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.

Light

Shining God

even the darkness is not dark to you

shine in our darkness, light of our lives.

When we walk in the grey gloom of confusion

when pain drains all the colour out of life

when we are paralysed by the darkness of fear

shine in our darkness.

When we know that others are walking in the darkness

give us courage to be light for them.

Kathy Galloway, The Pattern of our Days, Wild Goose Publications, 1997

Almighty God,

as wise men came travelling,

we pray for travellers at this time of year,

joining or leaving family and friends.

Help us to follow the wise men’s example

to make special efforts

to reach out to things that are important,

to go the extra mile to do the right thing.

Let us share the special times of Epiphany

by honouring the presence of your Son

in our lives,

just as the wise  men honoured

the arrival of Jesus in their world

so many years ago.

Rupert Bristow, 999 Prayers, Kevin Mayhew, 2015