# data[].attributes.body
If you are able, you are encouraged to spend an hour in prayer here in this virtual prayer room. In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus said to his disciples, "Could you not keep watch with me for one hour?"

It may not be possible for you to give that much time on this occasion but you might like to return on a later date with that in mind.

Praying for an hour may seem like a daunting prospect, so this virtual prayer room is filled with helps and suggestions to aid you through the next 60 minutes.

# data[].attributes.body
The object is not to get through all the topics below. This is just a helpful guide. If God leads you in a different direction or you spend more time on any one subject it doesn't matter. Allow God to guide you through this time you spend with him.

# data[].attributes.body
Open any of the files below by clicking on it. You can expand it using the + icon at the top.
Scroll down through the pages to see all the information.
When you have finished click  the <- icon in the top LH corner to return to this prayer space.

# data[].attributes.body
Open any of the files below by clicking on it. You can expand it using the + icon at the top.
Scroll down through the pages to see all the information.
When you have finished click  the <- icon in the top LH corner to return to this prayer space.

# data[].attributes.body
Some scriptures to encourage you in your praying

# data[].attributes.body
Open any of the files below by clicking on it. You can expand it using the + icon at the top.
Scroll down through the pages to see all the information.
When you have finished click  the <- icon in the top LH corner to return to this prayer space.

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for coming to this on-line prayer space and for using this virtual facility. Here are some tips for using this virtual prayer room and for helping you pray effectively while you are here.

Scroll up and down each column to ensure you don't miss out on anything under that subject heading. Scroll left and right to see all subject matters.

The first set of columns are HELPFUL HINTS to aid you in your praying. Next are PRAYER TOPICS for use especially in your intercessions. Finally there are columns for you to add ideas, thoughts, comments etc. Please ensure you scroll through all the columns (left to right) and down each column so you don't miss anything.

Use as many or as few of these helps and prayer topics as are needed or as you are led. The important thing is for you to spend time with God, not trying to get through everything in this prayer room in one go! So, relax and let God lead you through this time with Him.

Feel free to look around this prayer space and see what's on offer. Use the prayer topics as and when needed at any time during your praying. Prayer is creative. Be imaginative! Be aware of being prompted by the Holy Spirit as you pray.

Thank you again for taking time to pray. May God bless you in your time with Him.

Please add details of your time in the prayer room (you can do this anonymously) in the final column. This is to act as an encouragement for us all as we see the extent to which the prayer room is being used. Thank you.

# data[].attributes.body
You can make any section bigger by hovering over the top right corner, clicking the three dots, then clicking 'expand post'. Close the expanded section by clicking on the X in the top right hand corner.

Leave a comment on any post with your prayerful response. You can also "like" any post by clicking the heart icon at the bottom of the post.

Share new prayers, thoughts, suggestions and comments in the appropriate columns at the far right of this virtual prayer room. You may also want to add links, images and more to the other prayer columns.

When you are making an addition you can include images, website links, documents, videos, voice recordings, doodles and much more by clicking the three dots at the bottom of the section.

# data[].attributes.body
5 mins - Time of preparation – reading the "How to use this virtual payer room" column and looking around the 'room'

# data[].attributes.body
5 mins - It is always good to start with a focus on who God is and what he has done. Using a hymn or song may help. Here is some inspirational music you may wish to use. Click on the image below, pause the music in the bottom LH corner (ll), (if you need to expand the link click on the square to the right of "YOUTUBE"), scroll along the dotted line to find the song you would like to play, click as near to the LH end of the dash then click "play" (triangle). When you have finished click "pause" (ll) and move on. If you have expanded the link click the icon in the bottom RH corner.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
One Hour of Praise & Worship on Piano - 17 contemporary Christian songs with lyrics

# data[].attributes.body
5 mins - Spend a short while getting right with God. Confess any sin. Receive His forgiveness.
If we confess our sins God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1.9)

# data[].attributes.body
10 mins - Praying for your church and the Circuit. Go to 'Local Churches and Circuit' in 'Our Church Fellowship' column.

# data[].attributes.body
10 mins - Choose one of the following topics – Education, Emergency Services, Health & Wellbeing, Politics or Families, Community & Businesses. (Go to the appropriate section)

# data[].attributes.body
5 mins - Pause for time of quiet reflection. Maybe light a candle.
Has God been speaking to you or have other thoughts impacted you? Add them to the appropriate columns, if you wish to share them (Others will be able to see what you have written)

# data[].attributes.body
5 mins - Use the information available in the 'Ecumenical' section of 'Churches Together' column.

# data[].attributes.body
10 mins - Pray for another of the topics relating to our communities -  Politics, Education, Health & Wellbeing, Police, Fire & Ambulance or Families, Community & Businesses. (Go to the appropriate column)
Or use the time to bring your own specific prayer requests to your Heavenly Father - for yourself or for others.

# data[].attributes.body
5 mins - Draw your time to a conclusion, not forgetting to thank God for anything he may have revealed to you and for this opportunity of praying.

Add anything to the "Praise Patch", "Pray creatively", "What is God saying", "Wailing Wall"  or "Comments" columns that you want to share.

Quieten yourself and be ready to return to your other duties as you leave.

Add the details of your time in the prayer room under "Prayer Diary".

# data[].attributes.body
Many of the Psalms are words spoken by the Psalmist directly to God. By speaking them we too can pray to Him. These might help:

Ps 8 - Praising God for his creation and the special relationship we have with him.

Ps 13 - Affirming God's faithfulness in times of difficulty

Ps 20 - Praying a blessing over others

Ps 22 - Interceding for those in pain - physically, mentally, spiritually

Ps 23 - Acknowledging God's loving care as a shepherd

Ps 27 - Declaring trust and confidence in God

Ps 40 - Praising God for his saving power

Ps 46 - Praying for the nations at a time of global crisis

Ps 51 - Offering a prayer of repentance

Ps 100 - Expressing joy in God's presence

Ps 121 - Praising God that he watches over us at all times

Ps 139 - Finding rest in God's creative and eternal presence

Ps 148 - Calling all creation to praise God

# data[].attributes.body
Use the following passages as prayers, substituting your name or someone else's name, as appropriate:
Colossians 1.15-20 - Praise for Christ
Daniel 9.3-19 - Repentance on behalf of the nation
Ephesians 1.15-23 - For spiritual insight and wisdom
Ephesians 3.14-19 - For the knowledge of God's love
Colossians 1.3-14 - Thanks and prayer for spiritual growth and Godly witness
I Chronicles 4.10 - For numerical and spiritual growth

# data[].attributes.body
When his disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray this he what he said, "When you pray, say:
Our Father, who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy name
Thy Kingdom come
Thy will be done
In earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive them that 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"

Here is a 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.

# data[].attributes.body
Using ACTS of prayer helps to keep our praying balanced.
A - Adoration and worship of God
C - Confession of our sin
T - Thanksgiving
S - Supplication - asking prayers.

Phil.4.6-7 "In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus"

# data[].attributes.body
You may be drawn to God’s Word as you pray – a particular verse or passage of Scripture, perhaps. Allow God’s Word to speak into your prayers, your situation, the people you bring to God.  God promises to lead and guide us and the Bible says “You word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path”.

You may want to use a verse of Scripture as a way getting into your praying. Pick a verse, say it slowly over and over again. Think about the emphasis you use. Does emphasising different words bring fresh insight? How about using:

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you, or

Be still and know that I am God

Allow your heart and mind to grasp the full truth of the words. Then, as you feel it is right, continue your praying in your own words.

# data[].attributes.body
Add your prayers or suggestions below. Click on + icon below to open a new section.

# data[].attributes.body
Add here anything that you think God has been saying to you and that you want to share with others. Click on the + icon below to open a new section.

# data[].attributes.body
Add any prayer requests you may have for yourself or for others. HOWEVER, only share personal details if you have obtained permission from that other person(s) and then only first name or just initial.
Click on the + icon below to open a new section.

# data[].attributes.body
Add here any specific aspects of praise and thanksgiving that you want to share with others.
Click on the + icon below to open a new section.

# data[].attributes.body
Add any comments you would like to share about your experience participating in this 24 hour prayer in this virtual prayer room.
Click on the + icon below to open a new section.

# data[].attributes.body
Prayer is a conversation. It is just as important, if not more so, that we listen to God as well as he listens to us. These four tips from 24-7 Prayer will help in that process:

1. Make Space
Listening takes time, and it helps if you start by removing distractions.  Choose a peaceful place and set aside time to help you focus on God.

2. Clear Your Head
If you are distracted by things you need to do, make a list for later then put it to one side.
Try reflecting on a Bible verse such as “Be still and know that I am God”  - Psalm 46:10, to focus your mind.

3. Don’t Worry
If the thoughts filling your mind are about situations or worries you want to pray about, don’t try to push them down. Take each one in turn and give it to God before letting go of it. Don’t let anxiety absorb your energy.

4. Learn to recognise His voice
God can speak in many ways. God can use our thoughts, feelings, the Bible, our experiences, or even our surroundings to capture our attention. If you find your mind filling with pictures or thoughts that seem a bit strange or random, pay attention to them and test whether you think they’re God’s voice.

Write everything down, even the things that seem strange or unrelated. If God is speaking then the conversation will continue. If they are just random thoughts, that’s okay; it’s all part of the process of learning.

# data[].attributes.body
From 24-7 Prayer:
1. God will not contradict what God said in the Bible
2. Ask for the Holy Spirit to give you the gift of discernment
3. Ask the advice of a friend or leader who loves Jesus - What do they think?
4. Observe your own conscience – do you have a sense of peace or disquiet?
5. Ask the Lord for confirmation – to say the same thing in another way

# data[].attributes.body
A prayer written and read by Mandy Briggs, Education Officer at the New Room in Bristol.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A prayer for all people during the lockdown

# data[].attributes.body
Written and read by Barbara Glasson, Ex-President of the Methodist Conference.

# data[].attributes.body
A prayer of grief as the number of Covid related deaths in the UK rises above 100,000. Written and read by Carolyn Lawrence, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference.

# data[].attributes.headline
A Psalm of lament and praise in a time of coronavirus

# data[].attributes.subject
A Psalm of lament and praise in a time of coronavirus

# data[].attributes.body
Written by the Revd Kenneth Howcroft

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How shall we praise you, Lord, our God?
When we are locked down,
how shall we praise you?
When the doors to your house are barred,
and your people cannot assemble?
When those desperately in need of money and work
cannot even wait in the market-place?
When we have to circle round people in the street,
and to queue for shops maintaining safe distance?
When we can only communicate
by hearing on the phone,
or seeing on the screen;
or digitally messaging,
or even just waving through a window?
When we cannot meet our parents and children,
grandparents and grandchildren,
or other family members and friends?
When we cannot touch them in their flesh and blood,
to know they are really alive?
How shall we praise you?
How, like Thomas, shall we not see yet believe
that your son is raised among us?
How shall we praise you?

How can I praise you, Lord?
Are you plaguing us with this virus
to punish us because we have all done wrong,
or thought wrongly,
or felt wrongly,
or just been wrong?
If so, why do only some die,
and those, apparently, the ones who are the least worst or most caring amongst us?
Or are you trying to teach us a lesson?
If so, why is it so hard to learn?
And how are we to find the answer
when we do not even know the question?
Or are you still the same loving God,
coming to us in our sufferings
and opening up the way to new life in Jesus?

Lord, I will try to praise you.
Through gritted teeth,
I will try to praise you.
I will try to remember that you have created all things,
and this virus is part of your creation.
I will try not to hate it
but seek to mitigate its harm.
I will try to keep myself and others safe.
I will work to pray for them
and seek to help in whatever way I can.

Lord, when I cannot pray or worship
help me be aware of all your people
and your saints and angels
hovering around me,
lifting me up.
When I feel alone,
let me feel you near me,
even if only for a moment that enables me to go on.
Let me hear you say
"Peace be with you".

Lord, I will praise you.
Let all the peoples praise you.
The Revd Kenneth Howcroft
Share this

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Psalm of lament and praise in a time of coronavirus

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How shall we praise you, Lord, our God?When we are locked down,how shall we praise you?When the doors to your house are barred,and your people cannot assemble?

# data[].attributes.body
With this, our prayer,
Asking to be used as channels for Thy Divine Power
To flow through us, unrestricted,
In a stream of radiant light
Into our world,
Where the human race is suffering
This terrible blight of the coronavirus.

Allow us this day to be the instruments
Of Thy Holy Power
So that this radiant, healing power
May help to transmute this deadly virus
And bring strength, regeneration, healing and inspiration
To humanity as a whole.

We pray that those on the ground
May be helped in their unselfish work,
Who have taken personal risks to help the sick
And we pray that this healing light
Now flowing through our world,
Will have its reflection on the physical plane
So that this Divine essence
Will bring harmony and balance to all.

May Thy Divine Will be done this day
And may all who help in this crisis
Be filled with Thy Light and protected
In their Spiritual calling.

# data[].attributes.body
We asked for strength, and you gave us difficulties to make us strong.
We asked for wisdom, and you gave us problems to solve.
We asked for prosperity, and you gave us purpose and brains to use.
We asked for courage, and you gave us fears to overcome.
We asked for patience, and you gave us situations where we were forced to wait.
We asked for love, and you gave us troubled people to help.
We asked for justice, and you called us to be just and lead with integrity.
Lord, we have received nothing that we asked for or wanted.
And yet, we receive everything that we needed.
For this we give thanks. Amen.

# data[].attributes.headline
I found this prayer room easy to go around. Very straightforward but also flexible. A real help to praying as a circuit during this time of lockdown.

# data[].attributes.subject
I found this prayer room easy to go around. Very straightforward but also flexible. A real help to praying as a circuit during this time of lockdown.

# data[].attributes.body
Our friends at MOULTON CHAPEL invite us to join with them in this prayer:

Lord, of the vulnerable hardly a week goes by without a horrifying story about those who have been exploited or have died in the pursuit of safety. As we remember that Jesus was a refugee, too, help us to understand the fear, anxiety, difficulties and uncertainties refugees and migrants suffer and give us compassion and courage to respond in any way we can. Amen.

“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself.” Leviticus 19.34

# data[].attributes.body
Another helpful acrostic:
P - Praise the Lord!
R - Repent of your sins
A - Ask for yourself and others
Y - Yield to God's Will

Remember prayer is not us trying to persuade God to do things our way but a means for us to become aligned to God's ways for us and others.

# data[].attributes.body
Using the + sign below open a new window. Click on "Write something" and type in the date and the time you spent in the prayer room. Add you name or initials, if you wish.

# data[].attributes.body
12/5/21 35 minutes

# data[].attributes.body
Prayer Shield UK is a website on which 365 church leaders, have recorded 2-3 minute prayers. Each day, for 365 days, one of these prayers will be available online, and we are invited to pray these prayers ourselves, and declare God’s blessing over our nation. The links to the various parts of this website are below:

Daily Prayer:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Prayer of the Day - The Prayer Shield UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
365 days of prayers, declarations and blessings over the UK

# data[].attributes.body
Prayers for the Nation:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Prayer for The Nation - The Prayer Shield UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
365 days of prayers, declarations and blessings over the UK

# data[].attributes.body
Choose a person you interact with on a daily or weekly basis, someone you don't know on a personal level. Maybe the person who serves you in a shop, or the post or delivery person. Bring them clearly to mind, and consider what would make their life better. When you have an idea of what they need pray for those things every day for a week. E.g. For the postman, "May you be happy and healthy, may you have comfy shoes, may you be content in your work, may people show you their gratitude." Maybe offer thanks to God for what this person does for you.

# data[].attributes.body
As we head towards the end of another challenging year, I'd like to pray for teachers who are supporting children beyond the normal demands of the classroom. Give them strength and resilience as they offer compassion and support to their students.

# data[].attributes.headline
A very helpful and easy to use site. My prayer is that many will use it and feel the touch of God in their life. And to bring others in prayer is so important.

# data[].attributes.subject
A very helpful and easy to use site. My prayer is that many will use it and feel the touch of God in their life. And to bring others in prayer is so important.

# data[].attributes.body
It has been good to spend time in coming before the Lord. Jesus himself spent time with his heavenly Father, we too need to spend time alone with the Father. It is always a blessing when we allow him to speak to us.
may God bless you.

# data[].attributes.body
If you find it difficult sometimes to find words to pray there is such a lot that can help you to do this. This morning I went onto you tube and listened to the song from Hillsong Spirit Fall. It is so powerful. Close your eyes and listen. Also on you tube you can listen to David Suchet reading the complete bible. Let the Lord speak through his words. THe Psalms are wonderful. May I encourage you. God bless you.

# data[].attributes.body
Pray and worship time 1Hour 30 mins.

# data[].attributes.body
The next Prayer Walk takes place on Wednesday 10th November beginning at 11am. Please join us at Moulton Chapel Methodist Church if you can and bring your lunch with you. Alternatively, please prayer wherever you are between 11am and noon for the community of Moulton Chapel. Thank you.

# data[].attributes.body
The time you spend in prayer in this Prayer Room is entirely up to you. Quality is better than quantity.

Spend whatever time you are able. Most importantly, ensure that you are engaging with God. Give Him time to speak to you as well as you speaking to Him.

Elsewhere in the Helpful Hints is a suggested prayer pattern for 60 minutes but that is all it is - a suggestion. Don't be overawed. You have already done the important bit - coming into this virtual prayer room. Congratulations! Now, start praying. You might even surprise yourself as to how long you stay!

# data[].attributes.body
Please prayer for:

Ø  Rev Luke as he begins his ministry amongst us.

Ø  the appointment of the Circuit Support Worker, that God will bless them as they take up their duties and that together with Rev Luke they will know the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Ø  That each church will listen to the “still small voice of calm” as Church Councils are held.

# data[].attributes.body
Monday 29th November 7.30pm Sutterton Methodist Church

An opportunity to gather together as we prepare for the coming of the Christ-child.

All welcome.