Beating the Bounds has its roots in medieval times, when parishes reaffirmed their boundaries by circling them in procession, pausing to beat each boundary mark with willow rods and to pray for the crops. It’s a tradition which continues in many parts of Britain.
Each year on Ascension Day, All Hallows by the Tower, the oldest church in the City of London, follows this tradition and prayers are said for the parish, its business community and the City. The south boundary of the parish is in the middle of the Thames, so the beating party boards a boat to mark that boundary mark. Local students from St Dunstan’s College are involved and the ceremony is followed by evensong in the presence of the Lord Mayor.
In Oxford, members of St Michael at the North Gate Church have been beating the special boundary stones for more than 600 years. Today as they beat the bounds they pray for local shopkeepers, motorists, librarians and many others as they walk around their parish boundaries. You can watch them on YouTube athttp://bit.ly/Vk9DIq.
Beating the Bounds is traditionally a day of fasting and preparation to celebrate Jesus’ ascension and falls this year on 5 May. It is one way to prayer walk around your area to intercede for your community. You could revive the tradition in your neighbourhood, involving school children and civic leaders, or you could keep it simple, prayer walking around your community on your own or in a group. Pray a blessing on the people you see as you walk and stop at different locations to pray about specific local issues. It’s an exciting and engaging way to pray.
Churches praying together and working together in villages, towns and cities are at the heart of HOPE, which is working towards 2014 and a year of mission together in words and action. Find out more at www.hopetogether.org.uk
Beating the Bounds – get ready for 5 May