On May 31st, 2025, seven people from St Philip and St James, Hucclecote and Hillview Evangelical Church walked either all or part of the way to the cathedral, stopping to pray together at various points en-route, and culminating in a wonderful service of prayer and praise at 11:30am with representatives from many churches across ourcity of Gloucester.

What inspired us to give ourselves aching muscles on the hour and three quarters walk? And what was our purpose?

The Dean of Gloucester explains: (words adapted from Gloucester Cathedral website)

"In the days between Ascension Day and Pentecost, we are powerfully reminded of the fire of God’s love that is poured into our hearts to fulfil the special calling that he has given to each and every one of us. With this in mind, …. Christian communities from across the city of Gloucester {were invited} to join in a prayer walk from their churches to the Cathedral for worship and prayer together at 11.30am. This …. {was} a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and give thanks for the prayer-walking initiative which was launched during this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and, in preparation for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, to pray for our city and to discern where God may be calling us to make His Kingdom come."

Significant memorable moments for the Hucclecote walkers:

“The white pigeon that flew along beside us at one point, spoke powerfully to me of the presence of the Holy Spirit (the dove is often used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s anointing and filling in the Bible).”

“The route opened up areas of Gloucester I had never even realised were there! And as a long-term resident who has never really liked living in Gloucester, I felt more connected to my surroundings as we walked.”

 “It was inspiring to see the Cathedral so full of people with the same purpose - there was a genuine feeling of unity.”

 “Singing and praying together with so many people from different churches was a joyous experience. The Holy Spirit was there!”

“The music provided by the Salvation Army Band was glorious and raised the roof!”

 “There was an inspiring testimony from a member of St Catherine’s church, who shared how she and a friend are unable to prayer-walk physically. Instead, they ‘walked’ down streets on Google maps with their fingers praying over places they could see highlighted there.”

 “It was awe-inspiring to see so many representatives of different ethnic backgrounds, age groups and churches actively playing their part in leading the service.

For more information about how to pray for Gloucester with an app, click on the link below.

https://www.pray4gloucester.uk/

Or use the attached resources: 'Thirty Days of Prayer for Gloucester' and the service booklet for the May 31st Cathedral service.