Chaplains Prayer & Info

East Scotland

These were Jesus’ instructions to His disciples (including us): ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So, pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.’ Luke 10:2

My prayer is that I might be one of the workers. To have the wisdom and compassion to reach people where they are busy - living. I pray for a sensitive spirit. Also, that God will establish His kingdom and glory in this beautiful country, Scotland.

May the new season bring new opportunities to serve the Railway Family in unique and special ways.

Southern, Gatwick Express, GTR for Southern Routes

As chaplains, encountering rail staff who are suffering a range of difficulties, we aim to listen, offer care and often signpost to agencies that provide specialist support.

At present, I am working with a young man who is threatened with the loss of his home and an uncertain future for him and his two young children, for whom he is the main care provider. Please pray that the Lord will bring hope and a resolution to the housing situation and make the young man aware of God’s presence and love.

In Scotland, everyone is grateful that the worst effects of the pandemic seem to be easing.

Reduced timetables have been proposed by ScotRail, to match the reduced passenger numbers, and Abellio cease to operate the franchise at the end of March.

These naturally combine to make people worry about staff numbers and job security in the future. At the same time, ScotRail has just won a major award for its inclusivity as an employer.

Please pray for the peace of God for all our rail staff in Scotland, and give thanks for their commitment to service, and to each other.

West Highlands and Central Scotland

South & Mid Wales & The Marches

During my first few months as a Railway Chaplain, I have been struck by the number of times I have heard the phrase "It's just part of the job."

There is no doubt however, that some of these things can adversely affect those working on the rail network. Please pray for staff who leave for work not expecting to be affected and, in some circumstances, forever changed by the things they encounter at work.

Pray that they will find opportunities to process some of these experiences and that as chaplains we will find ourselves, through the guiding of the Holy Spirit, in the right place, at the right time to support them.

After about 45 minutes of a conversation with a staff member, I was asked ‘What does a railway chaplain do?' 'Exactly what we have been doing.’ I replied, 'talking and drinking coffee.’ I went on to explain about chaplains being visible, building relationships and chatting to staff, as this can lead to providing much needed support at other times.

Recently, I have been supporting staff members through some difficult things as a result of simply 'talking and drinking coffee.’ It is encouraging to see fruit from these longer-term relationships. ‘Support on life's journey' is sometimes just turning up and being visible.

Please pray that all the chaplains would see fruit grow from relationships that have been invested in.

I conducted the first-year anniversary service for the families of those who had lost loved ones in the train derailment at Stonehaven.

The service was held on the 12th August at Stonehaven Railway Station because Aberdeen Railway Station is undergoing some major refurbishments. At Stonehaven I was able to chat to those who were affected by this tragic accident.

At the same time, I have been supporting a family whose brother was brutally murdered last year just a few days after the train derailment. Your prayers would be much appreciated as I continue to offer support to these bereaved families.

East Midlands Railway, London St Pancras

North Scotland

London North, ARL, Chiltern, Avanti, Eurostar, GTR, TfL North

Please uphold in your prayers police officers around the country, many of whom are feeling discouraged and have come under attack both physically and verbally by members of the public,

following recent incidents involving officers of the Metropolitan Police in London. Please pray for your chaplains as we support British Transport Police.

There is the constant reassurance that God who brings us to it, will take us through it. I believe lives on the railways have been touched through a timely word of hope and encouragement.

A number of staff have been referred by managers, which I find very encouraging. It is great to know that our managers see value in chaplaincy.

Staff are receiving support in trying, uncertain and difficult times. It is always a joy to be able to encourage staff and enable them to express themselves about issues.

Please pray for inner strength and courage while making a full proof of my chaplaincy ministry.

Southeastern, GTR for South Eastern routes, TfL South

London East, Anglia, Abellio East Anglia, c2c, TfL East

I was invited to lead a service at the Rail Operations Centre in Romford. A tree will be planted with a plaque in memory of those lost during the pandemic. People will have an opportunity to reflect on their lives and the commitment they gave to the rail industry, something not possible a year ago. Joining a Teams meeting whilst on the move was a fantastic experience, changing trains and crossing bridges, with my camera on and headphones connected. How the pandemic has opened up my role as a chaplain to be far more flexible and accessible.

Please pray for safety as I travel and mindfulness to manage my time and pace myself as chaplaincy has reached another level.

The railway has a long, rich and well documented history. However, we live in the present and look forward to the future. This does not mean that we should neglect the past. In the Bristol area, I am involved in two events of interest: 2020 was the 25th Anniversary of the closure of Bath Road Depot. We will run an exhibition for retired and other railway folk next year as restrictions allow. A friend is working on a booklet of its history.

The other is the 50th anniversary of the opening of Parkway station. We

West Midlands, Gloucester, Retired Railway Staff

hope to celebrate that also. Please pray that such events may help to raise the profile of the Railway Mission and our work for the Lord.

It has been good to return to a degree of ‘normal’ - to the chaplain’s core activity, of travelling around our areas, visiting our various locations and installations.

Each day, I encounter railway staff who had not heard of the Railway Mission chaplaincy, and were surprised and pleased to discover there was someone concerned for their welfare, saying, “I’m here for you”.

In our large areas, we seek the Spirit’s guidance and direction, as we plan our days, enabling visits to all installations on a regular basis, whilst allowing space for those ‘God-enabled’ encounters that He brings our way.

Great Western Railway, Paddington, TfL West

South West Railway, Waterloo to the South Coast, TfL South West

Reading ‘signs and listening’ are a big part of my railway chaplaincy journey, but, rather than being given signs, I feel that the blessing is to use my 'eyes and ears’ more when talking with those l meet.

Experience, from talking with so many people, including those who request support, or are struggling with life’s issues and challenges, or are looking for direction, tells me that taking the opportunity to confidently use your railway chaplain to act as a signpost, as we all continue life’s wellbeing journey, is both a help and a support in “getting on board.”

Please take every opportunity to speak to your railway chaplain, as so many do, and enjoying the rewards of life’s journey.

Earlier this year I met a builder working at a friend's house. He asked if I was involved in a rail incident on Southern Region over 30 years ago - i.e., at a time when I covered the south and Chaplain John Riley covered the north. I needed slight prompting, but did have a vague recollection of the incident. He told me it was his brother who had committed suicide that day, and that the family took great comfort in knowing that the driver had been supported by chaplaincy.

Bristol Temple Meades

North West, North Wales, Liverpool

Over the last few months, I feel like I’ve experienced some of the highest and lowest moments of time as a chaplain. I’ve been able to share some amazing moments with staff but also some really tragic and challenging moments that have been incredibly difficult.

As all the chaplains face, almost by proxy, these traumas on a regular basis please do pray for our mental wellbeing as we keep supporting others. I’m not alone, I know, amongst the chaplains in coming home and weeping for the things we have seen.

Please pray that God will continue to open doors and make people receptive to His counsel via chaplains.

Sadly, we have had a high number of serious incidents recently on the railway in the Manchester area, so your prayers are valued as we support people involved.

Please pray for God's kingdom to come, for inspirational encounters and for a message of hope to those who feel there is none.

Life is full on. Resourcing and replenishing ourselves is essential for wholesome support of others.

Staff still face enormous challenges in keeping trains running and running on time. The pandemic still affects us; wisdom is needed in our behaviour at the station and with other people. Some take little care, others are meticulous.

Tragedy still happens too regularly. On future speaking trips to local groups I‘ll encourage honest talk about our lives and faith.

Wellbeing Day and my Interfaith Connection at Network Rail, along with Remembrance Services, will offer ways of sharing God’s care for us.

What a relief it is to be able to travel more freely to visit staff as we come out of lockdown and more people are using the railways, particularly in the heart of London, with some Underground trains having standing room only during rush hour.

Give thanks that we've learned so much during the isolation period that has put us in good stead to be more

Greater Manchester & The North West

North East, Newcastle

Area Manager London & The South, TfL Central