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Steven Gerrard has joined hundreds of people who have expressed themselves in a Prayer for Liverpool, marking the city’s move towards 2009.

Prayers have also been received from Gerry Marsden, The High Sheriff of Liverpool, artist Tracey Emin and BBC Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips, with more added daily.

The prayers were initially part of an exhibition in Liverpool Cathedral which ran from 29 December until 7 January 2009 but has proved so popular that you can still add your prayer via the Prayer For Liverpool website and reflect on those of others.

The prayers will continue to be displayed along with hundreds of others on the growing number of boards in the Baptistery of Liverpool Cathedral.

The boards also include contributions from local organisations such as the 'Liverpool Orrery', 'A Quiet Place - 'Pool of Life', the 'Creative Learning Networks Programme - Generation 21', and Peel Holdings Ltd.

Each exhibitor has written a prayer which is displayed alongside prayers from a variety of city figures.

Some of the prayers already added:

Steven Gerrard, Captain of Liverpool Football Club

“My hope for Liverpool for 2009 would be an end to gun and knife crime, making the City a place our kids can grow up to be proud of”

Roger Phillips of BBC Radio Merseyside, Liverpool

“These past few years and 2008 in particular, have, on the surface, been all about the city centre - the businesses, the buildings, the events. And I thank God for the confidence which that has brought to the city and its people. What I pray for in the year and years ahead is that, despite the current economic difficulties, all that has been done will come to fruition, by bringing employment and happiness to all Liverpudlians, in all corners of the city - from Speke to Anfield, from Norris Green to the Dingle. For me, that long term effect is what our year as European Capital of Culture is ultimately about, and it is that which will prove to be its ultimate success”.

Churches Together in the Merseyside Region, Liverpool

Lord God

Look with love and mercy on Liverpool and its people

Once the gateway of an earthly empire, through which flowed the wealth of many nations; we ask now that the river of life, your divine grace, may flow crystal clear through our city streets, and out to the whole world, for the healing and well being of all nations. Amen.

Most Rev Patrick Kelly, Archbishop of Liverpool
Rt Rev Bishop James, Bishop of Liverpool
Rev James A Booth, Chairman of the Liverpool Methodist District
Rev Howard Sharp, Moderator of the URC Mersey Synod
Rev Phil Jump, North Western Baptist Association Regional Minister
Major Marion Drew, Commander of the Salvation Army NW Division

Inspired by Revelation 22:2