Church life has been busy at St Saviour’s over the past few weeks, with not only our regular programme of services and groups, but also special events, fundraising, and maintenance work carried out on our buildings and grounds. Throughout this time, many within our church family have faced challenges with their own health (both long-term and short-term illness), bereavement and loss, and also dealing with similar challenges facing their families and friends.
When we are involved in God’s work, we are always vulnerable to attack. This is why it is so crucial to take care of our prayer lives both individually and as a church. Prayer is a two-way process of talking to and listening to God. And we can do this at anytime, no matter what our location or circumstances. Jesus realised the importance of prayer:
‘Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.’ Mark 1 verse 35
We need prayer not only to help us to grow spiritually in our individual lives, but also because, as Christians, we are often under attack – at an international, national, and a local level, in church communities and in our personal lives. We may seem powerless, until we remember that we can pray.
As a church we have witnessed the power of prayer in many ways – through spiritual and physical healing, through guidance and protection. But we both recognise how hard it can be to get going!
Some practical suggestions:
- Try to spend even a short time every day in prayer. Talk to and listen to God.
- Join a home group. It’s an ideal way to share prayer needs and pray together.
- Take full advantage of all our church offers – Priority 1; the Wednesday Prayer and Praise at lunchtimes; and the prayer chain.
- Take part in wider church initiatives. It’s not too late to join in with Thy Kingdom Come. (See last week’s insert, still available in the Link.)
‘Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.’ Colossians 4 verse 2
Christine Moyes and Bev Collum-Mills, churchwardens
