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What is Prayer?
“Everything that one turns in the direction of
God is prayer”
St Ignatius Loyola
Prayer is about speaking with God, listening to God, doing stuff
for God or simply being with God, acknowledging his presence and
resting in it. Prayer can be noisy or it can be silent. It can
involve singing or whispering or simply being very still. Prayer
is emotional. It can be angry, tearful, desperate, fearful,
loving, thankful, questioning. Prayer can be active or passive.
We can pray at any moment of any given circumstance.
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Why Pray?
Prayer is what brings us into relationship with
God. Prayer is like the oxygen in our blood. Through prayer,
you’ll discover a God who loves you so much; a God who pours his
love into your life and who values you, simply because you are
YOU. In prayer, you’ll encounter the peace of God, which will
carry you through the most difficult of situations; you’ll
discover a joy that you never knew; you’ll find a way through
the obstacles of your life and you’ll receive hope for a better
tomorrow. In prayer, you will know forgiveness for all the dross
stuff in your life and you’ll find the strength to carry on. If
you don’t believe it, then try it for yourself!
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How easy is Prayer?
I remember a cousin showing me his sophisticated
system of telecommunications and telling me that his boss can
contact him anywhere and any time. Having taken me through the
complications of it all, I replied, “I just have to get on to my
knees to speak to my Boss”. But in fact, I don’t. I can speak
with God, silently or audibly, consciously or sub-consciously
about anything at any given moment. This is how accessible our
God it!
Don’t make prayer into a science. Just do it! Your God and
Father in Heaven is waiting to hear from you NOW! Don’t say that
no-one is interested in you, or no-one can be bothered with you,
or that you don’t want to waste anyone’s time. Your God is
interested. He is bothered. He loves you beyond all measure and
he wants to hear your news, your fears, your concerns, your
hopes and dreams, NOW! The God of Heaven and Earth is waiting
for you, so why not speak to him, now?
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How do I pray?
Simply engage with God. Below, please find just
one easy model to help you on your way.
1. Find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted by
telephone, TV or anything else.
2. Make yourself comfortable. You may want to sit in a comfy
chair, or you may find kneeling more helpful.
3. Close your eyes. Still your mind. Take slow deep breaths,
exhaling slowly.
4. As you breathe in, become aware of Jesus. It’s Jesus you
want. It’s Jesus you need to inhale.
5. As you breathe out, let go of all the dross in your life.
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Now you’re ready to go
I. Pray: In the name of the Father, the Son and
the Holy Spirit. Amen.
II. Pray:
Lord Jesus please come to me.
I need you. I want you. Fill me with your Love. Amen
III. If you have any special need or request, or if there’s a
situation or a relationship that you’re struggling with, then
tell this to Jesus, now. (These are called ‘petitions’)
IV. If you have any special concerns for anyone else, then bring
them to Jesus now. (These are called ‘intercessions’)
V. You may want to thank Jesus – that you can come to him at any
time; that he loves you so much; that he wants the best for you;
that he cares. Thank him that he’s present with you, listening
to you and wanting the very best for you. Thank him that with
him by your side, you really will become your very best.
VI. You may want to be still and quiet for a while and simply
rest in Jesus’ love and peace. Listen for any words or pictures
that he may be giving you to help and to encourage you.
VII. Finish your prayers with the prayer that Jesus has taught
us:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who 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.
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Encouraging the Family to Pray Together
Can you imagine if every household in Upper
Norwood were to pray. Do you have any idea how the face of the
world would change?
If you have a family, then try using the above model for prayer
and encouraging all the members of your family to pray together.
Remember to respect each member of the family and don’t use this
time as an opportunity of getting at someone or telling them
that you’re upset with them! Remember, you’re speaking to the
God of Heaven and Earth! Something very big is happening in a
very small way!
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If you are interested in attending any teaching on
prayer, please contact the
Vicar with your name, address and particular interest. |
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