How can we pray together while we are apart? Here are some suggestions.
PRAYING DAILY
Download the Church of England prayer booklet for use during the coronavirus outbreak…
This includes personal prayers, prayers with children and a pattern of daily prayer.
Morning Prayer
Before you turn on the radio, television or check your messages, start with prayer.
You may already use Bible reading notes or the Bible in One Year – we encourage you to stick with it and make the time.
If you are looking for a resource to help you pray, we recommend Lectio365: It’s about 7-8 minutes each day, contains prayers, a Bible reading and a thought for the day. You can also listen to prayers from previous days and we recommend that you start on Monday, 23 March, as that week focuses the prayers on our current Coronavirus crisis. The advantage of using the same prayer format as other church members is that we can share thoughts about it and pray ‘together’.
If you’d like a short form of morning prayer that you can print out, you can download a copy here…
Midday
Set an alarm on your wristwatch or your phone or put a daily appointment in your electronic calendar. Then, when the alarm goes, stop whatever you are doing and pray the Lord’s Prayer, together with thousands of other people around the world. (Incidentally it takes about 20 seconds to pray the Lord’s Prayer, so why not pray it every time you wash your hands?)
Saying Grace before meals
Use a set prayer or take it in turns to pray a short prayer of thanks. Click here for a collection of graces…
Evening
Join many other members of the Church of England in Common Worship evening prayer. You can find it online here…
Before going to bed
Spend a moment to commit the burdens and joys of the day to God. Say sorry to God for anything that hasn’t gone well. Pray for a peaceful night. Download a short Common Worship Night Prayer…
Sunday Worship
While our church buildings are closed, join us for Sunday worship online at 10.30am. The video is also available after the service.
You can also find a weekly audio sermon with prayers on our website or listen to it by dialling 01895 714013. Please give this phone number to friends and neighbours who do not have access to the internet.
Praying with Ian, Nnamdi or Christoph
Our ministers would love to pray with anyone who calls them. If you’d rather not pray with one of them, they can also put you in touch with another member of our church – or you could call our church office on 01895 832771.
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7)
#stay safe #stay connected #stay hopeful
