There is no ‘hidden secret’ when it comes to prayer. Anyone can pray, at any time and in any place.
Talking to God - praying - is to make our hearts ready to experience the love of God. Praying regularly helps us to develop a spiritual rhythm.
Learning to pray
There is no ‘hidden secret’ when it comes to prayer. Anyone can pray, at any time and in any place. It is as simple as talking to a friend. In this case Jesus. It can begin in a moment and takes a lifetime to explore.
Sometimes we need to offer ‘arrow prayers’, asking for God’s immediate help in a particular situation. But thankfully we don't live all our lives in moments of extreme crisis. But what about day-to-day praying?
Use your hand as a model
Your fingers can be used to bring to mind different things to pray for.
Other useful resources to explore:
- The Prayer Pack - Twelve different ways to pray.
- The Church of England's 'Learn to pray' page also has more information about how to start praying.
Repetitive Prayer
Many people find repetitive prayer helpful. Having the words provided - the same every day – can stop us from worrying about what we are saying, and allow us to concentrate on God.
Find a time and a place that works for you, decide what you need to keep you thinking about God (a picture, perhaps, or a clutter-free space) and a posture that feels comfortable – and begin.
The Time To Pray app or The Book of Common Prayer may give you some ideas, or the basis for your own prayers.
Praying for Others
Jesus told his disciples always to pray and not give up (Luke 18 1- 8). Praying for others is also known as intercessory prayer.
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone " (1 Timothy 2.1-6)
Some people use a Cycle of Prayer, as a way of praying methodically for the work of our parishes, chaplaincies and our brothers and sisters around the world.
Here are some resources we use in this Diocese that you may also like to share:
Explore more ways to pray
Every person has their own unique way of praying: there are no rights and wrongs.
But for those who are still searching for a (new) way that suits them, or in those moments when inspiration has run dry and God’s voice and presence seem to have faded, the Diocese has put together The Prayer Pack to offer some guidance and new ideas.
Other useful resources and material
Diocese of Rochester Calendar of Intercessions: September- October 2024
Praying the Way - Current month
The Prayer Pack
Closer Course
Key Contacts
The Rev Canon Susanne CarlssonCoordinator of Spirituality |
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