CHURCHES all over Romsey have been actively collecting prayers from people in the streets as part of Say One For Me.

Started in 2016, it is a programme that is in response to The Kingdom Come invitation to pray with Christians around the world between Ascension and Pentecost.

It was launched by Revd David Potterton, assistant curate at Romsey Abbey.

Both Revd Potterton and Revd Gareth Hill, methodist minister and chair of Churches Together in Romsey, have praised the initiative and the response from people around Romsey.

Revd Potterton said: "Last year, across the nine days, we collected more than 700 prayers. That's an average of one a minute for the time we were on the streets, which is quite amazing.

"The Romsey Say One For Me initiative is different because it's about engaging with the community in the community, and not just encouraging people to come to the Abbey or to church."

This year, all of the churches in Romsey have been involved, with the initiative finishing tomorrow.

Revd Gareth Hill added: "We have had some great conversations with people and found them very willing to offer ideas for prayer.

"One moment someone asks you to pray for them to find a couple of winners at the bookies and the next you're into an intense conversation with someone who has lost a loved one or been diagnosed with cancer.

"Many conversations have been deeply personal, and a number make you realise how much people care about others and want the world to be a better place."

According to Romsey Abbey, hundreds of people have responded to the question asked throughout the town, of 'if you could pray today, what would you ask for?'.

Members have then offered up those prayers at a daily service held at the United Reformed Church, Elim Church, the Methodist Church and others.

As the Novena of prayer ends, the Churches Together in Romsey group will gather for a service celebrating Pentecost at 6.30pm at Romsey Abbey on Sunday, with the public welcome.