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Bishop Debbie introduces our Year of Prayer
This year, my prayer is that each one of us will take time over the coming months to deepen our prayer life – perhaps to join a study group, to try different ways of praying, to experiment with silence or spend time in nature, to be willing to lead intercessions, to offer prayer to our friends and neighbours….. It doesn’t matter what we do, the key thing is to recognise that restlessness in our hearts that can only find peace when we spend time with God. +Debbie
Events
Prayer Study DayOur Prayer Study Day took place on Saturday 8 March. The main talks are available to watch on our YouTube channel. |
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Thy Kingdom ComeThis year is the 10th Anniversary of the global movement of prayer. The Novena and the Prayer Journal which both focus on the Lord's Prayer are available as PDF downloads (click on the name). To see what that happened across the Diocese during TKC click here. |
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This online training introduces two popular prayer courses and provides useful information on how to run an event for your own church or worship group.The Pilgrim Prayer Course and The Prayer Course both use The Lord's Prayer as a basis to help all of us reach deeper into prayer. Both courses are easy to present and this training will connect you to all the details and downloads that you need. |
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| Wednesday 9 July, 7 - 8.30pm | How To Run A Prayer Course (online) click here for information and booking |
| Thursday 10 July, 12 - 1.30pm | How To Run A Prayer Course (Bouverie Court) click here for information and booking |
How To Run An Enquirers CourseOne of the most effective ways to help people come to, and grow in faith, is through an enquirers course. These are simple gatherings where people can ask questions, discuss their opinions and listen to simple explanations about aspects of Christianity - usually done in a relaxed environment often with food. We will briefly look at some of the 'off the peg' enquirers courses (Alpha, Christianity Explored, and Start Course), how to go about organising, inviting and running a course; also the key principles of listening, generous hospitality and faith journeys. |
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| Wednesday 17 September, 7 - 8pm | How To Run An Enquirers Course (online) click here for more information and booking |
| Thursday 18 September, 12 - 2pm | How To Run An Enquirers Course (Bouverie Court) click here for information and booking |
Celebration of Lay Ministry - Peterborough Cathedral Saturday 27 SeptemberThis service will provide an opportunity to pray for those already in licenced lay ministry and to welcome and commission new licenced lay ministers. Those attending will also consider how their ministry is underpinned by prayer and how their prayers sustain others in their walk with God. |
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Resources
Our Children and Youth Team have put together a range of resources for children, young people of all ages and their families. See their resources page here for more information.
Book recommendations
There are many books on prayer, but you may find these useful during this year.
| John Pritchard | How to Pray |
| The Intercessions Handbook | |
| Stephen Cottrell | Prayer: Where to start and how to keep going |
| Praying by heart: The Lord’s Prayer for everyone | |
| Michael Baughen | The Prayer Principle |
| Henri Nouwen | You are the Beloved |
| Pete Greig | How to Pray: a simple guide for normal people |
| God on Mute | |
| Red moon rising: rediscover the power of prayer | |
| Northumbria Community | Celtic Daily Prayer |
| Bishop John Stroyan | Turned by Divine Love |
| Richard Foster | Prayer |
| William Laird | Into the Silent Land |
| Jane Tomaine | St Benedict's Toolbox |
| Miranda Threlfall-Holmes | The Little Book of Prayer Experiments |
| Simon Barrington-Ward | The Jesus Prayer |
| Larry Warner | Journey with Jesus: Discovering the Spritual Excercises of St Ignatius |
| Timothy Keller | Prayer |
School Prayers
Every week this year, one of our schools is writing a prayer to be shared with all our schools during collective worship.
Please find below the prayer for the week beginning June 30th which comes from Newbottle and Charlton CE Primary School.
Dear God above, so kind and true,
We start this week with thoughts of You.
Help us to love in all we do,
To care for friends and teachers too.
We’re thankful for the skies so blue,
For family, friends, and all we do.
For laughter, learning, play, and rest,
We thank You, Lord, for all that’s best.
When challenges come, we’ll stand tall,
With courage and strength, we’ll give our all.
We’ll persevere, no matter the test,
And with You, Lord, we are blessed.
Help us be friends who care and share,
Who show each other love and care.
To play, be kind, and stand up strong,
And help each other get along.
When someone hurts us, big or small,
Teach us to forgive and not let anger call.
To let go of wrong and make things right,
With gentle hearts and spirits bright.
May we show respect in all we do,
To every person, just like You.
With listening ears and voices kind,
And open hearts and thoughtful minds.
Amen.