Prayer
Prayer is simply “talking with God”. Prayer can be words or silence; it can use written texts or be extempore; it can be “out loud” or “in our hearts”; it should involve listening to God, as well as talking to him.
Above all, prayer should be the foundation of all that we do as Christians and as parishes. We hold a Prayer Lunch most weeks — all are welcome (see our Groups and Diary pages for more details).
If you would like us to pray for you, or for someone or something you care about, please contact one of the clergy (see our Contacts page). These prayer requests will be used only among the parish clergy, unless you make it clear that they may be included in our public services.
A Prayer for Our Group of Parishes
Loving Heavenly Father,
we worship you in towns and villages where sea meets land
and ask that our churches and fellowships be places where
earth meets heaven and people meet God;
may your Holy Spirit delight us like warm sand under bare feet
and protect us like dunes ranged against the storms;
in the name of him who walked and taught on land, beach and sea,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
we worship you in towns and villages where sea meets land
and ask that our churches and fellowships be places where
earth meets heaven and people meet God;
may your Holy Spirit delight us like warm sand under bare feet
and protect us like dunes ranged against the storms;
in the name of him who walked and taught on land, beach and sea,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Other Prayers You Might Like to Use
The Lord's Prayer (traditional version)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer (modern version)
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as 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 but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as 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 but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
For Someone Who Is Ill
Lord Jesus Christ, who heals in body, mind and spirit: have compassion on (person's name) now suffering from sickness. Restore them in your mercy to health and strength. Give them the assurance of your love and compassion; may they know your presence and your peace in their heart; for your name's sake. Amen.
For Someone Who Is Grieving
O Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ wept at the grave of his friend, Lazarus: look with compassion upon those who mourn the death of (person's name). Comfort them, O Lord, with your gracious consolations; help them to know that all things work together for good to those that love you; and grant them sure trust and confidence in your fatherly care; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For God's Help in Our Life
Lord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen today that you and I together can't handle. Amen.
O Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Living in God's Love
God, my Father, may I love you in all things, and above all things. May I reach the joy which You have prepared for me in Heaven. Nothing is good that is against Your will, and all that is good comes from Your hand. Place in my heart a desire to please You, and fill my mind with thoughts of Your love, so that I may grow in your wisdom and enjoy peace. Amen.
For Help in Worship and Prayer
O God of truth, you are worthy of higher praise than we can offer, and of purer worship than we can imagine. By your Holy Spirit, assist us in our prayers and draw us to yourself, so that what is lacking in our thoughts and actions and in our words and music, may be supplied by your overflowing love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
At the End of the Day
Lighten our darkness we beseech thee, O Lord, and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.