The freshly confirmed Archbishop of York is to focus on the importance of prayer at his first service at York Minster this Sunday. 

Most Rev Stephen Cottrell will be joined by chaplains from a hospital and a hospice leading worship on the Church of England's weekly online service. 

He is expected to reference the parable of the sower and talk of God's 'startling, beautiful heart' for his people. 

The service will be available from 9am on the Church of England website as well as Facebook and YouTube. 

Speaking at the service he will say: "Prayer is what God does in us through the Holy Spirit, what we call prayer is just our response, however faltering, however uncertain." 

Rev Rachel Bailes, lead chaplain at York Teaching Hospital is expected to highlight the "vital" part prayer plays in her life as a hospital chaplain. 

Archbishop Stephen is 98th person to hold the role at York Minister and is one of only two archbishops in England, the other being Canterbury. 

He is joined by his wife Rebecca, a ceramicist, and previously held the role of Bishop of Chelmsford. He takes over the position from Dr John Sentamu.