Prayers said for missing chef

Prayers have been said for Claudia Lawrence, the chef who went missing 12 days ago.

The 35-year-old was last seen near her house in Heworth Road, York after finishing work at the University of York. Police investigating her disappearance fear that she may have “come to harm”.

In response to the disappearance, prayers were said for her and her family at a Sunday service at York Minster, where her father Peter Lawrence is a volunteer steward.

The Rev Canon Glyn Webster, leading the prayers, said, "We pray for the safety and well-being of Claudia Lawrence. As we pray for her, so we pray for her family, for Peter, for Joan, for Ali, her family and many friends, during this time of waiting and of great anxiety," reports the Telegraph.

Holy Trinity Church in Heworth also offered up prayers for the missing chef, along with churches in Malton, Norton and Old Malton, where her mother Joan worships.

Peter Lawrence said in a statement on Sunday, "It is now 11 days since Claudia, our daughter, went missing in York and we hope that, as today is Sunday, people will join us in praying with us, or being alongside us, as we look forward to her safe return.

"We hope also that you will remember others who have loved ones missing at this time.”

A candle of hope has been lit for Claudia in the chapel of Bishopsthorpe Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, where prayers are being said on the hour for her safe return and those leading the investigation into her disappearance.

“When I asked Peter Lawrence if there was anything I could do for him, his answer was simple: ‘Pray,’" he said.

“Prayers for Claudia’s safety, for those leading the investigation into her disappearance and for her to be reunited with her family will take place at Bishopthorpe Chapel hourly, prayers that will be joined by those being offered by people throughout Yorkshire and beyond who are sharing a collective hope that Claudia has not come to harm," he said.