A Suggestion on How to Pray
Prayer is the center of Christian life but sometimes it can be hard to know where to begin. I often find that having a structure helps me get the conversation with God going. I also find that reading the bible regularly and praying the psalms connects me with Jesus and all those millions of Christians who have gone before us. These words have inspired millions through history so they might just inspire me too. In the section below a prayer guide, together with questions to ask ourselves before we pray and a short service that you can do at home.
I hope you find this useful.
Hywel Snook
There is no right way to pray but our prayer life must be balanced. It should include each of these
aspects of prayer.
Before you begin to pray in whatever way, spend some time asking yourself these questions.
What do I regret and want forgiveness for?
…………………………………………
………………………………………..
What has been good and I am thankful for?
……………………………………………
……………………………………………
Which 5 people or
situations do I want to pray for?
……………………………………………
……………………………………………
What do I want to bring to God for my own needs?
……………………………………………
……………………………………………
What is the best thing about God to adore?
……………………………………………
……………………………………………
Psalms for the week:
Sunday Psalm 104.26-32
Monday Psalm 21.1-7
Tuesday Psalm 29
Wednesday Psalm 46
Thursday Psalm 84
Friday Psalm 93
Saturday Psalm 98
Reading the Bible,
where to start
The best place to begin reading the bible is with one of the
Gospels. This year on Sundays we are working our way through Matthew’s Gospel. A good place to begin is Matthew Chapter 3.
Most bibles separate chapters into sections with headings. An easy way to read is to start at chapter 3 and choose to read either the whole chapter or the next section.
A Short Daily Prayer
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as the Lord; all creation worships you,
the Father everlasting.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Say the Psalm set for the day followed by
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
As it was in the beginning is now and shall be forever.
Amen
Read the Reading set for the day
At the end of the reading pause and think
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
Amen.
Pray your own prayers for
the church around the
world, things in the news,
your family and friends,
those who are sick.
End with the Lord’s Prayer.
Let us bless the Lord
Thanks be to God
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