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Belief: Prayer

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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.

 

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.

 

 

Resources

 

Prayer for Beginners

Lectio 365

24-7 Prayer

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 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.

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