Stepney@Prayer in Shadwell

This autumn’s Stepney@Prayer came to Shadwell taking place during Black History Month at St George-in-the-East. It was a rich and heartfelt evening as church leaders and members from across the Stepney Area gathered for worship, fellowship, and—most importantly—prayer for racial justice.

We were joined by the Stepney Area Deans for Racial Justice: Revd Shana Maloney (St James’ Clapton), Revd Prakash Thankachan (St Jude’s & St Paul’s Mildmay Grove, and St Stephen’s Canonbury), and Revd Steve Gayle (St Michael and All Angels, Stoke Newington). In a season of significant change for the Church of England, the Diocese of London, and the Stepney Area, we also prayed for the Bishop of Stepney and Bishop of London vacancies, and for Bishop Sarah as she transitions into her new role as Archbishop of Canterbury.

The evening offered a creative mix of prayer led by St George’s lay members: silent prayer in the chapel, prayer walks, action and craft prayer, and intercessions in the sanctuary. Participants could move freely between these different forms of prayer—some trying new approaches for the first time—and many shared afterwards how deeply enriching the experience was.

Three lay members also gave short reflections on the role of prayer in their own lives, and the evening concluded with an invitation to join St George’s regular online Compline service.