Prayer and Pastoral Care

Prayers

“Lord, teach us to pray” is a question which the disciples asked Jesus.  It is still a relevant question today.  Many of us would admit that prayer is not always easy and doesn’t always come naturally.

But at its heart, prayer is simply talking with God.  In order to start praying we don’t have to have fancy religious language or special words, all we need to do is tell God what’s on our minds.  The thing is, God wants to hear our prayers and is waiting for us to talk to him.  So it really is that simple: just say it to God.

As we pray more and more we discover that God is speaking too.  We learn more about his love for us, he helps us to grow and he challenges us.  Because when we pray we are opening the door to a relationship with the One who has loved us from the very beginning. 

You can pray, you can talk to God, anywhere about anything - so why not start today.  Below are some particular prayers from the history of the Church which might help you get started.

The Lord’s Prayer

This is the prayer which Jesus taught his disciples as an example of how to pray for our day to day life:

Our Father in heaven,
holy is 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.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
Amen

Prayer in a time of uncertainty

God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
grant me (us) hope and courage
as I (we) wait in uncertainty.
Help me (us) to be the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
And give me (us) courage
to endure what cannot be avoided,
for I (we) know your desire
for me (us) is peace and wholeness;
you are God,
and I (we) need you.

A prayer for forgiveness

Merciful God, I confess that I have sinned (done wrong) against you and against others.
I have sinned through my own fault by thought, word and deed;
in things I have done and in things I have left undone.

(You may wish to name anything in particular that is troubling you)

I repent; for these and all my sins I am truly sorry, and ask for forgiveness.
I firmly intend to make amends and seek help.
I ask for strength to serve you in newness of life.
Amen

We believe that if we confess our sins to God and repent, God may be trusted to forgive us and cleanse us from every kind of wrong.  If you need to talk to someone more about forgiveness, please contact the Vicar.  Any conversation would be confidential.

A prayer for protection

O God, who knows us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: grant us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

A Blessing

May the peace of Christ go with you;
wherever you may go.
May he guide you through the wilderness;
protect you through the storms.
May he bring you home rejoicing
at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home in love,
once more into his doors.
Amen

If you are in need of prayer, please do contact us.