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9th June 2025

Learning more about the Lord’s Prayer at Lancaster Priory

Archbishop Stephen was at Lancaster Priory on Pentecost Sunday 8 June, as part of an evening to learn more about the Lord’s Prayer and how it can offer a way to live as well as a way to pray.

The ecumenical event began with the opportunity to visit the Lord’s Prayer inspired prayer station within the Priory, followed by a Choral Evensong during which Archbishop Stephen gave the sermon. Also during the service the Lancaster Priory choir sang a newly commissioned version of The Lord’s Prayer written by young composer Lucy Walker.

After a break for refreshments, there was then an opportunity to ask a panel of local people questions related to The Lord’s Prayer and what it can teach us about life and prayer today. The panel consisted of Archbishop Stephen; Paul Swarbrick, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Lancaster; Fr John Millar, Dean of Lancaster Roman Catholic Cathedral; Marcus Mosey, Leader at New Life Church Lancaster, and Rachel-Ann Powers, a parishioner who designed the Lord’s Prayer prayer station.

Rev Leah Vasey-Saunders, Vicar of Lancaster said: “It was a joy to welcome Archbishop Stephen to Lancaster Priory for this special Pentecost event. Exploring the depth and beauty of the Lord’s Prayer together—through music, reflection, and open conversation—reminded us that prayer is not just spoken, but lived. It was inspiring to see our community so engaged in discovering how this ancient prayer continues to shape faith and life today.”

Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York said, “The Lord’s Prayer isn’t just a guide for prayer—it’s an invitation to live differently. It’s a lesson in desire and purpose. God may know what we need, but we don’t always see it ourselves. This prayer has been passed down through generations, and while not everyone may know it fully, most people have encountered it in some way.”

The event was organised as part of Faith in the North, a new movement across the North of England which looks to encourage prayer, storytelling and church planting inspired by the Northern Saints.

Theo Sheridan-Watts, Faith in the North Programme Manager, said: "The focus of Faith in the North for 2025 is The Lord’s Prayer. Our hope is to encourage churches, schools and individuals to explore and respond in a fresh way to the prayer that Jesus taught us. We have lots of resources available on our website to help you do exactly that, from newly commissioned songs for children and choirs, collective worship resources for schools and small group resources for churches.”