Prayer is a gift of God. "Gift" is a good word
to describe prayer, because praying is not something we can do of ourselves.
Prayer is a gift God must give and God gives that gift generously, without
consideration of our worthiness or our unworthiness. Sinners as well as
saints can pray. In fact, every human being is able to pray.
Prayer should be a very important part of all our lives.
It provides a way to move through life with peace in our hearts. Prayer
is a tool, which we use to build our awareness of God within us and to
bring ourselves closer to Him. And it is this awareness of God's presence
that keeps us centred.
Prayer provides us with the means to thank God for all that he does for us, to praise Him, to confess where we have gone wrong and to ask Him for help. The great thing is that God already knows what is in our hearts and minds so we can be honest with God, and say exactly how we feel, or even just sit in silence.
Our Father in Heaven,
Hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
Deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, the glory,
Are yours for ever and ever.
Amen.
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:19-20
If you would like somebody to pray for you and your situation or maybe for somebody else, who is struggling with their health or some other misfortune, please email a prayer request to us and we will pray for you at our Saturday Morning Prayer Meeting. All communications will be kept in confidence and we will not reply to you unless you specifically ask.
Email: church@stmarysarnold.org.uk
If you would like some help with your prayer life, there are a number of websites which can provide guidance and so help you to develop your relationship with God. You migfht like to try:
Invitation to Prayer: http://www.invitationtoprayer.org/
Rejesus : http://www.rejesus.co.uk/spirituality/daily_prayer/index.html
Sacred Space: http://www.sacredspace.ie/