[Anglican Communion News Service] As Archbishop Justin Welby prepares for his inauguration in Canterbury today, the 85 million members of the Anglican Communion are being invited to pray for him and his ministry.

The Anglican Communion Office has today issued a prayer that Anglicans and Episcopalians can say before Welby becomes the 105th occupant of the Chair of St. Augustine.

Welby’s Confirmation of Election took place in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on Feb. 4 That was a relatively low-key legal ceremony, whereas today’s service will include African dancers, Punjabi music, a Burundian blessing, and strong representation from the other main Christian Churches around the world. This makes plain the importance of the global Anglican Communion to the archbishop of Canterbury, and the drive towards the deeper unity of all Christians.

A prayer for the Most Rev. & Rt. Hon. Justin Welby as he is enthroned as the 105th archbishop of Canterbury

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,
through whom all things live and move and have their being;
pour out your Holy Spirit and the boundless gifts of grace
upon your servant Justin,
that being daily renewed,
he may faithfully serve you
in the ministries which you have entrusted to him;
giving glory to you,
who with the Father and the Spirit,
are One God, now and for ever, to the ages of ages. Amen.