Prayer

Everything we do at St. Mary's is undergirded by prayer. Prayer forms a key part of all our meetings, including our Worship services, Life Groups and other various Church Groups.

During most services on Sunday, prayer ministry is offered. This is an opportunity for individuals to receive prayer during or just after a service from one of our trained Prayer Ministry Team members. Once a month on Sunday evening, there is a service of Prayer for Healing.

There is a Dynamic Prayer Meeting held in the church chancel, usually on Monday nights following the 4^th Sunday of the month. The meeting starts at 8.00pm and runs for an hour; ending promptly at 9.00pm. It is 'Dynamic' because with the help of the Holy Spirit we seek to enjoy God's presence and to bring our requests before God, confident that they will be heard. A variety of forms of prayer are used, which usually keeps the meeting moving and interesting and the hour usually flies by. There is much to be prayed for, including our own church, our local community and the wider world.

Some in the church have formed Prayer Partnerships and Prayer Triplets, where individuals meet together to pray for each other's needs and circumstances.

For further details, please contact the Parish Office.

At St Mary’s we have a ‘Prayer Area’ towards the back of the church where members of the church prayer ministry team are available after the Sunday services to pray for and with anyone who would like them to. Some come to share an answer to prayer, that they want to thank God for; others have a problem to share and bring before God for His comfort and wisdom; others want to explore further something from the service.

I myself have experienced deep love and care from those who have prayed for me; some who receive prayer are excited and uplifted by meeting with God in that context, and go away with new hope and peace, perhaps new direction or healing.

Of course, prayer for one another goes on in other places and at other times – for example, turning to a friend sitting by you in church, or bringing something you’ve been discussing over a cup of tea after the service, to God in prayer to conclude the conversation; perhaps praying in a small midweek group such as a Life Group.

It is not a counselling service (we can refer someone for counselling if needed), but more a sharing of one another’s concerns, bringing them to God and asking for His help. Those praying have had training and experience in praying for others, but basically rely on God to meet those they are praying for, by the Holy Spirit. There is great power in two or three disciples of Jesus (Christians) agreeing together for something in prayer!

It can make all the difference to your day!

Carol Porter