Months of planning and discernment will culminate this Saturday, June 26, in the Special Convention to Elect the IX Bishop of Pittsburgh. Members of the diocese, and others from near and far, will be able to watch the convention as it is livestreamed on the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EpiscopalPittsburgh. Note that this is a public page; you do not need a Facebook account to be able to watch.
The Special Convention will be called to order at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. View the tentative convention agenda here.
In the hours leading up to and during the convention, please hold in prayer all who are in involved in the election process, as well as the process itself. Below are some suggested prayers to get you started.
Prayer for the Election of a Bishop
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP p. 818)
For the Candidates and their Families
Almighty God, we pray for those who stand as candidates to become bishop of this Diocese – for Ketlin, Jeffrey, Kim, Scott and Diana, and their families. We thank you for their sacrifice in heeding your call to stand for election. Protect, strengthen, encourage and comfort them in and through this time. Grant them grace to know you have spoken your word through each of them, and grant us open hearts to hear the word you speak, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Deputies and Clergy
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP p. 832)
For the Committees, Staff, and Volunteers with Stewardship of the Convention
Almighty God, we give you thanks for the many hands and hearts who lovingly see to the progress of this election and the care of our next bishop. Uphold, especially, those who have stewardship of our convention this Saturday. By your power remove every obstacle, and ensure good order, that we may all have confidence in the work of that day, and rejoice together in the outcome, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Unity of the Diocese
O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP p. 818)
For the Mission of the Diocese
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP p. 832-833)