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.

The shadow of the dove

When dawn’s ribbon of glory around the world returns

And the earth emerges from sleep –

May the shadow of the dove be seen

As she flies across moor and city.

Over the warm breast of the earth she skims,

her shadow falling on the watcher in the tower,

the refugee in the ditch,

the weary soldier at the gate.

May the shadow of peace

fall across the all-night sitting of a council

across the tense negotiators around a table.

May the shadow of hope

be cast across the bars of a hostage cell

filling with momentary light

rooms tense with conflict,

bringing a brief respite,

a slither of gold across the dark.

May she fly untiring across flooded fields,

across a city divided by hate and fear,

across a town wreathed in smoke

May the shadow of reconciliation,

the dove of peace with healing in her wings,

be felt and seen and turned towards

as she makes righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of her cause like the noonday sun.

Holy Spirit of love

Bring healing, bring peace.

Kate McIlhagga, The Pattern of Our Days,

Wild Goose Publications, 1996

Lord of life,

set our sights high in seeking and showing love.

Let us learn from your Son the need

to listen

to enquire

to teach

to challenge

to forgive.

But not

to judge

to ignore

to dismiss

to fight back

to betray.

Be a kind teacher for a hard task.

Amen.

Rupert Bristow, Prayers for Inclusion and Diversity, Kevin Mayhew, 2012