Do explore this page for loads of resources and ideas for prayer:
Tuesday 23rd March 2021 is National Day of Reflection following a year where many have been devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Here are some suggested prayers:
Reflect
Loving God,
You hold all our times in your hands, our past, our present, our future. Be close to us now as we remember all the difficulties and disappointments of the past year. Be especially close to all of us who are thinking of someone we loved and knew, but see no longer, whether family, friend, colleague or neighbour. Help us to trust that they are at peace with you, and comfort us with your presence.
Connect
Loving God,
You place us in families and communities, and we give you thanks for all those around us who serve us and help us in so many ways. Give wisdom to community leaders, to our schools, hospitals, care homes and other agencies who make a difference to our lives. Help each of us to have the courage to reach out with thanks and kindness to those around us and to speak words of faith as we share the good news of your love.
Hope
Loving God,
As we journey towards Easter, help us to live as people of hope, knowing that beyond the pain of the cross lies the joy of resurrection. Inspire us in our worship, through our churches and in our homes, that we may bring glory to you and joy to others. Be with those who are struggling in mind, body or spirit, and give courage to those who are facing uncertainty and change ahead. Help each of us to keep our eyes fixed on you, that we may reflect your light to all whom we meet.
Prayers
Dear God,
Be with us as we think about all that has changed this year,
And help us to trust that you are always with us.
Be close to us as we remember those who have died,
And help us to trust they are at peace with you.
Show us how to reach out to others with kindness and care,
So that hope shines out in every heart and home,
Amen
God of Love,
As we think about all that has changed this year,
help us to trust that you are always with us.
As we remember those who have died,
help us to trust they are at peace with you.
As we reach out to others with kindness and care,
may hope shine out in every heart and home.
Amen
St Patrick’s Prayer Pilgrimage
Prayer for the Nation: Psalm 23 – a source of strength
Psalm 23 has been a source of strength for thousands of years. Let’s pause and say it every day at 6 pm through this crisis we now face.
When we are isolated and alone, we remember God is with us; we place our hands in his hands…
> The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
When we are tired and confused…
> He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
When we are worn out with worry…
> He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
When we are sick and afraid and if we lose those we love…
> Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me.
When we face difficulties today and we hope for a better tomorrow…
> You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you
anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
In the face of trouble & difficulty of all kinds, we remember Jesus’ promise
of life beyond death…
> Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I
shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
Exploring Prayer, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby
See Archbishop Justin’s call to prayer:
More Resources:
- Click on our recommended resources on the right-hand side of this page.
- Click on the Sermons link which you will find on the Homepage below the picture slider on the left-hand side. Steve’s talks will be available over the coming weeks
- Check out: Lectio 365 – a new resource from Pete Greig’s 24/7 prayer team. You can download the APP from your Smart phone or Apple Phone, iPad or Laptop. See information here:
Download the Lectio 365 App for Android and Apple now or get more information from the 24/7 website: Lectio 365 - Discover Pray As You Go – a wonderful daily spiritual exercise:
Click this link: Pray As You Go – this can also be downloaded on to your Smart Phone or iPad through Google Play or Apple. - Can’t get to Holy Communion? Here is an authorised form of words you can use for yourself to bring a sense of the presence of God that we feel when taking Holy Communion: Click: Can’t Get To Holy Communion?
- Check out: Daily Prayer from the Church of England:
Daily Prayer - See also: Celtic Daily Prayer from the Northumbria Community
