Prayer is the spoken and/or unspoken communication that builds our relationship with God, in other words it is the fundamental link between ourselves and god.
We all struggle with prayer and it’s sometimes scary to come into the presence of the living God; and in another way it is difficult to do because it is frightening to come into the presence of the living God.
Our prayer group enables us to come into a prayer-full friendly structured environment.
All are welcome.
The soul’s sincere desire
What’s your deepest wish? No, I mean deeper than that – what do you really want? Now consider, and consider honestly, is that what God wants for you? It matters, because it affects your prayer life. As the old hymn puts it: Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed.
If, as a result of your reflection, you conclude that your ‘sincere desire’ (open or secret) is not what God approves, then it’s no good begging him for it. Better by far to ask him to alter your desires, bringing them more into line with his own: that’s discipleship, because he’s very much in the transformation business (Rom 12:1-2).
If you can’t rule your desires out of court – e.g., by the ten commandments or other scriptures, that is, you’re not wanting something which God clearly says is wrong – then two other possibilities are left. The first is that what you desire may be good, but not good enough, in the sense that it doesn’t fit with God’s plans for your life. That’s why it’s so important to have a sense of the Lord’s personal leading: this can come from your readings of the Bible, combined with advice from trusted fellow believers, plus your sense of God’s continuing hand in your affairs, as well as your own inner prompting and inclinations. Not just one: all of these taken together.
But when you find that your desire is indeed God’s heart too, you may still be faced with a problem. You may wonder why you have to ask for it at all. If God wants you to have it, why haven’t you got it already? Well, ‘Why?’ may not be the best question to put to a Sovereign Lord. Perhaps it’s better to take on board that he just delights in our prayers (Prov 15:8). After all, that seems to be the spirit of the Lord’s Prayer: Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Is that your deepest wish too?
Roy Lorrain-Smith
The WEEKLY prayers for March are:
1 April 2012
Sometimes, Lord, I want wonderful things – rejuvenation of your church and glory for you in all the world. And then I find myself asking for a parking place. Please align me with your will: for this moment and for eternity: so that every prayer reflects your heart, through Jesus. Amen.
8 April 2012
I’ve got a problem, Lord. It’s about prayer. How can I pray for things to go right for me (and mine), when problems shriek from every corner of the globe, or so it seems. But then, who else but you can help, through Jesus, for who else loves the world as you do, and in every part. Amen.
15 April 2012
Lord, thank you. I’m not quite sure what for, but thank you anyway. Perhaps just for everything: for being: for how it all began, and where it will all end: and God-with-us-in-the-Spirit throughout, and beyond. Thank you for Jesus, our Saviour and Lord, who brings us to you. Amen.
22 April 2012
It’s not so much a crossroads I’m at, Lord: more a spaghetti junction with mini roundabouts and worn out road markings covered with roaring traffic. Where do I go? What do I do? How do I cope? The only thing I know for sure is Who: for you alone I wait, and for your word. Amen.
29 April 2012
Do you ever get fed up with prayer, Lord? Everyone clamouring all at once? But you love our prayers, you tell us, and would have even more: longing for closer links with your children, through Jesus. Please grant me the joy of your presence, with all your church: now; always. Amen.
CHECK OUT OUR PRAYER GROUP PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Other useful Prayer links:
A labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool that leads the traveller along a meditative path. Through images, words, music and actions we hope that you are able to consider your spiritual journey and be inspired and challenged.
Offers a daily prayer and meditation which changes regularly.
Offers a daily meditation, which you can take at your own pace
Offers prayers for peace, justice and reconciliation.
