A unique prayer wall spelling out the word HOPE has opened in Southwell Minster – an invitation for prayer and reflection in these uncertain times.
HOPE comes to Southwell Minster for Advent.
The Wall of HOPE prayer installation is a seven foot high structure with backlit white letters and can be found in front of the High Altar in the East End of the Minster.
Richard Frith, Canon Precentor of Southwell Minster, said:
“We want people to stop and think about what hope means today.
“The letters are there as an invitation to prayer. There will be prayer cards that visitors will be able to fill in, and we will pray those prayers in the Minster, bringing people’s hopes and needs to God in this really difficult Christmas season.”
The wall is the creation of HOPE Together and 24-7 Prayer, who have worked together to encourage cathedrals and churches to set up Hope Spaces throughout 2020.
‘In other cathedrals where the Wall of HOPE has visited, we’ve heard how it has spoken to people, even those who don’t normally pray,’ said Richard.
“We’re really pleased that the installation is here with us in Advent, when Christians spend time praying and preparing for the joy of Christmas.
“We’d like the Wall of HOPE to help others enter into that feeling of hope and expectation. But whatever it means to people, it’s there as a reminder that there is always hope, however difficult things might feel at the moment,’ he added.
Hope Spaces are designed as creative, public prayer spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience God through talking and listening to him in prayer. Email hopespaces@24-7prayer.com for a free ‘How to Run a Hope Space’ resource.
