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.

Unseeable

I have seen you this day

in the lights of the skies,

in the green of the earth,

in flowing waters.

Untouchable

I have felt you this day

in the warmth of the sun,

in the wildness of wind,

in the touch of another.

In and beyond my senses,

in taste and touch and sound

your mystery has been made known.

At the ending of the day,

in the darkness of the night,

in and beyond my senses

let me know your presence, O God,

let me know your everlasting presence.

J Philip Newell, Sounds of the Eternal, Canterbury Press, Norwich, 2002

Lord of land and sea,

let our hearts leap and our spirits soar

as we behold a rainbow in the sky.

And may the beauty of sunset

be as glorious over our seas and hills,

as over our cityscapes and beautiful bridges.

May our built environment echo the natural world,

so that we can be proud of both.

And wherever we live,

may we appreciate and protect our environment.

Amen.

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

Oh Lord, the creator of the universe and author of the laws of nature, inspire in us thy servants the will to ensure the survival of all species of animals and plants which you have given to share this planet with us. Help us to understand that we have a responsibility for them and that ‘having dominion’ does not mean that you have given us the right to exploit the living world without thought for the consequences. Through him who taught us that Solomon could not compare with the beauty of the flowers of the field.

A prayer written by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and reprinted in the Daily Telegraph,14 April 2021