PRAYER

Developing a rhythm and culture of prayer

Through prayer, we connect with God and deepen our relationship with Him. We pray for others: those who we know, our community and our world. We lift up impossible situations to Him. We seek to pray creatively and in a variety of ways, recognising that not everyone prays in the same way, and that different methods of prayer bring us closer to Him.

A Rhythm of Prayer

As a guide, as encouraged by Sam Johnson’s sermon on New Priorities, we’d like to suggest a rhythm for us as a church:

In the first hour of the day, we seek to spend time with God, connecting with Him and asking for His involvement in our lives.
On the first day of the week we pray as a church, seeking God’s will for our community and lifting one another up in prayer.
On the first day of each month, we fast, aligning ourselves with God for the month ahead.
Each year we dedicate seasons for prayer and spend time praying together for God's kingdom to come on earth.

Daily Prayer

Morning: Read, reflect and ask

Noon: Pray The Lord's Prayer

Evening: Reflect and prepare

Seasonally

At certain times of the year, we devote time and space to prayer, setting up the church as a huge prayer room, from 6.30am until 9pm.

These times are Advent, Lent and Pentecost.

DAILY RYTHYM

Morning

“As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God,

set our hearts on fire with love for you..."

Read a passage of scripture and ask God to reveal something of Himself through your reading. Use Bible in one Year or Morning Prayer or choose a passage of your own. Many of us are enjoying the new Lectio 365 App from 24-7 Prayer.
Pray that you would live more like Jesus today, ask for the Holy Spirit to fill you and help you.
Pray for those you know that need God particularly today.
Pray for an area of church life:

Monday: Pray for those in poverty, the work of CAP and Foodbank.

Tuesday: Pray for the children in our church and our town, for Helen, our children and families worker, the various projects she runs and those who volunteer with our children's work.

Wednesday: Pray for the young people in our church and our town, for Lucy, our new youth minister, for the various youth groups and those who volunteer with our youth work.

Thursday: Pray for those working with adults struggling with addiction and mental health problems. Pray for The 180 Project and Gateway Trust Counselling.

Friday: Pray for the worship team, the preacher and host of Sunday's services.

Saturday: Pray for the staff and the PCC of the church. Pray for God's provision of finances.

Sunday: Pray for Kings Highway Church and our Mission Partners.

Midday

“This, then, is how you should pray..."

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.

Evening

The Examen Prayer

“God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.” Mother Teresa

Become aware of God’s presence.
Think through your day with gratitude.
Reflect through it emotionally.
Face your shortcomings and ask for grace.
Look to tomorrow and ask for more.