We encourage everyone to develop an intentional and life‑giving routine of prayer, and to become involved in the prayer life of the Benefice. We support this by organising prayer events: quiet days, prayer days, a week of guided prayer, individual guidance on prayer, teaching on public and private prayer, and opportunities to pray regularly with and for others. There is a strong home‑group tradition within the Benefice, with meetings throughout the week for Bible study and prayer. The healing ministry plays an important part in the life of all three churches, with special services each month and regular times of prayer.

Click here for Archbishop Justin Welby's lecture on 'The risk of prayer', focusing on the renewal of prayer and why we should pray.

After Psalm 19

The sky does it simply, naturally

day by day by day

the sun does it joyfully

like someone in love

like a runner on the starting line

the sky, the sun,

they just can’t help themselves

no loud voices, no grand speeches,

but everyone sees

and is happy with them

Make us like that, Lord,

so that our faith is not in our words but in our lives

not in what we say but in who we are

passing on your love like an infectious laugh

not worried, not threatening, just shining

like the sun, like a starry night,

like a lamp on a stand,

light for life –

your light for our lives.

Kathy Galloway  
from The Pattern of Our Days, Wild Goose Publications, 1996

Heavenly Father,

give us a glimpse of heaven

in the smile of others and the faith of saints.

Give us a sound of eternity

in the stillness of waters and the beauty of music

Give us a sign of transcendence

in the soaring of a spire and the starkness of the cross.

Give us hope for the future

in the cry of a baby and a school bell sounding.

Give us a clue to the right way

in a prayer answered and a Bible passage understood.

Give us a true appreciation of your generosity

in giving us your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Rupert Bristow
from Only Connect, Kevin Mayhew, 2009