Today, 18 October, the Church remembers Luke the Evangelist, whose Gospel proclaims the compassion of Christ and the good news of God’s kingdom. In the Gospel, Jesus sends out his followers to share peace, heal the sick and announce that the kingdom of God has come near. Luke’s witness reminds us that the good news is not only spoken but embodied through mercy, healing, hospitality and hope. As we remember Luke, we give thanks for all who proclaim the Gospel in word and action, and for all whose ministry brings healing and peace to the world. Scripture reading: Luke 10:1–2, 8–9 ‘After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”’ Prayer God of healing and hope, you called Luke to proclaim the good news of Christ. Strengthen us to share your peace and to make your love known in word and action. Bless all who serve in ministries of healing, compassion and care, and send us out as witnesses to your kingdom. Amen.

Today, in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Anglican Church of Canada and for the Primate, the Most Revd Shane Parker. Let us pray for: 🙏 The life and mission of the Church – for Archbishop Shane, bishops, clergy and lay people as they serve communities across Canada in worship, witness and ministry. 🙏 Continued deep and positive change - for the Pathways work that is transforming the structures, operations, and relationships that constitute the Anglican Church of Canada. 🙏 Indigenous and non-Indigenous Anglicans – for Sacred Circle and the wider Church as they deepen their partnership, strengthen Indigenous leadership and continue the work of reconciliation and right relationship. 🙏 Ministry in northern and remote communities – for clergy, lay leaders and congregations serving across Canada’s vast northern regions, that they may have the resources, encouragement and local leadership needed for sustainable ministry. 🙏 Young people – for the new National Youth Council and for youth ministries across the Church, that young Anglicans may be heard, supported and encouraged to help shape the Church’s present and future. Amen.

Today in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Diocese of Calabar in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

Today in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Diocese of Byumba in Eglise Anglicane du Rwanda.

Young Anglicans in Malawi have helped secure a nationwide ban on thin plastics after years of campaigning through peaceful demonstrations, petitions and sustained advocacy alongside churches and civil society. Led in part by Anglican climate advocate Charles Bakolo, Climate YES and the Malawi Creation Care Network, the campaign shows how action taken far from the coast can still help protect the ocean since every river is a road to the ocean. The story is reflective of three of the themes at the heart of Lungs of the Earth: 🌱 Restoration – cleaning waterways and stopping pollution at its source. 🌊 Resilience – reducing blocked drains and helping communities cope with flooding. 🤝 Relationship – churches, young people, civil society and government working together for change. Read the full story at: bit.ly/4ySL3Eh #Anglicans #LungsOfTheEarth #WeAreTheOcean @Greenanglicans

Today in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Diocese of Buye in the Anglican Church of Burundi.

Leaders in the Iglesia Anglicana de la Región Central de América (IARCA) have called for prayer for the Diocese of Panama after earthquakes struck the region on 9 and 12 October. The Diocese of Panama have been communicating emergency preparedness advice and affirming that their churches are places of refuge for those impacted by the tremors. The Primate of IARCA, the Most Revd Ramón Ovalle, said, ‘In these moments of uncertainty, anxiety and fear due to the strong earthquake in Panama, may the presence of God lead us to maintain calm, serenity and prudence.’ See statements and calls for prayer from IARCA to the Anglican Communion at bit.ly/4yNOWdn #AnglicanCommunion

The ocean is one of the great life-support systems of our planet. But it is changing. More than 90% of the excess heat trapped by human-caused global warming has been absorbed by the ocean. As temperatures rise, marine ecosystems are being placed under extraordinary pressure. One of the clearest warning signs can be seen in our coral reefs. Between January 2023 and September 2025, around 84% of the world’s coral reef area experienced bleaching-level heat stress, making this the most extensive global coral bleaching event ever recorded. And warming is not the only threat. 🌊 Plastic pollution is damaging marine ecosystems. 🌊 Overfishing is placing additional pressure on ocean life. 🌊 Rising seas and coastal erosion are affecting communities around the world. For many coastal and island communities across the Anglican Communion, these changes are not a distant environmental problem. They are already affecting homes, livelihoods, freshwater and ecosystems. Through Lungs of the Earth, we are listening to these communities and sharing how Anglicans are working to restore and protect the ocean. Learn more: anglicancommunion.org/lungso… #CreationCare #Anglicans @Greenanglicans

Following the cancer diagnosis of Pope Leo XIV, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, has invited Anglicans to join with Catholic sisters and brothers in prayer for the Holy Father. #Anglicans

Today in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Diocese of Butere in the Anglican Church of Kenya.

🌍 Protecting the ocean can begin far from the coast. In South Sudan, Anglican churches are showing how local action on waste can help protect precious waterways and strengthen care for creation. Through the Episcopal Church of South Sudan Environmental Network (ECSSEN), churches across two dioceses have introduced practical waste-management measures including waste segregation, bins and environmental awareness in congregations. The work matters beyond church grounds. Poorly managed waste can enter drainage systems and pollute the River Nile, while plastic can block drainage channels and contribute to flooding. Kenyi Emmanuel Dube, a team leader for ECSSEN, says: ‘Caring for creation is therefore not optional but it is a core part of our calling… For us at ECSSEN, waste management and environmental conservation are not just technical concerns; they are spiritual, social and environmental responsibilities.’ Read the full story: bit.ly/4ztKNva #Anglicans #LungsOfTheEarth #WeAreTheOcean @Greenanglicans @DioceseofJuba

Today in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Diocese of Butare in Eglise Anglicane du Rwanda.

The Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) has celebrated 50 years as a province of the Anglican Communion. A week of jubilee celebrations concluded with a service of celebration and rededication hosted jointly by the Dioceses of Juba and Rejaf at All Saints’ Cathedral, Juba, on 11 October. The Most Revd Dr Justin Badi Arama, Archbishop and Primate of ECSS and Bishop of Juba, presided at the service. Among those contributing were the Revd Pauline Walker, Canon Andy Wheeler, former ECSS Primate the Most Revd Dr Daniel Deng Bul Yak, and the Rt Revd Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion. Reflecting on the celebrations, Bishop Anthony said: “It was gratifying to see such a spirit of joy and thanksgiving throughout the celebration. I pray that the church in South Sudan will continue to grow, faithfully rooted in Christ.” Read the full story: bit.ly/3Wmtzl2 #Anglicans

The Archbishop of York, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, will visit Australia and Hong Kong from 16 October to 2 November, strengthening relationships across the Anglican Communion and exploring opportunities for partnership and shared ministry. During the visit, Archbishop Stephen will spend time with churches, schools, clergy and young people in Perth, Brisbane and Hong Kong. His programme will include preaching, conversations about mission and Christian leadership, visits to schools and social-service ministries. Speaking ahead of the visit, Archbishop Stephen said: ‘Partnerships between Anglican churches across the world remind us that, although our contexts may be very different, we are part of one family in Christ.’ Read more about the visit on Anglican News: bit.ly/4jS1mfG #Anglicans

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, has joined with Roman Catholic sisters and brothers in praying for Pope Leo XIV as he prepares to undergo surgery. May God grant him strength, comfort and a swift recovery. #Anglicans

Today in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Diocese of Central Busoga in the Church of the Province of Uganda.

Today, in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Anglican Church of Burundi and for the Primate, the Most Revd Eraste Bigirimana, Archbishop of Burundi and Bishop of Bujumbura. Let us pray for: 🙏 Archbishop Eraste and the life of the Province – for wisdom and strength in his leadership, and for a new season of unity, spiritual renewal and faithful service across the Church. 🙏 Education and theological formation – for Anglican schools, Bujumbura Christian University and programmes equipping clergy and lay people for ministry, that students and future leaders may grow in knowledge, faith and service. 🙏 Health and community wellbeing – for the Church’s partnerships in healthcare and community health, and for those working to strengthen disease prevention, care and support for vulnerable communities. 🙏 Community development and resilience – for Anglican initiatives in agriculture, livelihoods, environmental care, youth and education, that communities may be equipped to flourish with dignity and hope. Amen.

Today in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Diocese of Busoga in the Church of the Province of Uganda.

The Secretariat of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions has met at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Kazakhstan on 7 October. The Rt Revd Dr Jo Wells, Deputy Secretary General of the Anglican Communion and Bishop for Episcopal Ministry, has represented the Anglican Communion in inter faith discussions about climate change, AI and the rights of children with incurable diseases. ‘The issues we are addressing cannot be resolved by the specialists or the technicians… nor can they be resolved by any single faith group, government or nation. They require a level of cooperation that transcends our differences and overrides our politics, because they each address us all. Only together can we make the difference that matters.’ Read the full story at: bit.ly/47FHGo6 #Interfaith #AnglicanCommunion

Today in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Diocese of Busan in the Anglican Church of Korea.