Alfred the Great, King of the West Saxons, Scholar, 899 (Lesser Festival)
Born in the year 849, Alfred was the king of the West Saxons who effectively brought to an end the constant threat of Danish dominion in the British Isles. He came to the throne at the age of twenty-two, and, after establishing peace, set about bringing stability to both Church and State. He gave half of his income to founding religious houses which themselves acted as Christian centres for education, care of the sick and poor and respite for travellers. He was a daily attender at mass and himself translated many works into the vernacular. He evolved a legal code based on common sense and Christian mercy. His whole life was marked by the compassion of Christ. He died on this day in the year 899.
Cedd, Abbot of Lastingham, Bishop of the East Saxons, 664 (Commemoration)
Cedd was born in Northumbria in the late sixth century and joined the monastery of Lindisfarne where he served many years. When King Peada of the Middle Angles became a Christian, Cedd was sent with three other priests to preach the gospel in this new territory. Some time later, King Sigebert of the East Saxons was converted and Cedd, now an experienced missionary, went with another priest to Essex. After travelling through the region they reported back to Lindisfarne where Cedd was consecrated bishop for the East Saxons. He returned to Essex to continue his work, building churches, two monasteries, and ordaining deacons and priests. While on a visit to Northumbria he founded his third monastery, at Lastingham, where he died of fever in 664 after attending the Synod of Whitby.
Note: the following are simply a compilation of ideas from various sources – don’t feel you need to use all of them each day! (List of sources at the bottom of the post).
Daily Readings (Morning Prayer)
- Psalms 1, 2, 3
- Judith 4 or Exodus 22.21–27, 23.1–17
- 1 Timothy 6.1–10
In our Benefice (Week 1) For all who live, work or study in:
In our Deanery (Week 1): We pray for the parish, life and mission of:
In our Diocese: Wallingford Deanery: Andy Lord – Area Dean, Vaughn Lawfull, Ali Adams. For an encouragement to pray through our upcoming Synod on contemplative prayer. For our new ministers, Revd Sam Dinsmore and Revd Andreas Wentzel, who have started in recent months.
Christian Aid: Pray for the Church of England, one of Christian Aid’s sponsoring churches (learn more).
Cycle of Intercession: Monday (from Common Worship: Daily Prayer)
- The media and the arts
- Farming and fishing
- Commerce and industry
- Those whose work is unfulfilling, stressful or fraught with danger
- All who are unemployed
Collect for St Alfred:
God, our maker and redeemer,
we pray you of your great mercy
and by the power of your holy cross
to guide us by your will and to shield us from our foes:
that, after the example of your servant Alfred,
we may inwardly love you above all things;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
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List of sources:
- Benefice Prayer Diary
- Oxford Diocese Prayer Diary
- Christian Aid Prayer Diary
- Calendar, Lectionary, Collects and Cycle of Intercession from Common Worship
- Biographies from Exciting Holiness
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