LET US PRAY
‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ Philippians 4:6
We are all encouraged to set aside time with God and pray, as this quote from the New Testament shows, whether alone with our own individual prayers or together such as in a church service.
There are no rules about the when, where, how, or what of prayer but sometimes we can find it hard to know where to begin. Here, we have provided a few prayers and ideas that might help.
Just click on the links below. Your own words are just right too. And don’t just stick to words, uses pictures or images too.
The important thing is to just start…
IDEAS TO HELP YOU PRAY
Picture Jesus, and then say what is in your heart, what you feel.
‘Arrow’ prayers can be offered to God anywhere, at any time. With a little practice you’ll get into the habit of talking to God every day, not only in times of emergency.
An everyday way of praying, which you could use whilst waiting for the kettle to boil.
The teaspoon (tsp) prayer:
• T for thanking God
• S for saying sorry to God
• P for ‘please’, asking God for to help you or others
– Find a space for yourself and God. It often helps to find somewhere quiet where you can sit and be alone with God, or perhaps go for a quiet walk away from others.
– a regular time, perhaps first thing in the morning or last thing at night might suit you best.
– keep practicing and get into the habit.
– listen, be aware that God hears and answers you, although not always in the way you want.
– be imaginative. A pebble, candle or recalling an image from a bible story can help you focus.
– ‘Prayer activity is a discipline – it can be difficult at times, just like keeping fit, being on a diet, or keeping weeds down in the garden! Little and often is best, but don’t give up! No prayer, however inadequate you may feel it to be, is ever wasted or of no value.’ Church of England