‘The Lord’s Prayer Tour’, in which Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell will teach about the Lord’s Prayer across the Northern Province of the Church of England, begins in York Minster on Friday 7th March 2025 at a service of Evensong.
Archbishop Stephen wants to share the importance and relevance of The Lord’s Prayer to our world today, encouraging people to pray and live by this as part of their missionary discipleship, using it as a pattern for living.
The Lord’s Prayer tour is part of the Faith in the North initiative. Working alongside others Archbishop Stephen is encouraging prayer, storytelling and church planting inspired by the Northern Saints such as Hild, Cuthbert, Bede and Paulinus. The aim is to foster deeper connections with the Christian faith across the north and renew the Church’s missionary purpose to share God’s love with all.
The focus for Faith in the North in 2025 is The Lord’s Prayer, in 2026 it will be pilgrimage, and in 2027, baptism.
Lucy Walker, a young composer who has previously written music for the Choir of York Minster, was commissioned by Faith in the North to create a new choral music piece inspired by The Lord’s Prayer. Specifically written for cathedral services and for choirs, the composition features two arrangements: one for choir and organ, and a simplified version for choir and piano. This versatility makes it accessible for a wide range of worship settings. The piece will have its debut performance during the service on 7 March, sung by the Choir of York Minster.
The Revd Canon Maggie McLean, Canon Missioner said: “York Minster is delighted to be playing a prominent part in the Archbishop’s initiative. The Lord’s Prayer tour across the Northern Province connects with the deep Christian roots of our heritage. Lucy Walker’s new composition reflects the power of The Lord’s Prayer to invite fresh creativity and inspire new, and deepening, faith.”
Reflecting on the project, Lucy said: “This project allowed me to reflect deeply on the profound meaning of The Lord’s Prayer. It is a constant and familiar part of worship for so many, and it was rewarding to consider how a musical setting could amplify the many-faceted message of the prayer. I hope it resonates with singers and worshippers alike and offers a moving experience for all who hear it.”
Following the 5.30pm Evensong Service, to which all are welcome to attend, light refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to hear more about the vision for Faith in the North, as well as a time of Q & A with Archbishop Stephen focussed on the Lord’s Prayer. To assist with numbers for this element following the service, please book your free ticket by visiting Eventbrite.
Faith in the North looks to encourage a movement of prayer, storytelling and church planting inspired by the Northern Saints. Visit the website to learn more and to access free resources: www.faithinthenorth.org
On 10 October 2025 there will be an invitation for all churches, schools and individuals from across the North of England to come together to say the Lord’s Prayer as one.
