"All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."
Acts 1:14 (RSVCE)
‘Thy Kingdom Come’ is a global prayer movement, which invites Christians around the world to pray between Ascension and Pentecost, for more people to come to know Jesus Christ. We follow the example of the Apostles who during this time ‘prayed constantly’.
By joining in with Thy Kingdom Come, we can be part of a wave of prayer for every Christian who want to follow the example of the Apostles from the Ascension to Pentecost. Whether looking at the end of Luke or the beginning of Acts, the Apostles are found in prayer with Mary and other followers of Christ in prayer. Jesus has asked them to remain in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) after which they became his witnesses in "Judea, and Samaria and to the end of the earth."
Each year, we are invited to pray for Evangelisation from the Ascension to Pentecost, not for ourselves, but for five people we care about to have an encounter with Christ. Here is a message from Cardinal Vincent about Thy Kingdom Come in 2023.
Origins
Most recently, this time of prayer was inspired in the Anglican Communion and is known as 'Thy Kingdom Come.' Motivated by love for those we pray for, we are invited to pray for the Kingdom of God, to be made real in the lives of those we hold in prayer.
Find out more about Thy Kingdom Come
The First Pentecost Novena
However, this idea is not new for Catholics since Blessed Elena Guerra, who was convinced that Pentecost was intended for us today, petitioned Pope Pope Leo XIII who wrote the first and original Pentecost Novena so the Church could pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
“Pentecost is not over. In fact, it is continually going on in every time and in every place, because the Holy Spirit desired to give himself to all men and all who want him can always receive him, so we do not have to envy the apostles and the first believers; we only have to dispose ourselves like them to receive him well, and He will come to us as he did to them."
Why focus on Evangelisation?
For many Catholics, the idea of sharing our faith is terrifying but we are more inclined to pray for people we know to come to faith. There are so many people in our lives who would benefit from knowing Jesus Christ and growing in faith. Praying for others to encounter Christ is the beginning of tuning into the heart of God the Father, who longs for every person to be drawn to him through his Son.
Since we can only help people towards an encounter with Christ, it is only the Holy Spirit that awakens, transforms, or deepens our faith in Jesus Christ. So for this time of prayer, we are invited to entrust five people we care about to the Holy Spirit in the hope they will notice his action in their lives.
Get involved
We would love to help you join in with this special time of grace. Here are some easy first steps:
- Reflect on the people in your life and identify five people you would like to hold in prayer during this time. Write their names down somewhere to prompt you.
- Pledge to pray with Thy Kingdom Come for daily encouragements, information about events etc.
- Decide on the prayers to help you on this journey of holding your people in prayer during this time.
We would love to hear how this has gone. Email Teresa at evangelisation@rcdow.org.uk to tell us your story.
Prayer Resources
There is a wide range of resources, both online and printed available via Thy Kingdom Come Prayer Resources. To receive printed resources before 9th May, please place your order by Friday 3rd May. We are also offering a few resources simple resources that can be printed and given away below.
Mass Intentions leaflet
A simple A5 leaflet can be used both by priests or daily Mass goers to pray daily for five people to encounter Christ at Mass.
Daily Family Prayer sheet
The prayers of a family is powerful. This A4 sheet will help families to join us praying 'Thy Kingdom Come'.
Journey with Mary: A devotional prayer guide
The apostles gathered in prayer with Mary. This prayer guide offers a easy format for praying with Mary, for people we know to encounter Jesus Christ.
Pledge to Pray stickers
Often we have a regular pattern of prayer but just need a reminder to keep our five people in mind for these eleven days. Click the title to order packs of pledge to pray stickers for you and others to stick somewhere that will keep you motived.
Assembly for Primary School Students
Mark 10 Mission helps children encounter Christ through video assemblies and have produced an inspiring assembly for primary school age students to join this time of prayer.
Prayer Stations for Secondary Schools
Thy Kingdom Come have lots of prayer station ideas, this resource will help young people reflect on the Our Father as they pray for their loved ones to come closer to Christ.
Postcards
Most people love to hear that someone has been praying for them. Click on the title to order some beautiful postcards you could send to those you have have been holding in prayer.
Publicity
It would be great to see more people join this wave of prayer.
Newsletter insert
Here is an insert for parish newsletter that will help people join this time of prayer:
Thy Kingdom Come - Prayer for Evangelisation from the Ascension to Pentecost (9th - 19th May 2024)
If there are people in your life that you would like to come closer to Christ, why not join us by committing to pray for five people to encounter Christ daily, from the Ascension to Pentecost. You are welcome to take one of the Thy Kingdom Come prayer leaflets at the back of the Church to assist your prayer. For more information please visit: www.rcdow.org.uk/evangelisation/mission-and-discipleship/thy-kingdom-come/