The Church of England is inviting people to share their hopes and concerns through a new web-based prayer service launched to mark the start of Lent.

Prayers submitted to the SayOneForMe.org during Lent will be offered to God by bishops during their own prayer times.

The website is the web version of public prayer boards in cathedrals and churches and is inspired by the phrase "Say one for me", commonly shouted at priests by passers-by in the street.

"Whatever the initial intention of that yell in the street, underlying it is the fact that people feel a need to pray – especially during difficult times," said the Bishop of Dudley, the Rt Rev David Walker.

"Our visits today and the new website are both simple ways for us to harness that desire and engage with people where they are.

"Of course, nobody needs a dog collar to be heard by God, but for many people, knowing that someone else is praying for us gives us the confidence to make our own prayers, and prayer is often the gateway to hope."

The prayers can be posted anonymously to the website, where they will be displayed.

Bishops took to the streets of towns and cities today to invite offers of prayers, which were later offered to God on their behalf at services.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu was out collecting prayers in York with clergy and two sisters, while the Bishop of Manchester the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch received prayers at the local Job Centre in Moss Side.

The Bishops of Dudley, Birmingham and Leicester also met members of the public to receive their prayers.

The website will stay live until Easter Sunday on April 4.