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, the words we know as the Lord’s Prayer. Here are the traditional words of the version in Matthew’s Gospel:

Our Father, which art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done,
in earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer is just speaking to God. And yet there is no ‘just’ about it: we pray not on our own, but in the name of Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. We also pray alongside Christians throughout the ages and around the world. Such prayer acknowledges the just and gentle rule of God over every situation, and is used by God to bring his love to the world.

There is no ‘hidden secret’ when it comes to prayer. Anyone can pray, at any time and in any place. Why not begin now? You could use the words of the Lord’s Prayer as a starting point, from which you can launch into telling God your own hopes, anxieties, doubts and faith. God promises to listen.

Cycle of Prayer

Jesus told his disciples always to pray and not give up. Many people use the monthly Cycle of Prayer, as a way of praying methodically for the work of our parishes, chaplaincies and our brothers and sisters around the world. The Cycle of Prayer can be used as part of the 'offices' of the Church of England - the daily services of preparation for the day ahead and reflection for the day past. 

The monthly Cycle of Prayer can be downloaded from the resources block. It is designed to be used in conjunction with the London Kalendar of feasts, festivals and commemorations.

Daily Prayer

Daily Prayer is provided by the official Church of England website, © The Archbishops' Council of the Church of England, 2002-2004.

Morning Prayer (Book of Common Prayer)
Morning Prayer (Common Worship)

Evening Prayer (Book of Common Prayer)
Evening Prayer (Common Worship)

Night Prayer (traditional language)
Night Prayer (Common Worship)
Night Prayer (daily internet broadcast) from the London Internet Church.

You might like to post a prayer on-line. You can do so here.