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.

I pray because I can’t help myself.

I pray because I am helpless.

I pray because the need flows out of me all the time,

         waking and sleeping.

It doesn’t change God, it changes me.

C. S. Lewis’ response when challenged about prayer,

quoted by Ivan Mann in Breathing I Pray,,

Darton Longman & Todd, 2005

Father God,

in the midst of joy or sadness,

may we call on the strength of your presence,

to share that happiness or despair.

And may those of different faiths,

and those in search of truth,

see in our response

a glimpse of what can be

and a shared moment of unity,

with us and with you,

universal God.

Amen

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