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.

God of the spirit of kindness

God of the spirit of kindness,

In the glory of earth and sea and stars,

In the kaleidoscope of colour and shade and shapeliness,

In the patterns of humour and tenderness and touch,

we celebrate your generosity.

Forgive us when we forget the gift in our every breath,

the care that sustains our every moment,

that grace that can transform our every day.

Set us free from the prison of grudging hearts,

mean desires,

resentful spirits,

give us the courage to act with justice and generosity,

and draw us into love that does not calculate

or keep scores.

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

Lord of life,

renew in us a right spirit,

towards stranger and sufferer,

as well as neighbour and friend.

We never know when illness will strike,

gradually or all at once.

Let us look out for the needs

And struggles of those with dementia,

not through enlightened self-interest,

but through love of humankind,

love of your creation.

Amen

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