Download a Word version of these resources
For use until February 2026
Prayer points
- Give thanks for the ministry of +Steven and all that he has done.
- Pray for him and his wife Ann as they transition to retirement and prepare to move.
- Pray for +Gavin, taking up the role of acting diocesan bishop through the interregnum, that he may exercise wisdom , discernment and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Reflect: John 17: 20-21
- Pray for all the members of the Crown Nominations Commission, that they may look together to Jesus, seek the good of the whole diocese, and work together in faith and hope.
- Pray for all those involved in the church at a national level, in all their work as they seek bishops for many dioceses, not just ours.
- Pray that God will give revelation to his church and that it may be a beacon for His Kingdom.
Reflect: 1 Timothy 3: 14-15
- Give thanks for our diocese and all the ways that, together and separately, as deaneries, churches and individuals, we make Christ known.
- Pray for the work of the whole diocese, and for all those who support it, that we may do God’s work.
- Pray for all parishes and chaplaincies in vacancy, for schools recruiting headteachers, and for all those who support them.
Reflect: 1 Corinthians 12: 12-13
Full prayers
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For general intercessions
Wise and loving God, in this time of waiting we pray all your people, here in this diocese and in all places where your people are waiting to see the new things you are doing. We pray for all those who are part of the appointments process for our new diocesan bishop, and for all the other appointments processes that are going on at this time – for bishops, clergy, ministers, and all the other roles that serve your people. Send your Holy Spirit into each of those processes and upon each person involved, that your will may be done; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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For general intercessions
God our Shepherd, we ask your blessing on Bishop Gavin taking up leadership in this diocese, and on all those who minister in our churches. We ask your blessing also on the whole of our diocese and on those who shape its future, especially those who are part of the Crown Nominations Commission. May they listen to one another, to the voices of your people, and to the voice of your Holy Spirit. May your love be at the heart of all their decisions and your will be done in every stage of the appointment of a new bishop. We ask this through your Son, who shared your love in his life among us and showed it in his death for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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For general intercessions
Lord of love, we thank you for all the ways you blessed this diocese through the ministry of Bishop Steven. Bless all bishops and ministers in your church, especially Bishop Gavin, and bless all your people as we live lives faithful to you. Equip the person you are calling to be our new bishop; give them your guidance, your wisdom and your compassion. And guide all members of the Crown Nominations Commission that will appoint them. We ask this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, Lord and King and servant of all. Amen.
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In simple language
Loving God, thank you that you give us people to help us learn about you and live in the right way. Help the people who are choosing our next bishop to trust your love and make wise choices. And help us all to be your people, full of love and peace. Amen.
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In traditional language
O God our Ruler, in every age thou hast called men and women to serve thy Church and shepherd thy people. Bless, we pray thee, this our diocese of Oxford: that in seeking a new bishop, we may hear thy voice and serve to the needs of thy people; and that through this process, the good news of thy gospel may be made known; through thy Son, Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of thy sheep. Amen.
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Full intercessions for Eucharist/ Service of the Word
In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
let us pray to the Father.
For the peace of the whole world,
for the welfare of the Holy Church of God,
and for the unity of all,
let us pray to the Lord.
All Lord, have mercy.
For this diocese of Oxford,
for Gavin, bishop of Dorchester, in his new role as acting Bishop of Oxford,
and for all the bishops, clergy and people of this diocese,
let us pray to the Lord.
All Lord, have mercy.
For the ongoing appointment of a new diocesan bishop,
for the members of the Crown Nominations Commission,
for clear speaking and faithful listening,
let us pray to the Lord.
All Lord, have mercy.
For Charles our King,
for our prime minister and government,
for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority,
let us pray to the Lord.
All Lord, have mercy.
[For this community and its leaders X and Y,]
for all the communities of the diocese of Oxford,
and for all the people who live, work and worship here,
let us pray to the Lord.
All Lord, have mercy.
For those who are anxious and afraid,
for those who face change,
for those for whom hope is hard to find,
let us pray to the Lord.
All Lord, have mercy.
For all who are in any kind of trouble,
for those who are sick, sad or suffering,
for ourselves and our own needs,
let us pray to the Lord.
All Lord, have mercy.
Remembering all who have gone before us in faith,
and in communion with all the saints,
we commit ourselves, one another,
and our whole life to Christ our God;
All to you, O Lord.