Prayer
Prayer
What is prayer?
Prayer is giving our attention to God in a two-way spiritual relationship, where we talk to God and also listen to Him. Prayer is like a child’s conversation with their father. It is natural for a child to ask his father for the things they need, or to ask for advice or guidance.
We don’t pray on our own, but alongside Christians throughout the ages and around the world. Prayer brings us in touch with God and others, and Christians pray in the name of Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we pray, we offer every situation to God, and God uses our prayers to bring love and justice into the world.
How do I begin?
There is no ‘hidden secret’ when it comes to prayer. God is always alongside us and ready to listen.
There are many ways to pray:
- Use words – think or speak or sing them
- Say ‘Amen’ to someone else’s prayer
- Give our feelings to God
- Do something prayerful – light a candle or visit a church
- Be quiet with God – on our own or with other people, in a quiet place or outside in the natural environment.
The Lord's Prayer
One day Jesus’ disciples said to Jesus, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’ (Luke 11.1) Jesus’ response was simple: he gave them some words to use, which we know as the Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name;
your kingdom come;
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Prayer Ministry
Prayer Ministry is an opportunity to encounter the power, truth and love of God as someone prays with you, discerning and passing on what they sense God has for you. This could be healing, forgiveness, blessing, encouragement or freedom.
Prayer Ministry is “normally” offered during or after a church service by individuals who have been selected by the Rector. They will have been safely recruited (taking into account safeguarding requirements) and will understand the requirements of sensitivity and confidentiality.
Prayer Meetings
While individual prayer is important, so is praying together. Topics chosen for prayer include world and country issues, local issues and prayers for individual situations. If you’d like to attend one of our prayer meetings, check the events calendar or our weekly newsletter, Contact, for dates.
Prayer is giving our attention to God. God is always alongside us and ready to listen. Anyone can pray, at any time and in any place.
Prayer Diary
We have produced a prayer diary giving suggestions for prayer each day. These are available in the churches, on request from the Parish Office, or you can download a copy here.
Coordinating prayer meetings
