Just today I am hearing about life and death situations in Central Africa, Palestine, West Africa, while attending the meeting of the Inter Anglican Standing Commission on Mission and Evangelism in the Province of Southern Africa. The complexity and severity of the situations that many of our sisters and brothers in the Anglican Communion face day by day is brought to my attention constantly as Secretary General of our global family.

Anglicans are rooted in Common Prayer as the way we live out our faith. Prayer is the opening of our lives to the great commission of Ascension Day and the empowerment of Pentecost, when the Church was born. It is a plea to God through the Risen Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit for mercy.

The Nine Days of Prayer, as called for by the Primates Meeting 2001, is a way to address the terribly difficult issues. As these prayer requests have been gathered from around the Communion, many Provinces have shared deeply their concerns, which touch the very core of their existence today. Might our knowing what is happening in our global family enable us to pray, act, share and eagerly respond to the needs of the people of God's world and indeed creation itself.

Whether during the traditional Nine Days between Ascension and Pentecost, or at any other time when these intercessions will be used, I ask for your prayers, your support and help so the Church can be the voice of the voiceless.

Come Holy Spirit and kindle in us the fire of your love.

The Revd Canon John L Peterson
Secretary General, Anglican Communion