THE seventh Thy Kingdom Come (TKC) global and ecumenical novena is being planned to include in-person events as well as online resources and activities. More details of are to be unveiled in a webinar on Monday.
TKC takes place annually from Ascension Day (26 May this year) to Pentecost (5 June).
Speaking before the launch, the Archbishop of Canterbury said: “Thy Kingdom Come happens every year because we constantly rely on a fresh empowering of the Holy Spirit. The urgency, vitality, and necessity of Christians across the world joining together praying ‘Come, Holy Spirit’ is essential. This is not primarily for our own renewal — but that we may live the calling of Christ to be his witnesses.”
As in previous years, the main video reflections will feature guest contributors: details are to be announced at the webinar. In previous years, the speakers have included Pope Francis; the founder of 24-7 Prayer, Pete Greig (Features, 12 April 2019); and the children’s-TV presenter Gemma Hunt.
As part of the campaign, 150,000 free copies of prayer resources, written by Archbishop Welby, will be given out. The 24-7 Prayer’s Lectio 365 app will also play a central part. The biblical basis this year is 1 Peter, which is also the foundation scripture passage for the Lambeth Conference.
For children, the Cheeky Pandas return for more animated adventures, which this year will include a Platinum Jubilee-themed episode. Ms Hunt, who voices two of the pandas, said: “Each year there is such a variety of ways to get involved with Thy Kingdom Come, and 2022 is really spoiling you. TKC 2022 is an opportunity to pause, reconnect, recharge, and power into the year ahead.”
TKC has spread around the world since it was launched in 2016. According to the impact report for last year’s campaign, it drew together Christians in more than 170 countries and from more than 80 denominations.
The Bishop of Rutana, Burundi, the Rt Revd Pontien Ribakare, said: “It is a privilege to us as a Church to join other nations and other Churches in the world to pray that God may pour his Holy Spirit upon the world.”
The online launch will be held on 28 February at 12.30 p.m. For more information, visit here.