Parishioners are encouraged to include this prayer in their devotional practice.
PRAYER FOR DISCERNMENT
O God, who didst lead thy holy apostles to ordain ministers in every place, grant that thy Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may choose suitable persons for the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and may uphold them in their work for the extension of thy kingdom; through him who is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, one God, for ever and ever. Amen [Prayer Book Offices, Church Publishing Incorporated: New York, 2020, p. 403]
Gracious God, we are entrusted with the responsibility of considering and selecting a new priest as our spiritual and pastoral leader. We ask you, through the guidance of your Holy Spirit, to prepare our hearts and minds to understand what is important in the doing of this task. As we work together, help us to listen, to remember, to speak wisely and to consider carefully.
We pray that your spirit is preparing those who are candidates for this ministry position, that we may choose one who will serve the people of the parish of St Mark with wisdom, grace and love. Enable us to discern accurately and choose rightly.
Guide and bless us as we undertake the task we have been given, that we may find the person most suitable to call as our priest.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
A downloadable version is available below.