transition prayers - Diocese of Easton

Bishop Marray has announced that he will resign in the fall of 2025, and with that news,

The Diocese of Easton has entered a Season of Leadership Transition

Prayers During our Time of Transition

Discernment Committee Call to Prayer (1)

Petitions to Insert for Prayers of the People

Be present with those who take council in this diocese: the Standing Committee and Discernment Committee, as we look towards the future of this diocese, that we may all endorse a spirit of unity and move forward together.
So guide the minds of those who shall discern the future of this diocese, that we may continue to have leadership grounded in Christian strength and courage. Be present with those who take council – the Standing Committee and the Discernment Committee – as they discern a path forward for the diocese. Teach them in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide them to perceive what is right and grant them both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it.
For the diocesan staff who tirelessly serve, guiding and supporting the church’s mission. Grant them holy discernment, wisdom, and strength in these times of change, as well as an openness to new opportunities and strength to face challenges.
For our Bishop, Santosh, his wife, Lynn, and their family, that they may be filled with your peace, strength, and wisdom. Grant that they will be blessed with love and support as they navigate retirement and this new chapter in their lives.
We humbly pray for healing in our Diocese of Easton: that we might have strength to overcome our challenges, heal the wounds of division, and foster unity in Christ’s name.

Prayer for Discernment

O God our Comforter, who guides us in the ways of justice and truth and holds us close in times of uncertainty: Inspire us with your grace and wisdom, that we might do everything according to your will and ground ourselves in your love. Give us a sense of openness about the future ministries and mission of the Diocese of Easton. Help us remember that we do not hold all of the answers, nor do we need to. Encourage us when we are anxious about change, reminding us that all things are in your hands: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer in a Time of Transition

Heavenly Father, we praise and thank you for this, your diocese of Easton. Inspire and sustain us in this time of transition. Incline our hearts to do your will, and so direct us in your ways that the leaders you are raising up for us will find here joyful disciples, making disciples, united in faith, unwavering in hope, and steeped in mutual charity. In your mercy, grant us peace and give us patience. Pour rich gifts and grace upon all who are entrusted with the ongoing work of your church; so that, with diligence and charity, we may discern correctly and walk righteously in your ways. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(adapted from 2015 bishop search resources)

A Collect for a Healing Diocese

O God, whose healing love and grace extends to all: we humbly pray for our Diocese of Easton. Grant us strength to overcome our challenges, heal the wounds of division, and foster unity in your name. May your Spirit guide our hearts, minds, and actions, that we may become a beacon of hope and witness to your boundless compassion. We ask this in thy holy name to Glory God the Father who is with us now and forever more. Amen.

Prayer for Bishop and Family

Almighty God, we humbly ask for your guidance and strength as we journey through this time of transition in our diocese. We pray for our Bishop, Santosh, his wife, Lynn, and their family, that they may be filled with your peace, strength, and wisdom as they navigate this new chapter of their lives. May they be blessed with your love and support, and may they find joy and comfort in your presence. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, our great High Priest. Amen.

Prayer for Diocesan Staff #1

Heavenly Father, we seek your wisdom and guidance as our diocese enters a time of transition. We acknowledge that change can bring challenges and uncertainties, but we also recognize the potential for new growth and opportunities. Bless our diocesan staff, those who have dedicated their lives to serving your Church. Grant them strength, patience, and perseverance as they navigate this season of change. May they find peace in knowing that they are part of a larger community of faith, and that your grace is always with them. Help them to see your work in this time of uncertainty, to trust in your divine plan, and to embrace the opportunities that may arise. May they be open to learning new skills, adapting to changes, and working together to build a brighter future for our diocese. We ask for your protection and guidance for each member of the staff, both personally and professionally. May they be surrounded by your love and support, and may they find joy in their work of service. We ask all of this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Diocesan Staff #2

Almighty God, as our diocese embarks on this journey of transition, we bring before you the diocesan staff who tirelessly serve, guiding and supporting the church’s mission. We ask for your Holy Spirit to be with them, granting them holy discernment, wisdom, and strength in these times of change. May they find comfort in your abiding presence, knowing that even amidst uncertainty, you are with them. Help them to embrace the new opportunities that lie ahead with courage and hope. Give them the grace to discern your will, to make sound decisions, and to work together in unity. May they be a source of encouragement and support for one another, and for those they serve. We pray for their health, their well-being, and their spiritual growth especially during this time. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Litany for Discernment

Leader: In this time of uncertainty and transition in the Diocese of Easton, let us pray for this next phase of ministry as the Body of Christ on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. For an intentional and holy discernment, we pray to you, O Lord.

Leader: Let us pray. O Gracious and Loving God, you have raised up for us faithful leaders in this diocese – bishops, priests, deacons, and dedicated laity. Increase in us gifts for discernment and patience during this time, that we will always trust in your goodness and plan for our ministry together.