Join Christians around the world in the Lord's Prayer

The Church of Scotland is encouraging Kirk members to join Christians around the world in saying the Lord's Prayer at 11am* on Wednesday.

The move comes in response to an invitation from Pope Francis sent to all Christian leaders in which he asks that we invoke "together the graces from heaven" and ask "for the end of this pandemic".

In a joint letter, 11 Christian denominations across the country including the Church of Scotland have pledged to take part.

Right Rev Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, welcomed the move.

He said: "At a time when normal life is falling apart it is wonderful when Christians come together.

"The Lord's prayer is a wonderfully comprehensive prayer and within it can be found all we need to say.

"I warmly commend Pope Francis' call for churches around the world to unite in this way."

Those taking part in Scotland include the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church, the United Free Church, the United Reformed Church, the Baptist Union of Scotland, the Methodist Church, Congregational Federation in Scotland, the Salvation Army, the Church of the Nazarene, and Redeemed Christian Church of God.

You are encouraged to use whichever version that you feel most comfortable with.

*11am has been chosen to coincide with midday in Italy so the Lord's Prayer can be said at the same time.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever.

Amen.

Signatories in Scotland include:

Rt. Rev. Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the General Assembly, Church of Scotland

Most Rev Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, Roman Catholic Church

Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus, on behalf of the College of Bishops, Scottish Episcopal Church

Rev John Fulton, Moderator, United Free Church of Scotland

Rev Dr David Pickering, Moderator, United Reformed Church (Scotland)

Rev Martin Hodson, General Director, Baptist Union of Scotland

Rev Mark Slaney, District Chair, Methodist Church (Scotland)

Rev May-Kane Logan, Chair, Congregational Federation in Scotland

Lt. Col. Carol Bailey, Secretary for Scotland, Salvation Army

Rev Jim Ritchie, District Superintendent, British Isles North District, Church of the Nazarene

Pastor Chris Gbenle, Provincial Pastor, Province of Scotland, Redeemed Christian Church of God