enjoy the view over the Meadow and give thanks to God for the beauty of his creation.
Either enjoy a walk along the river or turn left behind Christ Church. Turn right along Merton St, right along the High St, then left into Longwall Street. At the junction with Holywell St, you can see the original Morris Motors garage (1905). You might like to reflect on the skills and talents that you have been given, and how you use them. Over the road, in St Cross St, you can see theLaw Library where Bishop John remembers wrestling with his studies. (He took a degree in Law, before training for the priesthood.) What have been the greatest struggles for you in your Christian journey?
Turn into Holywell Street. As you pass the Holywell Music Rooms, you may like to give thanks for those who share their musical or other artistic skills for the enjoyment of others. Turn left into Catte Street, passing the Sheldonian, the Bodleian and the Radcliffe Camera. Before you reach the High Street, go into theUniversity Church and explore its interesting history. St Mary’s was the site of the 1555 trial of the Oxford Martyrs, Latimer, Ridley and Cranmer. Reflect on those who have been martyred for their faith. What are the sacrifices we are called to make today?
Turn right along High St to end up at Carfax again.
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