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.

It helps, now and then, to step back

and take the long view.

The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,

It is beyond our vision.

We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of

the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.

Nothing we do is complete.

Which is another way of saying

That the kingdom always lies beyond us.

This is what we are about:

We plant seeds that one day will grow.

We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.

We lay foundations that will need further development.

We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities.

We cannot do everything,

and there is a sense of liberation in realising that.

This enables us to do something,

and to do it very well.

It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way,

an opportunity for God’s grace to enter and do the rest.

Taken from a prayer/poem by Archbishop Oscar Romero.
(murdered 24 March 1980)

Almighty God,

who gives to each of us certain gifts and strengths,

help us to make the most of all that we are,

so that we can be the person you want us to be.

Let us learn lessons and seek inspiration

from those who, despite age and disability,

remain cheerful and faithful in all that they do.

Let them be an example to us

and a witness to your presence in our lives.

Be with us, Lord, in the dark times,

but let us also acknowledge your love in the good times.

And finally, Lord, may it be as good to arrive

as to travel in hope.

We ask this in the assurance of salvation,

through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Rupert Bristow
from Only Connect (Kevin Mayhew 2009)