Reflection – Sunday 17th of October, Prayer – Corporate and Solitary

Reflection – Sunday 17th of October

Prayer – Corporate and Solitary

I love to pray! More specifically, I love to come into the presence of God and spend quality time there. It’s pretty much like setting aside time to have coffee/tea with a friend. It’s important to set aside time and space away from interruptions… to give my whole attention to the one I am visiting with.

In private prayer, I am not one to use a lot of words. Sometimes I come to God with specific needs, or the prayer requests of parishioners, family and friends but otherwise, I am happy to sit in silence, just waiting on God.

I actually need times of silence to feel refreshed and energized, which is why, sometimes you will see me sitting quietly before a service.  I know that there are others in our congregations who have the same need.

In silence I find peace. On the other hand, I realize that I have been missing something very special since my arrival at St Paul’s. I have been missing the corporate prayer shared with my colleagues and a few parishioners, as we gathered to say Morning Prayer each day.

In particular, I miss reading the scriptures together, and sharing thoughts on the readings. Sometimes the Word of God, set for the day, is so pertinent to a particular situation that it is wonderful to be able to talk about the way in which the readings touch our lives today! At other times, simply praying together and sharing silent contemplation of the readings is also valuable.

I wondered if any member of our congregations might like to share in regular prayer? If so, please join me for Morning Prayer at St Paul’s, Monday to Thursday, at 8:30am. I would love to share the journey with you.

Many Blessings

Rev Shan