Notes on Prayer
These notes were designed for the 5 Minute Prayer Group but may be of help to all those interested in deepening their prayer life, whether members of the group or not.
The Purpose of Prayer
The experience of the contemplative prayer group is that regular daily prayer not only raises the level of their care and compassion for others but, over a period of time, effects changes in their thought and in their response to the needs of their fellows.
They find that, as with many of God’s gifts, prayer blesses both the giver and the receiver and, as it becomes habitual, forms an essential part of their daily lives that enables them not only to cope more easily with the inevitable stresses of modern living but to experience the real joy of living closer to God.
Prayer Style
Each individual chooses how best to pray and there are some suggestions below that may be helpful. Since the concept grew out of the Benefice’s Contemplative Prayer Group, there will be those who wish to spend the 5 minutes daily in reviewing the set topic in their own lives or the lives of their family, friends, community, region, nation or on a world view and reflecting in silence on the Bible verse or whatever inspiration comes to them.
Others may wish to pray specifically for some aspect of the topic that moves them
or some individual or group associated with the topic that they feel would be blessed
by their prayer.
Some may wish to use a written prayer that they feel is relevant
to the topic and some may pray for themselves in a particular situation or take the
opportunity to thank God for his love and compassion to them and others.
Prayer Structure
It may help to develop a routine of prayer at a regular period of the day. A specific action can signify the beginning of prayer:
Being aware of your posture and what it expresses as you pray can help to focus your
thought.
You may wish to start with the Lord's Prayer, a written prayer or some other
prayer or form of words that has significance for you.
Prayer Location
It can be helpful to have a special place for prayer, signified by an object precious to you or a beautiful picture or a position with a wonderful view. A place where you can be secure against interruption, free from the telephone, TV, radio or other outside distractions.
Sunday Collect Sheet
If you pick up the Collect Sheet on Sunday, you might want to say this at the beginning or end of your prayer time.
Summary
These are some ways to achieve your purpose of stepping outside the flow and routine
of daily life and focusing your thought on your prayer time.
You will find for yourself
as you go on, other ways to enrich this special period of the day.
Topics for December
As the festive season approaches, our thoughts turn instinctively to those for whom Christmas, like the remainder of the year, is to be endured rather than enjoyed. James tells us that pious words to those lacking basic needs serves no useful purpose, but we cannot reach out personally to them all. However, we do believe in the power of prayer because James also tells us that, "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."
Kenneth Edwards
A time to remember those who do not have the joy and comfort of a loving family
Monday 1 to Friday 5 December
The lonely and the bereaved
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father,
is this:to care for orphans and widows in their distress,"
James 1:27 NRSV
Monday 8 to Friday 12 December
The elderly and infirm
“they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig
tree; and none shall make them afraid." Micah 4:4 AV
Monday 15 to Friday 19 December
The unhappy and depressed
"the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion
with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
Isaiah 35:10 AV
Monday 22 to Friday 26 December
Those who know not the Lord Jesus
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as
some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but
everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
Monday 29 December to Friday 2 January
A New Year resolution
"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just
as I have loved you, you also should love one another."
John 13:34 NRSV