26/10/2026
9.00am Morning Prayer at St John's Church
Today the Church remembers Alfred the Great, who was born in 849 and as King of the West Saxons effectively brought to an end to the threat of Danish dominion in the British Isles. He came to the throne aged 22 and after establishing peace, set about bringing stability to both Church and State. He gave half his income to founding religious houses which themselves acted as Christian centres for education, care of the sick and poor and respite for travellers. He was a daily attender at Mass and translated many works in the vernacular. He evolved a legal code based on common sense and Christian mercy. His whole life was marked by the compassion of Christ. he died on this day in the year 899.
God, our maker and redeemer,
we pray you of your great mercy
and by the power of your holy cross
to guide us by your will and shield us from our foes;
that, after the example of your servant Alfred,
we may inwardly love you above all things;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
