Circuit day of prayer online
While we can't meet in person, we can still take time to pray wherever we are! Here you'll find the resources to make your own Day of Prayer: feel free to visit each 'station' all at once or over the course of several days. We'll aim to post new material each month so be sure to check back regularly.
Circuit day of Prayer July 2023 pdf. version
Circuit Day of Prayer
July 2023
WELCOME
Welcome to our Circuit Day of Prayer.
There are six prayer stations, each offering a way of praying creatively.
They are numbered, but feel free to visit them in which ever order you prefer.
You are invited to spend as much or as little time at each prayer station as you wish.
You can choose to visit them all in one go, or to spread them out over your day, week, month. Whatever works best for you.
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 1: Jesus, my friend
[For this prayer station you will need a cup of your favourite hot brew or a glass of your favourite cold drink. See under ‘Preparation’ below.]
Reflect
When we want to spend quality time with a friend, often we invite them around for a cuppa or arrange to meet for a coffee. We take time to listen to each other, pouring out our troubles to a trusted confidant, or update each other with our latest exciting news over a cup of our favourite brew.
Jesus often shared food and drink with his closest friends and those who showed him hospitality on his preaching journey. He took time to sit, relax and chat. In the same way, although we cannot pour him a coffee or tea, why shouldn’t we take time to pause and share a moment of peace and quiet with Jesus?
Wouldn’t you love to enjoy a cuppa in the presence of your friend and Saviour, as you tell him your cares and joys, listening to anything he wants to tell you? What would you tell him about?
Preparation
Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, or a cold drink. Take time to be present in the experience; notice the smells and tastes. Focus fully on simply making a drink, imagining you are taking tea or having a coffee with Jesus.
Let go of any other concerns or activities in these moments, having made this date to reconnect with your friend.
Pray
Begin to pray by inviting Jesus to join you, to share in this time of relaxation and refreshment with you, to sit in companiable stillness together.
Savour the drink; don’t rush but devote some time to talking to Jesus through prayer, telling him anything that comes to mind, as you would in conversation with an intimate friend – he wants to hear about your worries or plans and recent activities.
If you have never thought of your Lord and Saviour in this informal way, gently pray this through and ask that he might meet with you in this space.
Only when you feel ready, move onto another prayer station.
Why not take time to pray each time you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee or a cold drink.
This resource
is from “80 Reflective Prayer Ideas” by Claire Daniel
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 2: The Northern Saints Trails
Fancy going on a pilgrimage?
How about following one of the Northern Saints Trails?
This is the introductory ‘blurb’ about them from the ‘This is Durham’ website:
“The Northern Saints Trails, based on ancient pilgrimage routes, position the North East as the ‘Christian Crossroads of the British Isles’.
They bring the fascinating stories of the region’s Saints to life, …
The six routes reflect the saints’ journeys and their connections with the North East and also recognise the significance of Durham Cathedral as a destination for pilgrims for centuries.
From connections with St Cuthbert, who was brought to Durham Cathedral from Lindisfarne by monks in the 9th century, to the Venerable Bede, who was regarded as one of the greatest Anglo-Saxon scholars and whose shrine has been in the Galilee Chapel at Durham Cathedral since the 14th century.”
There are six trails:
The Angel’s Way
The Way of Learning
The Way of Life
The Way of Light
The Way of Love
The Way of the Sea
For more information about each trail follow this link:
https://www.thisisdurham.com/northernsaints/trails
The Way of Light passes through our Circuit. You can find a link to a detailed description of this route if you follow the above link.
Click the next link, and spend the next three minutes visiting some of the places on these trails. There are no words, just images. Invite God to watch with you, and share your thoughts, impressions, memories of the places shown.
https://www.thisisdurham.com/northernsaints
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 3: A Word in Time Bible Study/Methodist Way of Life
The link below will take you to the ‘A Word of Time Bible Study.’
These daily Bible Studies use the lectionary readings in the Methodist Prayer Handbook.
There will be links to today’s reading: John 8:31-47; today’s Psalm: Psalm 81, along with a reflection on today’s reading, some questions to ponder and a brief prayer.
https://www.methodist.org.uk/our-faith/the-bible/a-word-in-time/2023/23-29-july/thursday/
Today’s hymn from ‘Singing the Faith’ is StF 181 Of the Father’s love begotten.
The words are copied here if you would like to read or sing them.
Of the Father's love begotten
ere the worlds began to be,
he is Alpha and Omega,
he the source, the ending he,
of the things that are, that have been,
and that future years shall see,
evermore and evermore.
By his word was all created;
he commanded, it was done;
earth and sky and boundless ocean,
universe of three in one;
all that sees the moon’s soft radiance,
all that breathes beneath the sun,
evermore and evermore.
This is he whom seers in old time
chanted of with one accord,
whom the voices of the prophets
promised in their faithful word;
now he shines, the long-expected;
let creation praise its Lord,
evermore and evermore.
O you heights of heaven, adore him;
angel hosts, his praises sing;
all dominions, bow before him,
and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent,
every voice in concert sing,
evermore and evermore!
Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-c.413)
translated by John Mason Neale (1811-1866)
and Henry Williams Baker (1821-1877)
Today’s ‘Methodist Way of Life’ commitment is: Pray
To help you reflect on this commitment, you might like to use the ‘A Methodist Way of Life Examen’ from the Methodist Prayer Handbook.
The Five Steps
Ask God for light
I want to reflect on the day with God’s eyes.
Give thanks
I give thanks for the gift of the day and recognise when I have noticed God’s presence.
Review recent days
I look back over recent days, guided by the Holy Spirit, and reflect carefully on the commitment to pray.
Face shortcomings
I face up to what I have not been able to do well, particularly reflecting on my shortcomings in relation to this commitment.
Look towards the day to come
I pray that God will guide me in the day to come and help me notice opportunities to pracise this commitment.
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 4: Questions of life, faith, the universe and everything
Click the following link to watch the Official Trailer for the recently released movie: “Barbie”. (It lasts 2 minutes 41 seconds.)
Did you notice the reaction when Barbie asks: ‘You guys ever think about dying?’
This may be a particularly difficult question for you, but are there questions that you maybe avoid which actually might be quite helpful to discuss from time to time?
When Barbie is offered the choice of either going back to her regular life or knowing the truth about the universe, how does she respond, the first time of asking?
How would you respond?
Our Christian faith gives us a solid foundation on which to reflect on and discuss the more profound questions of life, and of death.
When we make the decision to follow Jesus, we sign up for adventure! How big an adventure that is might depend on how much we trust God and how much of our lives we are prepared to trust God with.
We do know that God makes us some amazing promises. We also know that God can be trusted.
Reflect on the following verse:
Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
What might God want to be doing in your life today?
Why not take a moment to ask her?
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 5: Bible Promises
[For this prayer station you will need a piece of paper and something to write with.]
Prayer for hope
Bible reflection:
‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’
Jeremiah 29:11
Reflect
Reflect on those areas of your life that are currently a struggle, and offer them in prayer to the god who promises to give you hope and a future. Think about the times when, with hindsight, you can see that God was at work, and give thanks.
Pray
Read Jeremiah 29:11 again in the different versions provided below.
Pray the words through as you read them, slowly. They may be very familiar, so take time to concentrate on them and on what they mean to you personally.
When you are ready, use the verse to guide your prayers of request and thanksgiving for current needs and for times in the past when God has revealed God’s plans for your life.
Give thanks to God for the hope found in trusting God and ask God to give a sense of this hope to others known to you who may be feeling uncertainty or despair.
Ask God to make Jeremiah 29:11 real in your everyday life or current struggles.
Write down this verse.
Keep it with you, as a reminder of your time of prayer and an encouragement to continue to trust in God.
You could think about giving it to someone who particularly needs its encouragement at the moment.
King James Version
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” saith the Lord, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
New International Version
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Revised English Bible
“I alone know my purpose for you,” says the Lord; “wellbeing and not misfortune, and a long line of descendants after you.”
Good News Bible
“I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.”
Youth Bible – New Century Version
“I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.”
Contemporary English Version
I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering.
The Message (vv 10-11)
This is God’s Word on the subject: “As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
This
resource is from “80 Creative Prayer Ideas” by Claire Daniel
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 6: LIGHT A CANDLE SAY A PRAYER
[For this prayer station you need a candle and something to light it with]
Light a candle and pray:
for the world
for the church
for those in need
for those you know and love
for yourself.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
THANK YOU
for being part of our Circuit Day of Prayer.
It has been a pleasure sharing with you.
God bless
Anne
Circuit Day of Prayer June 2023 pdf Version
Circuit Day of Prayer
June 2023
WELCOME
Welcome to our Circuit Day of Prayer.
There are seven prayer stations, each offering a way of praying creatively.
They are numbered, but feel free to visit them in which ever order you prefer.
You are invited to spend as much or as little time at each prayer station as you wish.
You can choose to visit them all in one go, or to spread them out over your day, week, month. Whatever works best for you.
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 1: Thanksgiving
[For this prayer station you will need a candle and matches. Light the candle before you start.]
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
John 1: 4-9
· Spend some time contemplating the above passage and the image below.
What hope we are given! No darkness of any kind can ever overcome the light of Christ.
What a mission we are given. Like John, we are called to be witnesses to that light.
What a responsibility but also a joy we are given. To recognize the light of Christ in all situations of our lives & our world.
· Focus on the burning candle. Give God a little time of quietness to speak to you, before you move on to another station.
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 2: Confession
[For this prayer station you will need a cross and
a sticky note. Alternatively you could draw a picture of a cross: 
]
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2: 1-4
· Where have you been selfish or conceited?
· Where have you lacked humility?
· When have you put your own interests above those of others?
Confess to God and ask his forgiveness.
Spend some time meditating on the attitude of Christ Jesus.
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ
is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:5-11
· Ask God to create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you.
Write your name on the sticky note and stick it on the cross. Or write your name on the cross you have drawn.
Hear then the words of grace:
YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 3: Surrender
[For this prayer station either print out the patchwork picture at the end of the station, or make your own copy – it doesn’t have to be exact! And find as many different colours as you can for colouring it in.]
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ …
…I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3: 7-14
Do you need to let go of regrets to help you press forward in discipleship?
As Christ draws you to himself what is he asking you to surrender?
As we surrender our lives to Christ we bring who we are – we come as we are – we can come no other way.
Who we are is a colourful weave of our joys and our sorrows; our failures and successes; our pain and our healing; our doubts and certainties.
As you select the different colours
and add them to the picture
say “ I Surrender All”,
– may they represent your ‘ALL’.
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 4: Saying YES
[For this prayer station you will need a piece of paper and something to write with.]
“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.”
But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.”
Luke 1:26-38
Consider Mary’s response as she overcame her initial doubts in order to joyfully obey God’s will.
As Christ draws you to himself ask him to reveal to you the next step he wants you to take as his follower & servant?
Hold before him any doubts or fears you may feel in following his will, and hand them over to him, and let God refresh & strengthen you.
Ponder Jesus’ commitment to do his Father’s will.
Make your own commitment now as you say:
“Here am I, the servant of the Lord;
let it be with me according to your word.”
And write your own “Yes” in bold letters on your piece of paper.
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 5: Faith
[For this prayer station if you have a selection of twigs, some cotton, and a safety pin, the suggestion is that you make yourself a cross to wear. If you haven’t got twigs, cotton and a safety pin, do you have anything you could fashion into a cross? Be creative!]
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into his grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And God does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
Romans 5:1-5
How strong does the bedrock of your faith feel just now?
Is your trust placed in God and God alone?
Ask God to increase your faith.
“The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning;
It’s time to sing Your song again.
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me,
Let me be singing when the evening comes.”
(You might wish to also read Romans 3:19-4:25)
Use the twigs, cotton and safety pin – or whatever you have available - and make a cross to wear – a reminder of the gift of FAITH that carries you on your journey.
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 6: Hope
[For this prayer station you need a piece of paper and something to write and draw with.]
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
Romans 8:23-25
Present any anxieties & concerns you may have to the God of Hope by writing them out on your piece of paper.
Invite God to renew God’s hope and peace in you:
“ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
Draw yourself an anchor (see picture below as a model and make it small enough to fit into your purse/wallet/pocket) as a symbol of the HOPE that you carry on your journey through life.
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 7: Love
[For this prayer station you need a piece of paper and something to write with.]
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be cancelled.
When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
1 Corinthians 13 (The Message)
Who are those people you find difficult to love?
Pray for God’s blessing on each one of them as you name them in your mind & heart.
Ask God to renew and increase your ability to love.
Love isn’t just a feeling it is action. Love is a verb.
Look at the list of actions below. They can all be actions that require getting out of your comfort zone in order to reach out in love. You will be able to think of others.
Spend some time in prayer asking God to show you how God is asking you to reach out in love.
Write down the actions of love that God is calling
you to do. Put your list somewhere that you will see it everyday as a reminder
of your commitment to love other people.
Love in action:
I will:
· spend time with someone who is in need of a friend.
· spend time getting to know someone I don’t know well or who is new to this church.
· discourage gossip when I hear it, and not pass it on to others.
· defend someone who is the subject of hostility or enmity.
· do an act of random kindness for someone
· share the gospel with friends, acquaintances & colleagues.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
THANK YOU
for being part of our Circuit Day of Prayer.
I hope that you have enjoyed engaging with the various prayer activities.
If you would like to create an on-line prayer station, or have thoughts or suggestions, please do let me know.
Our next on-line Prayer Day will be Thursday 27 July 2023.
See you then.
God bless
Anne
Circuit day of prayer May 2023 pdf version
Circuit Day of Prayer
April 2023
WELCOME
Welcome to our Circuit Day of Prayer.
There are seven prayer stations, each offering a way of praying creatively.
They are numbered, but feel free to visit them in which ever order you prefer. You may however find it useful to start with Prayer Station 1: A journey prayer.
You are invited to spend as much or as little time at each prayer station as you wish.
You can choose to visit them all in one, or to spread them out over time. Whatever works best for you.
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 1: Journey Prayer
The following prayer helps us to prepare for going into a quiet time with God.
Journey Prayer
“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.”
Psalm 17: 6
A prayer for setting out on a time of retreat and reflection. Take time to read or speak the words aloud slowly thinking what they mean for you.
Father God we come to you
To spend time with you
To praise you
To thank you
To grow closer to you
We set aside all that distracts us
We leave our worries in your hands
Give us the strength to leave them there and wait on your solutions
Help us to grow closer to you, to feel, see and hear your presence.
Fill us with your peace and increase our awareness of you in our daily lives
This we pray in Jesus’ name
Amen.
This prayer comes from Sanctuary First, a pioneering online worshipping community of the Church of Scotland. The following is a link to the Journey Prayer, part of their resources for ‘Going on retreat’.
https://www.sanctuaryfirst.org.uk/assets/documents/uploads/journey_prayer_retreat_resource.pdf
This is the link to their
website, if you would like to know more about Sanctuary First: https://www.sanctuaryfirst.org.uk/
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 2: PEACE
Read & reflect on the following Bible verse from Philippians:
‘And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:7).
Lord,bless me with Your peace.
Centre me in Your love,
That I may be secure in whose I am.
Still my raging mind,
That I may be free to focus on what really matters.
Quieten my prodigal tongue,
That I may be careful in the words I choose.
Calm my body,
That I may be rested and ready to journey.
Open my heart,
That I may be responsive to those who need me.
Make me a well of Your peace.
Lord, bless me with Your peace,
And may that peace become hospitality for others.
May I offer serenity and security
To those who crave shelter from the storm.
May I be a discerning listener
To those who need to talk.
May I be a reconciling presence
To those who have their differences.
May the peace You have gifted me
Spill over into those I meet.
Make me a channel of Your peace.
Lord, bless me with Your peace.
But may that peace
Galvanise me to fight for world peace.
Take my mind and make it think about
How I can help others live with dignity.
Take my tongue and make it speak
For those who have no voice or power.
Take my body and send me out
To work against injustice and abuse.
Take my heart and make it bleed
For those who are broken by poverty.
Make me an instrument of Your peace
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 2: PEACE cont
Take a moment of quiet.
Concentrate on your breathing.
See Jesus standing in front of you.
Jesus says, ‘Peace be with you, ...’, and says your name.
Feel the peace of Christ wash over you.
Breathe in the peace of Christ, letting it fill the centre of your being.
Be at peace in the love that will never let you go.
Rest in that peace for a moment.
Reflect – What opportunities for peacemaking did you notice or become involved in today/this week?
Give thanks for the peace that was made or pray a simple prayer of
‘Peace be with ...’,
and say someone’s name or name a situation.
Breathe in the peace of Christ, letting it fill the centre of your being.
Be at peace in the love that will never let you go.
Rest in that peace for a moment.
When you are ready, take that peace with you,
For Christ’s peace has focused, strengthened and prepared you for whatever lies ahead.
This resource can be found in the Racial Justice Sunday 2023 resources
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 3: OPENING OUR HEARTS TO GOD
[For this prayer station you need some ‘confetti’, ideally heart shaped. If you haven’t got any you could cut out a few heart shapes out of paper and use those.]
Prayer focus
To pour out our hearts, hopes, failings and feelings to God. To pray for the courage to spread God’s love around like the scattering of confetti. To pray that our words & actions might decorate the places we go with a sense of God’s love.
Bible reflection
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8)
Reflect
Our prayers sometimes take the form of pouring out our heart to God, just as we would to a friend or loved one. We can freely share with God, unburdening ourselves of those things that weigh heavily on our heart or talking about the things that we are bursting with excitement to share, with a thankful heart. Our hearts can also become filled with concerns for others. Our hearts go out to those in our wider community and the world who are suffering and in need. Jesus willingly poured out his love for us and his anguish for the suffering and sins of the world when he shed his blood upon the cross. This was the ultimate outpouring of love for a broken world, demonstrated by a blameless Saviour.
Pray
Place your heart shaped confetti in a container in front of you (you might want a sheet of paper to pour them onto.)
Look at the hearts and reflect on the great love poured out by Jesus, when he shed his blood as a sacrifice for the sins of the world so that we might know God’s love.
Bring to God all the concerns, hopes and joys that fill your heart, for yourself, your loved ones and the world.
When you are ready pour the confetti out and use this as a symbol of you giving to God all that is in your heart, your doubts, fears and delight.
Pray that you might have
opportunities to scatter God’s love wherever you go, like confetti, that his
love might be known.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 4: JUSTICE
[For this prayer station you need a jug of water and up to six identical glasses.]
Read & reflect on the following Bible passages:
‘Even though you bring
me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!’ (Amos 5:22-24)
‘When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.
‘Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? But now as for what is inside you – be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.
‘Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practised the latter without leaving the former undone.
‘Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the market-places.
‘Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.’ (Luke 11:37-44)
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 4: JUSTICE cont
Reflection
At the table
We sit.
Empty plates, but for a few crumbs.
Everyone’s had their fill again,
Satiated,
At least for now.
Turning on the taps,
We fill our bowls,
In the hope that the stains will disappear.
The water cascades
Over cup
And plate,
Cleansing it
Of any sign of human contact,
As if there had never been a meal.
In our polite conversation
And edgy discourse,
We fool ourselves
Into thinking we are making a difference.
We faithfully gather,
But are we just acting,
Waiting,
For the others to speak up
As we wash our hands?
Prayer
God of all,
You have shown us the path of justice.
You are the father of the orphan.
You are the constant companion of the widow.
You are the friend of the stranger.
In each of these,
May we meet You
And recognise the wind of Your Spirit,
Moving us toward the need for justice.
In all that we do,
May we know Your grace and mercy
And offer healing and justice in Your name
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 4: JUSTICE cont
‘But let justice roll on
like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!’ (Amos 5:24)
Imagine a river in full flow. Picture yourself standing on the bank and spend some time reflecting on the power held within the water rushing past you – how it has grown from a tiny wellspring, gathering force as the rain and other streams join it on its journey towards the sea.
Now imagine the power of God’s justice and righteousness like the river, sweeping away injustice and reforming the landscape.
Pick up the jug of water. Now pour the water evenly into each glass. Ensure that each glass has exactly the same amount of water.
Reflect:
• How much concentration and care did it take to make sure each glass contained exactly the same amount of water?
• How much more care do we need to take to ensure that there is equity and justice in our communities and society?
• How would you describe justice?
• Where have you recognised justice in action?
[Please would you pour the water back into the jug before you move on. Thank you]
This resource can be found in the Racial Justice Sunday 2023 resources
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 5: STATIONS OF THE RESURRECTION
Introduction
Through Lent and Passiontide there has been a long tradition in the Church of meditating on the events of the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, called the Stations of the Cross.
In the latter part of the twentieth century a complementary devotion emerged, possibly from the Iberian peninsula, called the Stations of the Resurrection or the Stations of Joy. These provide resources for the celebration of the Great Fifty Days: the time between Easter and Pentecost.
Each station focusses on a resurrection appearance of Jesus.
The resurrection appearances are more than just stories or history, they are a record of personal encounters with our risen Lord. Reflecting on these stories enables us to have our own encounters with Jesus.
Choose one of the stations listed opposite, and use the simple liturgy below as a way of reflecting on your chosen Bible reading.
You may wish to print out and colour in the Easter Cross as an aid to reflection.
The Stations of the Resurrection
Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
Those who believe in him will never die. Alleluia.
Read your chosen Bible passage.
Reflect on the story you have read.
Pray, in your own words, in response to the reading.
Praise to you Jesus:
Dying you destroyed our death,
Rising you restored our life,
Lord Jesus, come in glory.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 5: STATIONS OF THE RESURRECTION cont
The Stations of the Resurrection
|
1 |
The earthquake |
Matthew 28:2-4 |
|
2 |
Mary Magdalene finds the empty tomb |
John 20:1-2 |
|
3 |
The disciples run to the empty tomb |
John 20:3-8 |
|
4 |
The angel appears to the women |
Matthew 28.5-8 (also Mark 16:3-8 & Luke 24:2-9) |
|
5 |
Jesus meets the women |
Matthew 28:9-10 |
|
6 |
The road to Emmaus |
Luke 24:28-35 |
|
7 |
Jesus appears to the disciples |
Luke 24.36-43 (also John: 20:19-20) |
|
8 |
Jesus promises the Spirit |
Luke 24:44-49 |
|
9 |
Jesus commissions the disciples |
John 20:21-23 |
|
10 |
Jesus breathes the Spirit in the upper room |
John 20:22-23 |
|
11 |
Jesus reveals himself to Thomas |
John 20:24-29 |
|
12 |
Jesus appears at the lakeside |
John 21:9-13 |
|
13 |
Jesus confronts Peter |
John 21:15-19 |
|
14 |
Jesus and the beloved disciple |
John 21:20-23 |
|
15 |
Jesus appears to over five hundred at once |
1 Corinthians 15:3-6 |
|
16 |
Jesus commissions the disciples on the mountain |
Matthew 28:16-20 |
|
17 |
The ascension |
Acts 1:3-11 |
|
18 |
Pentecost |
Acts 2:1-11 |
|
19 |
Jesus appears to Saul (Paul) |
Acts 9:1-18 (also 1 Corinthians 15:8) |
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 6: PRAYER PLAITS
[For this prayer station you need some wool, preferably three different colours, and a pair of scissors, and maybe some tape to secure the wool as you plait it.]
Cut three equal lengths of wool (approx 9 inches or 22 centimetres) in the colours of your choice.
One colour represents yourself,
one represents God
and one represents other people.
Knot them together at one end.
As you reflect on your relationship with God and with others plait the wool.
Knot the end when you finish and, as you do so, say a prayer commending yourself and those you have thought about, to God's love.
This resource is taken from the Methodist Church Website
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 7: FAITH
A man struggles with belief and says to Jesus, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’
(Mark 9:24)
Lord of faith,
So often I struggle with what to believe;
The loose ends,
The unanswered questions,
The eternal ‘Why?’
Too often I have little to say to those who ask
And find myself with the same doubts.
Why this tragedy?
Why that death?
Why the unfairness?
Why the disappointment?
I believe, but help my unbelief!
When I struggle with things too great,
When I feel unequal to the task,
When I reel from blows,
When the world goes dark,
Take me by the hand,
Lift me up,
That I may arise
And see the brightness of a new day,
The colours of creation,
The power of faith at work.
For me, and for all who struggle with their faith,
Bring that touch of belief
Which banishes the shadow of doubt,
That I may see, that I may believe.
Amen
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 7: FAITH cont
A man struggles with belief and says to Jesus, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’
(Mark 9:24)
When times are hard, when there is so much going on in the world around us, it can be challenging to keep faith and to trust. Often faith can be described as the ability to believe in difficult things, but there is so much more to it than that. Faith is to trust in something deeper, more than a conviction. It is more profound than a sincerity of intention and more akin to fidelity and devotion. Faith is a gift from God. Faith can grow, and it can start as small as a mustard seed.
Faith can sustain us, it can uphold us, unite us and inspire us. Faith, we are told, can move mountains.
Reflect on these verses from Scripture:
‘For we live by faith, not by sight.’ (2 Corinthians 5:7)
‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.’ (Hebrews 11:1-3).
What do they say to you about faith?
Reflect on a story of when you were faithful.
What do you need more faith for at the moment?
Ask God for the faith to... [what is your prayer?]
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 8: LIGHT A CANDLE SAY A PRAYER
[For this prayer station you need a candle and something to light it with]
Light a candle and pray:
for the world
for the church
for those in need
for those you know and love
for yourself.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
THANK YOU
for being part of our Circuit Day of Prayer.
I hope that you have enjoyed engaging with the various prayer activities.
If you would like to create an on-line prayer station, or have thoughts or suggestions, please do let me know.
Our next Prayer Day will be on Thursday 25 May 2023.
See you then.
God bless
Anne
Circuit Day of Prayer
March 2023
WELCOME
Welcome to our Circuit Day of Prayer.
PRAYER STATIONS FOR LENT
Lent is a time of preparation leading up to Good Friday and on to Easter Sunday.
It is traditionally a time of prayer, of fasting, of giving, and of forgiving others.
It is a time for developing our relationship with God.
To help you become still and focussed, find somewhere to sit and try one or more of the ideas overleaf.
You are invited to visit the prayer stations in any order you wish, and to spend as much or as little time at each.
May you be blessed as you spend time with God.
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 1: ENTERING INTO STILLNESS
Some ideas for preparing for prayer, for becoming still and focussed. Find somewhere to sit and make yourself comfortable.
· Close your eyes and listen to your breathing. The Holy Spirit is called the breath of God. Invite God to breathe within you. Spend several minutes just allowing your breathing to slow down as you relax in the presence of God.
· Perhaps you want to develop this by breathing in time with your breathing. You could try breathing in the love of God and breathing out your worries and concerns.
· Some people find it helpful to work through the muscles of their body from head to toes or vice versa, just tensing and relaxing each one.
· Richard Foster talks about ‘Palms down, palms up’. Hold your hands away from you and ask God to remove all the concerns and worries which might distract you during prayer. When you have done so, turn your palms over as a way of signalling to God, I am ready and available to receive all you have to give me.
· Visualise putting all your cares and concerns in a basket and then handing them over to God for safekeeping.
· Visualise yourself journeying to a special place of rest and quiet, enjoying the journey and then meeting Jesus there and beginning to share with him.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 2: WANT HAVE DO
[For this prayer station you need something to write on]
Read the following quote from Evelyn Underhill:
“We mostly spend our lives conjugating three verbs: to want, to have and to do … forgetting that none of these verbs have any ultimate significance, except so far as they are transcended by and included in the fundamental verb ... to be”
• Write down on pieces of paper (or on your phone) anything on your mind connected with the words want, have and do; especially anything that prevents you from being still, at rest and centred.
• Read each piece of paper or note slowly and one by one in your mind place it at the foot of the cross.
• Sit still for a while and picture yourself resting in Jesus’ presence with empty hands, just being with the one who loves you most, the one who knows and loves the very depths of you, the one who died and rose for you.
Taken from: All_Saints_Holy_Week_Prayer_Stations_2020 small.pdf
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 3: Easter Mandela
[For this prayer station you need to print out the mandela, or draw your own picture to colour]
“It is impossible to represent invisible things except
by means of those which are visible”
Hugh of St Victor
• Slowly and carefully colour in the Mandala, thinking about the events of Holy week as you do so and being open to God’s presence.
• Choose colours that represent your relationship with Jesus and your feelings as you journey with him through Holy Week.
• Perhaps colour this in in phases over several days, it is not the end result that matters but the time spent in contemplation as you colour.
Taken from: All_Saints_Holy_Week_Prayer_Stations_2020 small.pdf
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 4: Imagining Jesus
In the place where you are right now, where might Jesus choose to sit or stand?
Can you imagine him there now?
How does noticing that he’s present change how you feel?
This resource is from an original idea developed by Edel McClean and Alison Hulse from the North West and Mann Learning Network of the Methodist Church, using images originally created by Go Creative Design. Registered charity no. 1132208.
© Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 2022
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 5: ‘It’s not like it used to be’
[For this prayer station you need to something to nibble: sweet or savoury snacks, such as crisps or mini chocolate bars or sweets]
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me
a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:12
Reflect:
People often comment, especially as they get older, how things in life are ‘not like they used to be.’ Favourite chocolate bars have become smaller or don’t taste as good, and crisp packets seem half empty. Does your faith feel a bit like this sometimes? Is it not as ‘big’ as it used to be? Does it seem ‘half full’ or not as ‘sweet’ as you remember it once was?
Pray:
As you eat some of the snacks, ask God to renew in you (or fill you for the first time) with the joy and ‘sweetness’ that so many people feel when they begin their journey of faith. Take time to think of ways to rediscover this joy.
If your faith feels half full or not as big as it used to, ask God to renew or refill you with God’s Holy Spirit over this Lent and Easter time as you take time to pray and reflect on your journey with God.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 6: Seeing God
When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it. He was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.
Genesis 28:16-17
Read and prayerfully reflect on the following verse by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Earth is crammed with heaven,
and every common bush afire with God,
but only he who sees
takes off his shoes.
Where have you seen God recently?
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 7: LIGHT A CANDLE SAY A PRAYER
[For this prayer station you need a candle and something to light it with]
Light a candle and pray:
for the world
for the church
for those in need
for those you know and love
for yourself.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
THANK YOU
for being part of our Circuit Day of Prayer.
I hope that you have enjoyed engaging with the various prayer activities.
If you would like to create an on-line prayer station, or have thoughts or suggestions, please do let me know.
Our next Prayer Day will be on Thursday 27 April 2023.
See you then.
God bless
Anne
January 2023 Circuit Day of Prayer pdf
November 2022 Circuit Day of Prayer pdf
September 2022 Circuit day of Prayer pdf
Welcome
Welcome to our Circuit Day of Prayer
On Thurs 30th June our Prayer day Is happening in person at Lanchester Methodist Church with Kath Jones . Please click on the PDF Version to view the whole content, Thank you.
June 2022 Circuit Day of Prayer pdf Version
May 2022 Circuit Day of Prayer pdf Version
WELCOME
Welcome to our Circuit Day of Prayer.
On Thursday 26 May, our Day of Prayer is happening in person, at Consett Methodist Church.
The day begins with a short service of Holy Communion at 9.30 am. Then the church will be open until 2 pm. There are various prayer stations set up in the church, each with different prayer activities, for you to visit, in your own time, in your own way.
These prayer stations are also available here, in an adapted form.
Enjoy!
THY KINGDOM COME
Ascension Day, Thursday 26 May 2022 – Pentecost, Sunday 5 June
For this prayer station you will need a length of ribbon, or wool, or a shoelace.
Praying for others to know Jesus is one of the most powerful things we can do. Persistent prayer for others brings transformation to their lives.
Consistently praying for others takes discipline, and there are many ways that we can build up habits that will help us to pray for our friends and family.
Choose five people you would regularly like to pray for and write their names down onto a list. If you’re not sure who to pray for, ask God to guide you as you choose.
Once you have settled on 5 names, commit to praying for them regularly by praying the following:
Loving Father,
in the face of Jesus Christ
your light and glory have blazed forth.
Send your Holy Spirit that I may share with my friends [here, name your
friends]
the life of your Son and your love for all.
Strengthen me as a witness to that love
as I pledge to pray for them,
for your name’s sake. Amen.
Take your ribbon/wool/shoe lace, and tie five knots in it to represent each of the five people you have committed to pray for. You could carry the knotted string in your pocket, tie it round your wrist or place it somewhere that you’ll see it regularly. Use the knots to remind you to pray for each person on your list of five.
Ascension Day, Thursday 26 May 2022 – Pentecost, Sunday 5 June
For this prayer station you will need a Bible. Or follow this link:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202&version=CEV
Meditating on Acts 2
Make yourself comfortable and invite God to speak to you as you read God’s word.
Choose a Bible and read Acts chapter 2
Notice what words, phrases or moments jump out at you from this chapter (if it helps write down your observations)
How did the coming of the Holy Spirit affect those who were filled?
How did the coming of the Holy Spirit impact those who saw those who were filled?
Pause a moment and worship God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Read Acts Chapter 2 again but this time imagine it is your church gathered, waiting on God. Imagine that it is the streets of your town, city or neighbourhood that your church, filled with the Spirit, spills out onto.
What impact could such a visible outpouring of God’s power have on your neighbours?
Pray for yourself, your
church, your town and anything else that has struck you from your meditation.
Ascension Day, Thursday 26 May 2022 – Pentecost, Sunday 5 June
For this prayer station you will need a match and a candle.
Welcoming the Holy Spirit
When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples at Pentecost, she appeared as tongues of fire. Use a candle to invite the Holy Spirit into your life now.
· Hold an unlit match – spend a few moments reflecting on your walk with God at present
· Strike the match – ask the Lord to ignite a new level of intimacy in your relationship with him
· Light a candle – invite the Holy Spirit into your life for the first time, or afresh as you watch the flame
· Wait – spend some time waiting on the Holy Spirit, if it helps, try holding your hands out, palms upward, as a physical symbol of your welcome to him.
Ascension Day, Thursday 26 May 2022 – Pentecost, Sunday 5 June
For this prayer station you will need a candle and something to light it with.
Light in the darkness
Read the dream copied below.
Sit with God and see how your tiny light can make a difference where you are placed, with the people you are in contact with, and with your family.
Commit yourself again to carry the Christ light even in what seem the darkest places.
When you have finished, simply light your candle as a sign between you and God. Amen
A dream
I was walking with the Lord in my dream.Just wanting to be a child holding onto my father’s hand.
We came to a cliff edge and as we often did when we were kids, we laid down on our tummies and looked over the cliff edge into the valley below.
I expected to see the usual thing – green pastures, trees, beauty – but what I actually saw was the darkness of the world.
I could see bullying and war and discrimination. I saw poverty and famine, with injustice, and refugees queuing in long lines. I saw knife and gun crime. I saw diseases and the whole gamut of evil in the world.
I sensed that the Lord was telling me that I had to get down into all of that and try and do something about it.
I felt totally overwhelmed and asked how I could even get down the cliff face never mind what I could do about it once I was there in the middle of it all.
Then I noticed some steps cut into the cliff’s edge that were so steep I had to be carried down them as they were too big for me to manage.
I saw that on each step was carved a word – HOPE, COMPASSION, INTEGRITY, FAITHFULNESS, SINCERITY, LOVE, TRUTH, CONSISTENCY, TENACITY, AND PRAYER.
Having finally arrived in the middle of all this blackness, I saw that I’d become like a tiny flickering flame that lit up just a minuscule part of my surroundings.
Then as I looked up, other people came with their tiny flames.
Like mine they were almost insignificant, and yet together we began to light that particular part where we were standing, and it wasn’t dark anymore.
It was making inroads into the darkness. Gradually those lights lit the lives of people caught in darkness.
Ascension Day, Thursday 26 May 2022 – Pentecost, Sunday 5 June
For this prayer station you need to follow this link and open up the:
‘Thy Kingdom Come Prayer Journal’ written by Justin Welby.
https://www.thykingdomcome.global/resources/new-2022
Thy Kingdom Come: Prayer Journal
Open the link above, and then open up the 2022 Prayer Journal.
Read the introduction, and then read the page headed ‘Power,’ along with the prayer that follows, ‘after Teresa of Avila.’
Ascension Day, Thursday 26 May 2022 – Pentecost, Sunday 5 June
For this prayer station you need to follow this link and open up the:
‘Thy Kingdom Come Novena’ written by Justin Welby.
https://www.thykingdomcome.global/resources/new-2022
Thy Kingdom Come: Prayer Journal
Open the link above, and then open up the 2022 Novena.
Read the introduction.
Read the reflection for Day 1.
Meditate on the following artwork.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
THANK YOU
for being part of our Circuit Day of Prayer.
I hope that these prayer stations have been helpful and enabled you to pray.
If you would like to take part in the planning or the production of one of our online Days of Prayer, do get in touch. Your contributions will be much appreciated.
Likewise, if your church would like to host an ‘in person’ prayer day.
Looking forward to sharing with you next time, on Thursday 30 June 2022.
God bless
Anne
March 2022
WELCOME
Welcome to our Circuit Day of Prayer.
On Thursday 24 March, our Day of Prayer is happening in person, at Consett Methodist Church.
The day begins with a short service of Holy Communion at 9.30 am. Then the church will be open until 2 pm. There are various prayer stations set up in the church, each with different prayer activities, for you to visit, in your own time, in your own way.
These prayer stations are also available here, in an adapted form.
Enjoy!
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
INTRODUCTION
PRAYER STATIONS FOR LENT
Welcome to our Circuit Prayer Day.
Lent is a time of preparation leading up to Good Friday and on to Easter Sunday.
It is traditionally a time of prayer, of fasting, of giving, and of forgiving others.
It is a time for developing our relationship with God.
One of the things that I like to do in Lent is to do a selection of daily readings. I take a great deal of encouragement and inspiration from these readings, some of which I read year after year.
These readings form the basis of the Prayer Stations today. They are taken from the following books and handbooks:
“The heart’s time” by Janet Morley
“Lenten Adventure” by David Rhodes
“Praying the Passion” by Ken Taylor
“Lent for everyone, Luke” by Tom Wright
“Barefoot Prayers” by Stephen Cherry
May you be blessed as you spend time with God.
“The heart’s time. A poem a day for Lent and Easter” by Janet Morley
(Published by SPCK in 2011)
The poem for today is “The Moment” by Margaret Atwood.
Here is a link to the poem on-line:
https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-moment/
Prayer Activity
Read the poem
In the book, Janet Morley provides a commentary on the book and then asks the following questions:
What do you feel you own? Consider your assets, job, family, property, achievements, memories and so on. Does it matter if you don’t really own them?
Ponder these questions.
Make a list of all that you have that you want to thank God for.
Turn that list into a silent prayer of thanksgiving.
“Lenten Adventure. Daily reflections from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day” by David Rhodes
(Published by SPCK in 2000)
Prayer Activity
The chapter for today is entitled: Day 23, Week 4, Thursday, The Risk-Taker.
In this chapter David Rhodes talks about some ‘rather unusual city-centre prayer events called Retreats on the Streets’ that have taken place in Leeds. They are organized by Leeds Church Institute.
Here is a link to their website and to an advert for the retreats:
https://lcileeds.org/retreat-on-the-streets/
This is the text from that advert. Before reading it again, think of a town or city that you know well. As you read, imagine that this passage is describing a ‘Retreat on the Streets’ there.
“Many of us claim to
know our city well, particularly the centre. We go there daily to work or
study, perhaps weekly for shopping, entertainment or to meet friends. But all
these activities bring a sense of purpose and we are in the city for a reason,
possibly preoccupied, even oblivious of what is going on around us. We probably
have the resources which enable us to make choices of where to go or what to
do, and the sense of identity which goes with being there.
Joining a
‘Retreat on the Streets’ for a few hours will bring a different perspective, as
we leave all the usual possessions behind. Without any resources or choices,
our only purpose will be to immerse ourselves in the life of the city – its people,
places, atmosphere and happenings. It is not playing at being poor, but an
opportunity to glimpse the reality of simply being in the city as experienced
by some people every day. It will enable us to seek God in our city, perhaps in
the most unexpected places, situations or encounters – and we may never see
Leeds in the same way again!”
Now spend a few moments imagining yourself doing a ‘Retreat on the Streets’ in your chosen place. What might you experience?
What might you learn?
If you want to read more about this, here is a link to a reflection on the retreats, from 29 January 2015: https://lcileeds.org/retreat-on-the-streets-2
“Praying the Passion. Daily readings and prayers for Lent” by Ken Taylor
(Published by Kevin Mayhew Ltd in 1996)
The entry for today is headed:
Day 23
JUDGEMENT
The Bible reading is
Matthew 26: 63 – 68.
This reading is also in
Mark 14: 61 – 65 and
Luke 22: 63 – 71
Reflect on what these passages may be saying
to you
to your church
to our world
today.
“Lent for everyone. Luke. Year C” by Tom Wright.
(Published by SPCK in 2009)
This book is dedicated ‘To the Christian Churches in the North-East of England’.
It was part of ‘the big Read.
Thousands of people across the North-East of England, and some beyond, took part in an ecumenical project in Lent and Eastertide 2010.
Luke’s gospel was the book to work through that year. Churches, small groups involving people from several different Christian denominations, and individuals, read daily passages from this book, along with the commentaries from Tom Wright, and then came together for weekly Bible Studies to share together what they were learning.
Maybe you were part of the project?
The reading for today is Luke 11: 33 – 36
Prayer Activity
Read the passage from Luke.
In the book, Tom Wright provides a commentary on the book and then asks the following questions:
What have you gazed on in the last couple of days?
What would you like to gaze on today?
Write down your answers if that would be helpful.
“Barefoot Prayers. A meditation a day for Lent and Easter” by Stephen Cherry
(Published by SPCK in 2013)
This book was the focus of the Big Read in 2014. (For more information about the Big Read, see previous page).
Prayer Activity
The meditation for today is entitled “Hatred”
The following is a link to a response to this meditation.
https://sallysjourney.typepad.com/sallys_journey/2014/03/hatred.html
Invite God into your reading
Read the words slowly, and listen to what God is saying to you
through them.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
THANK YOU
for being part of our Circuit Day of Prayer.
I hope that these prayer stations have been helpful and enabled you to pray.
If you would like to take part in the planning or the production of one of our online Days of Prayer, do get in touch. Your contributions will be much appreciated.
Likewise, if your church would like to host an ‘in person’ prayer day.
Looking forward to sharing with you next time, on Wednesday 27 April 2022.
God bless
Anne
February 2022
Welcome to the Circuit Prayer Day for 17th February 2022.
Today we take time to reflect on Love, Peace and Unity. There will be five prayer stations as we go through which can be done in any order. Please feel free to add your comments underneath the posts. We also pray that you will enjoy spending time in God's presence.
Prayer Station 1
Read Luke 10: 25 - 37 The Good Samaritan
The teacher of the law asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbour?" This is when Jesus gave them the example of being a good neighbour.
So who do we see as our neighbours?
What can we do to be a good neighbour?
Prayer
Father, we pray that you will guide us so we can recognise our neighbours in everyone we meet. Help us to be like the Samaritan who stopped to help those who were in great need. May we never cross by on the other side because our lives are too busy to help those in need. Let your love and wisdom flow through us so they can see through all we do in your name Amen.
Prayer Station 2
Nails in the Fence
There was once a boy who had a very bad temper. One day, his father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. On the first day alone, the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.
Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his temper, the number of nails hammered began to dwindle. The boy discovered it was easier to hold his temper than it was to drive those nails into the fence where often he would catch his thumb. Finally, the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He told his father about it, who congratulated him on the lesson he had learned. He suggested that the boy should now pull out a nail for every day he held his temper.
The days passed and eventually the young boy was able to tell his father that all the nails had been removed. The father took his son to the fence and said, “You have done well my son, but look at all the holes that are in the fence. The fence will never be the same again. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can draw a knife in a man and draw it out. It doesn’t matter how many times you say sorry, the wound is still there.”
The boy then understood how powerful words were. He looked up at his father and said, “I hope you can forgive me father, for the many holes I’ve put in you.” “Of course I can”, said his father.
The tongue has no bones, but it is strong enough to break a heart. This is why we must be careful with our words.
Read James 3: 1 – 18 entitled The Taming of the Tongue. Then take your time to go through the questions below.
How easy is it for us to use our tongues for the wrong reason?
Have you ever been angry and said things you couldn’t take back?
Do you feel you carry resentments or anger?
Do you carry hurts and scars in your heart and feel it’s time to let them go?
In your mind, talk to God about how you feel. Taking in a deep breath, imagine it as your anger, resentments, hurts and scars. As you blow the breath out, imagine God taking them all away from you. You are finally being freed from all that holds you back. You may want to do this a few times to really let go.
Prayer
Father, as I blow out this breath; release me from the chains and burdens that hold me back from my walk with you. Help me move forward with a heart full of love and over the coming weeks, help me blow away any old feelings that try and resurface so I may be truly free. Amen.
Prayer Station 3
Bind Us Together In Love Read Colossians 3: 12 – 17
Bind us together, Lord, bind us together with cords that cannot be broken Bind us together, Lord, bind us together. Bind us together in Love. There is only one God. There is only one King. There is only one Body, that is why we sing. Fit for the glory of God, purchased by His precious Son Born with the right to be free for Jesus the victory has won. We are the family of God. We are the promise divine. We are God’s chosen desire. We are the glorious new wine. Bind us together, Lord, bind us together with cords that cannot be broken Bind us together, Lord, bind us together. Bind us together in Love. In the comments below, write down something you want to thank God for. Your comments will be made into a colourful paper chain that can become our prayer chain that is bound together by God’s love. Prayer God of love and trust, bind us together in your love using cords that will never be severed or broken. Make us sensitive to the needs of others in our communities. Forgive us when we hurt others and help us to be forgiving when others hurt us. Help us to keep our light shining for you in this world of darkness. May we always be united with one another but also united in love with you. Amen
Prayer Station 4
Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ
Read Ephesians chapter 4 In Paul’s letter, he talks of unity and how we are chosen to be God’s people. How many times have we let squabbles or disagreements stop us from doing the will of God? Paul describes us as being the body of Christ. We all know that if a part of the body isn’t working as it should be, it slows us down and we don’t function as well as we could do. If we have disagreements with others, that stops us being united as the body of Christ, does this mean we’re not as effective in our lives as disciples? Please add a heart emoji of any colour in the comments below. It will be added to a blank heart that is on the prayer station in Church. This is a new promise to God to strive to bring unity and love within your Church and your Communities. Our Prayer Lord, we pray for a Church that is united in you. For a Church that looks only to you and your will. A Church that has no time for pride and selfishness. We promise to strive to create a Church, a body of Christ where all are united, not just in word, but in deed too. May we strive to love one another, just as you love us. As Churches united in love, may we strive to let your love be shown to all we meet. Amen
Prayer Station 5
Peace in God’s World
A friend of mine once asked me, just how could I believe In someone I never saw, nor spoken words received. I thought, perhaps, I should explain just why I have no doubt That it was God's creativeness that brought this world about. I only have to look around to know that He is there. I see and feel and hear Him. That's why I'm so aware. I see Him in the raindrops that nourish trees and flowers. I see Him in the rainbows that sometimes follow showers. I see Him in a mother's love when looking at her child. So thankful that this miracle is pure and undefiled. I see Him in the wrinkled face that's seen so many years, Knowing it was faith in Him that overcame all fears. I hear Him when a meadowlark trills out its joyful song. I hear Him when the thunder comes forth so loud and strong. I see the beauty of Him in the butterflies on wing. The feathers of the peacock are the colours He can bring. I feel Him when a playful breeze blows gently through my hair. When the sun shines warmly on my face, I know that He is there. His strength shows in the mountains and the ever-pounding seas. A kitten's purred affection shows how gentle love can be. It's true I have no pictures to hang upon my wall. I do not need a portrait, His presence to recall. For those who wish to listen, it is played throughout the land. The symphony of life itself, directed by His hand. By Alora M. Knight Peace In God’s World When we watch the news or read the newspapers, there seems to be so much bad news and things that make us worry. We see the threats of one nation to another. We see the effects of global warming and a planet that is slowly being destroyed. We see the effects of poverty not only across the globe but even in our own communities. We live in a world full of stress and worry. Read Romans 12: 9 - 21 Using the picture of the globe, write in the comments a country you have chosen to pray for in the coming year. Prayer for Peace Spirit of Peace, we ask for your guidance and wisdom as we strive for peace. Inspire and enliven our efforts to make peace a reality in our wartorn world. Grant us peace of mind and heart and help us to make peace with the unsettled parts of our lives. Show us what it means to practice love of self. Encircle our homes with peace. Remind us daily of the value of words and actions that foster kindness and consideration. Enrich our neighbourhoods, parishes, and communities with peace. Teach us how to listen to each other with respect, and to widen our circles of compassion and caring. Make peace a reality across the globe. Broaden our understanding and acceptance of those who belong to other nations, religions, and races. Spirit of peace, we thank you for your guidance and wisdom as we strive for peace. May our efforts to be peacemakers ripple out into the world and draw us together as a global family. Amen
January 2022
WELCOME
Welcome to our Circuit Day of Prayer.
On Thursday 27 January, our Day of Prayer is happening in person, at Consett Methodist Church.
The day begins with a short service of Holy Communion at 9.30 am. Then the church will be open until 2 pm. There are various prayer stations set up in the church, each with different prayer activities, for you to visit, in your own time, in your own way.
For those of you unable to attend in person, there are some prayer stations available here.
Enjoy!
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
The Teaching of Jesus
Read Luke 4: 14 – 30
Response
When we feel lost in the maze of modern life
Lord, guide us into your way of eternal truth.
Prayer Activity
Praying with a Labyrinth
¨ Be still and gently pray: I place myself in your presence O Lord, my God.
¨ When you are ready, slowly trace the path of the labyrinth with a finger, use a finger on the hand that you do not write with, just let your thoughts come to the surface and let them flow … Jesus is with you every step of the way, you are never alone. You are always loved by God.
¨ When you reach the centre ... consider your thoughts …
¨ ... stay in the centre for a while and spend some time in prayer and reflection receiving God’s love and blessing.
¨ When you are ready ... return along the same path … return gratefully, prayerfully …
¨ As you exit the labyrinth give thanks and praise to God:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
(from 2014 Pilgrim Paths Ltd www.pilgrimpaths.co.uk
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
The Teaching of Jesus
Read Luke 8: 4 – 15
Response
Lord, there are times when I am in the valley of doubt, and occasions when I am on the mountain-top of faith;
Help me to know in joy and sorrow, in health or sickness, in the valleys and on the mountains, that you are with me.
Prayer Activity
A Conversation with God
In the presence of your loving Creator, look honestly at your feelings over the last day, the highs, the lows and the level ground.
(If it helps, write them down or draw a map of your day, showing the highs and lows.)
Can you see where the Lord has been present?
What are the reasons you have to give thanks?
Which situations are you aware of that need God’s care and protection?
Offer all these to God who accepts our thanksgiving and hears our prayers.
Talk to God … about what is in your heart right now.
Be Still and Know
Read the following phrase. Repeat the phrase, but each time you read it out leave out the last line (i.e. read all 5 lines, then the first 4, then the first 3, then the first 2 and then only the first line).
BE
STILL
AND KNOW
THAT I AM
GOD
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Read John 1: 29 - 42
Meditation words: He brought him to Jesus.
Prayer Activity
“The Invitation Cross”
¨ Sit quietly for a moment. Be open to God’s prompting.
¨ Ask God, whether there is someone God is calling or prompting or nudging you to invite to church, or to an activity at church.
¨ Keep silence as you await God’s response.
¨ If you sense God is prompting you to invite someone, write down their name or their initials.
¨ If you don’t sense a prompting, that is fine, just enjoy the stillness, and wait on God.
¨ If you are prompted to invite someone, reflect on how and when you are going to invite this person. Offer your thoughts to God.
(From The National Weekend of Invitation)
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Read John 2: 1 - 11
Response
Inspire us, Father God, that we might be a people of celebration,
Joining with others in songs of joy and peace.
Prayer Activity
Thanksgiving
If you can time yourself, try to spend at least five minutes on this activity.
¨ Begin this time of thanksgiving by thinking about all God has given you in recent days.
¨ Use these moments of reflection as a basis for offering specific thanksgiving for spiritual, material, physical and external blessings.
¨ Frequently thank God “in advance” for blessings you expect God to bestow on you in the future.
¨ Thank God for at least one particular blessing you have not thanked God for previously.
¨
¨ If it helps you to focus, write a list of all that you want to thank God for. Or draw them.
(From The Hour that changes the world Dick Eastman)
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Read John 14: 8 - 14
Meditation words: I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will also do what I have been doing. They will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
Prayer Activity
Discipleship
¨ Reflect on all the different ways, in your life so far, you have responded to the call to discipleship.
¨ Thing of the different roles and tasks that you have undertaken to serve God in the life of the Church, and beyond.
¨ Reflect on the way in which God has used your gifts and talents.
¨ If it helps you to focus, make a list, or a drawing.
¨ Give thanks for the privilege of serving God in all these different ways, roles and tasks.
¨ Make a paper windmill, as a symbol of you catching the wind of the Spirit to hear what God is calling you to today.
HOW TO MAKE
PAPer windmill 
Instructions for this origami Pinwheel are taken from Pinterest.
1. Fold a square sheet of paper in half horizontally, and unfold. Fold in half again vertically, and unfold. Now you will get a horizontal line and vertical line on the paper.
2. Fold the left and right edge of the paper towards the centre dot. Unfold. Now we have 4 vertical folds on our square paper.
3. Do the same for the top and bottom edge of the paper and fold them towards the centre dot. Unfold. Now we have 4 more horizontal folds.
4. Now fold the paper diagonally, to get an X-shaped crease. Unfold. Flip the paper on the other side.
5.
Fold the four
corners towards the centre of the paper. Unfold.
Turn the paper over. You are now ready to shape the paper into a windmill base.
6. Refold the crease located one-quarter of the distance from the bottom edge of the paper. And Refold the crease located one-quarter of the way from the right edge of the paper at the same time.
7. A small flap of paper will be formed. Swivel it towards the right side of the paper. You can also swivel the flap downwards, but be sure to stay consistent with which direction you fold subsequent flaps.
8. Rotate the paper 90 degrees clockwise.
9. Repeat steps 6 and 7 and a second flap will be formed.
10. Rotate the paper 90 degrees clockwise again.
11. Repeat steps 6 and 7 one more time. This will form two more flaps.
12. And our Windmill is finished. Press with your finger on all edges of Windmill once again so it keeps its shape.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
The Teaching of Jesus
Read Luke 7: 18 – 28
Response
Lord of the oceans, when we face a time of stormy waters
Guide us by your grace into the calm waters of new seas.
Prayer Activity
Make a paper boat to take with you as a reminder to us that God is our peace; and as a symbol of God guiding us into the calm waters of new seas.
Find instructions here:
https://www.origami-fun.com/support-files/origami-boat-print.pdf
Prayers for those in need
Name before God those people and situations that are particularly on your heart at this time.
If you are able, light a candle/candles as visual symbols of your prayers.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
THANK YOU
for being part of our Circuit Day of Prayer.
I hope that these prayer stations have been helpful and enabled you to pray.
If you would like to take part in the planning or the production of one of our online Days of Prayer, do get in touch. Your contributions will be much appreciated.
Likewise, if your church would like to host an ‘in person’ prayer day.
Looking forward to sharing with you next time, on Thursday 17 February 2022.
God bless
Anne
November 2021
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
WELCOME to our Circuit Day
Our Day of Prayer is happening, in person, at Consett Methodist Church.
There are various prayer stations set up in the church, each with different prayer activities, for you to visit, in your own time, in your own way.
Here are the Prayer Stations
(NB If the prayer stations are not appearing together on your Facebook feed, if you go to the North West Durham Methodist Circuit page, look above the first post that you can see, and you should be able to see the words: 'New activity' followed by a down pointing arrow. If you click on the arrow, you can then choose between 'New activity' or 'Recent posts'. If you select 'Recent Posts' then you should be able to see the posts in the order in which they were posted onto the page.
PRAYER STATION 1: JOURNEYS
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”
Luke 2: 4 – 5
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’”
Luke 2: 15
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem”
Matthew 2: 1
In the stories of Jesus’ birth, we hear of various journeys. Just like Mary & Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi, we too are on a journey to Bethlehem.
Spend some time considering where you are on your journey with God.
PRAYER STATION 2: PRAYING
(You will need strips of paper and sellotape)
Take a moment to consider the names of people, places, or causes you would like to lift up in prayer.
As these names come to your mind, write them down on a strip of paper.
Then, use the sellotape to connect your strips as loops to the existing chain as a way of connecting your prayers with the prayers of others.
Make as many loops as you would like.
PRAYER STATION 3: NORTH WEST DURHAM CIRCUIT PLAN
(You will need a copy of the Dec 21 - Feb 22 Circuit Plan)
You are invited to spend some time praying for the services on the plan.
Not all of them, unless you really want to.
You might want to focus on a particular church,
or a particular preacher,
or on the special Christmas Services.
Pray for those leading worship, preaching
and taking part, for their preparations and on the day;
for members of the congregations, for their preparations and on the day.
You might want to focus on those who will be attending because it is Christmas. Pray that each will receive a warm welcome and encounter Christ.
Pray for the services at which you will be present.
PRAYER STATION 4: WAITING
(You will need post-it notes)
Advent is a time of anticipation and waiting.
During this season we eagerly await the birth of our Messiah, Jesus Christ.
For hundreds of years God’s people anxiously awaited the promised Saviour and we, as Christians today, anxiously await his return.
What are you waiting for this Advent season?
Take a moment to consider that question.
Then, write your answer on a Post-It note and stick it on the wall.
What do you think God is waiting for this
Advent season?
Take a moment to consider that question.
Then, write your answer on a Post-It note and stick it on the wall.
PRAYER STATION 5: CANDLE LIGHTING
(You will need candles/tea-lights)
Light a candle and pray for a place in your life – or in the world around you – where God’s light is needed to shine in the darkness.
PRAYER STATION 6: FOCUSSING
(You will need a piece of paper)
Often it is easy for us to lose sight of the true meaning of the Christmas season. We are bombarded by mixed messages of what this time of year is all about. These distractions can, at times, make it difficult to focus on our faith and our connection to God.
Spend a few moments naming some of the distractions that keep you from focusing on God. Worries. Stress. Relationships. School. Work. TV. etc
Then, using the paper and pens, write down your list of distractions and place them somewhere where you can’t see them and where you won’t find them again in a hurry.
Think of this as a gesture of letting go of the things that hold you back.
Now spend a moment considering how you can use this freedom to deepen your connection to God and focus on God this Advent season.
PRAYER STATION 7: REFLECTIONS FOR ADVENT
(You will be need two copies of our CIrcuit Booklet of Reflections for Advent)
You are invited to help yourself to a copy of our ‘Reflections for Advent’ (available in your church from Sunday or from the Circuit Office)
But
if you do take one, your challenge is to take a second copy and pass it on to someone.
Spend a moment reflecting on who you will give your second booklet to.
Ask God for guidance.
When you have thought of someone, plan how you will get the booklet to them before this Sunday.
Pray for them, that as they read this booklet, they might encounter God in its pages.
PRAYER STATION 8: VISITING ELIZABETH
(You will be need a Bible)
Ask the Holy Spirit to use this time helping you focus on the reading and anything that God wishes to relate to your own circumstances.
Read Luke 1: 39-56
Consider Mary and Elizabeth and their relationship with their Lord.
Re-read Mary’s song.
In the comments below is the beginning of a shared psalm.
Read through what has been written so far.
Can you add just one line to it?
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you think of those close times you can have with your Saviour.
Try to put it into a sentence.
Consider that others may be writing after you, so try to be sympathetic to the things they might like to add.
At the end of this activity we will have
our own psalm to share.
October 2021
Circuit Day of Prayer
WELCOME
Welcome to our Circuit Day of Prayer.
This month, as in September, we are doing things differently, as the Day of Prayer is happening in person, at Consett Methodist Church.
The day begins with a short service of Holy Communion at 9.30 am. Then the church will be open until 2 pm. There are various prayer stations set up in the church, each with different prayer activities, for you to visit, in your own time, in your own way.
For those of you unable to attend in person, there are some prayer stations available here.
Please note that these are exactly the same ones that were posted in September. If you are disappointed by this, please let me know. I have no idea how many people are accessing the prayer stations via the website – if any. If you visit the prayer stations via the website, and would like some new prayer stations posting next month, do let me know. Thank you! (a.r.jeffrey@talktalk.net).
Enjoy!
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 1: A PLACE TO BE
Sanctuary First is a pioneering online worshipping community of the Church of Scotland.
The following is a link to a Journey Prayer, part of their resources for ‘Going on retreat’.
The Journey prayer helps us to prepare for going into a quiet time with God.
https://www.sanctuaryfirst.org.uk/assets/documents/uploads/journey_prayer_retreat_resource.pdf
This is the link to their website, if you would like to know more about Sanctuary First.
https://www.sanctuaryfirst.org.uk/
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 2: PRAY FOR THE WORLD
24-7 Prayer ‘is an international, interdenominational movement of prayer, mission and justice; a non-stop prayer meeting that has continued for every minute of this century so far’.
For more information, this is the link to their website:
On the website there are lots of resources for prayer, including helping us pray for the world.
Think back over the news items that you have heard/read about over the last day or so.
Make a note of them.
Follow the link to a page of resources to help us pray for the world.
https://www.24-7prayer.com/prayfortheworld
Scroll down and then select the link for:
5 simple ways to pray for the world.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 3: CREATIVITY CORNER
Grab a pen, or a pencil, or some crayons, or some colouring pencils or felt tips.
Draw or write a prayer.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 4: DAY BY DAY
Wherever we are on our journey with God we need to take daily steps forward in our discipleship.
Follow the link to the Methodist Church website:
https://www.methodist.org.uk/our-faith/prayer/day-by-day/
Click on the link to “Download the Day-by-Day booklet as a pdf.”
Read through the booklet.
Think about what daily steps forward you could take this coming week.
Commit to taking at least one.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 5: SOMETHING TO REFLECT ON
Oxfam recently stated in their Inequality Virus Report* that over two million people have died [in the pandemic], and hundreds of millions of people are being forced into poverty while many of the richest – individuals and corporations – are thriving. Billionaire fortunes returned to their pre-pandemic highs in just nine months, while recovery for the world’s poorest people could take over a decade.
Lift this situation to God in prayer.
Is there any action you can take in response?
Why not find about:
Challenge Poverty Week 11 – 17 October 2021
https://challengepoverty.co.uk
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
THANK YOU
for being part of our Circuit Day of Prayer.
I hope that these prayer stations have been helpful and enabled you to pray.
If you would like to take part in the planning or the production of one of our online Days of Prayer, do get in touch. Your contributions will be much appreciated.
Likewise, if your church would like to host an ‘in person’ prayer day.
Looking forward to sharing with you next time, on Thursday 21 October 2021.
God bless
Anne
September 2021
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 1: A PLACE TO BE
PRAYER STATION 2: PRAY FOR THE WORLD
PRAYER STATION 3: CREATIVITY CORNER
PRAYER STATION 4: Hearfelt requests
PRAYER STATION 5: DAY BY DAY
PRAYER STATION 6: SOMETHING TO REFLECT ON
Seen by 3
August 2021
WELCOME
Welcome to our Circuit Day of Prayer.
This month – as we did in July – we are doing things a little differently.
We are revisiting a selection of prayer stations taken from the Days of Prayer held in April, May and June.
You are invited to browse through the stations, and pick those you would either like to revisit, or try for the first time. Some of them will be identical to last time; some will have changed because the material you link to has changed.
The prayer stations are numbered, but, as usual, feel free to visit them in which ever order you prefer. This time there are ten in total.
You are invited to spend as much or as little time at each prayer station as you wish. You can do the ones you choose all in one go, or spread them out over time. Whatever works best for you.
May you be blessed as you spend time with God.
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 1: PRAY AS YOU GO
Click the link below and select today’s session which lasts 12 and a half minutes.
For more information, read the introduction below.
Pray As You Go is a daily prayer session, designed to go with you wherever you go, to help you pray whenever you find time, but particularly whilst travelling to and from work, study, etc.
A new prayer session is produced every day of the working week and one session for the weekend. It is not a 'Thought for the Day', a sermon or a bible-study, but rather a framework for your own prayer.
Lasting between ten and thirteen minutes, it combines music, scripture and some questions for reflection.
Our aim is to help you to:
- become more aware of God's presence in your life
- listen to and reflect on God's word
- grow in your relationship with God
The style of prayer is based on Ignatian Spirituality. It is produced by Jesuit Media Initiatives, with material written by a number of Jesuits, both in Britain and further afield, and other experts in the spirituality of St Ignatius of Loyola. Although the content is different every day, it keeps to the same basic format.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 2: PAYING ATTENTION
Paying Attention
‘For God wishes to be seen, wishes to be sought, wishes to be expected, wishes to be trusted’ (Julian of Norwich).
Here is a short film about attention:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpPYdMs97eE
What do we miss, when our mind is occupied elsewhere? God is forever communicating - sometimes we catch what’s being said, sometimes it floats over our head.
Prayer is, essentially, paying attention to God, how God wants to be with me, what God is doing within me, in the people around me and in the world. Sometimes paying attention is easy, when a sunset inspires awe, or we hear good news. Sometimes paying attention is difficult or painful, when we see injustice in the world, or we’re struggling to connect to ourselves or others or God. But for most of us, most of the time we just need to remember to lift our eyes from the everyday, and all the things that absorb us, so that we can notice what God is doing, in us, through us and around us.
Taken from North West & Mann Learning Network Region, Prayer in Real Life – Special Edition Newsletter, June 2021.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 3: PRAYER WALKING
If the weather is looking fine outside, why not head out and spend some time prayer walking around your neighbourhood – or just along your street and back.
Alternatively, you might like to visit Google Maps and prayer walk online, using the ‘street view’ option.
If you are not familiar with Googles maps, ‘Street View’ will either be an option to select, or there will be a yellow person - ‘Pegman’ (in the right hand bottom corner of your screen?) - that you drag onto the map to the place you want to be. Street View might take a few moments to load.
You should then be able to view panoramic images of that place.
Once there, play around with the images as you work out how to move along the street.
Prayerwalking
If this is something you haven’t done before, Prayer walking simply involves walking around your community, praying for the places and people you see around you.
Someone once described prayer walking as praying 'on site with insight'.
As we walk, we can ask God to open our eyes to see our communities as God sees them.
As we walk, we pray. Our prayers needn’t be complicated. They can be as simple as: ‘The Lord bless you’ and ‘Your will be done, your kingdom come in this place’. They can be spoken or silent.
For more information, this is a link to the Thy Kingdom Come guide to Prayer Walking
https://www.thykingdomcome.global/sites/default/files/2019-03/Prayer%20Walking_TKC_Template.pdf
If you can’t head outside and can’t access Google Maps, use an ordinary street map, or visualise the places that you would like to prayer for, and, in your mind’s eye, put yourself there and pray.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 4: PRAY THE DAILY OFFICE
Depending on what time of day it is, use the Morning, Midday, Evening or Compline prayers of the Northumbria Community.
Click the link below and select the prayers you wish to follow.
https://www.northumbriacommunity.org/offices/how-to-use-daily-office
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 5: MIRRORS, LIGHTS & PHONES
The following are taken from Online Prayer Stations for Instagram Stories, by Russell Martin, Posted on March 22 2020, based on every day items.
If you like these, and would like to see more, these prayer stations can be found here:
https://www.umylead.com/online-prayer-stations-for-instagram-stories
There are ten stations in total. The other every day items used are: Fridge, Sink, Bed, Toilet Paper, Car, Hat & Window.
Mirrors
We all have mirrors in our house, maybe several of them.
We use them to get ready: for church, for work, for school, for meeting friends, but also often to critique or judge ourselves.
What if you used your mirror instead as a reminder that God ALWAYS takes care of you.
If you can, take a post-it note or piece of paper and write some words on it that remind you of the ways God takes care of you.
Stick it on or near your mirror.
Each time you see them you can be thankful for the ways in which God takes care of you.
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 19
What words remind you of the ways God takes care of you?
Lights
Look around at the lights and lamps in your home. Some of you like them all on, while some are fine with no lights. But we depend on them. They help us to see, read, move, navigate. Even your smart phone (if you’ve got one) will have a light on it.
Each time you see a light, be called to prayer … of thanksgiving that we serve the light of the world, and a prayer of direction, of how we can be reminded to show everyone that we too can be light to others.
“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 15: 5
“For so the Lord has commanded us, saying: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” Acts 13: 7
“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 5
How can we shine the light of Christ in this dark world?
Phones
We’ve all got one. In face yours could be sitting right next to you now.
But how many phone calls have you made this week to check on someone? A friend, a family member, a neighbour?
We might still be more distanced physically, but we are created to be social. To do life together.
Pray for who God might lead you to call. Then do it!
“Above all clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel (and talk to) each other with all the wisdom he gives.” Colossians 3: 14 – 16
Who is someone you really need to call or reach out to?
Circuit Day of Prayer
PRAYER STATION 6: A METHODIST WAY OF LIFE
A Methodist Way of Life is a way of living. It is how we try to live our lives in response to God’s love, made known to us in Jesus.
A Methodist Way of Life provides a set of commitments and practices that encourage and equip people to better live a Christian life.
Like the early Christians (Acts 2.42-47), we seek to express what it means to follow Jesus in the regular, practical actions of worship, learning and caring, service and evangelism.
In this sense, A Methodist Way of Life is both new and old. It is new, in that Methodists first discussed such a way at the 2018 Conference, although it is based on Our Calling, agreed in 2000. That, in turn, was built on what Methodists have always done, since the days of John Wesley, in trying to follow Jesus and live out the Christian faith – just as those first followers in Acts did.
The commitments of A Methodist Way of Life remind us of, and provide a compass for, Christian living.
The following is a link to a ‘Commitment Card’ listing the set of commitments, and also a series of questions enabling us to reflect on these commitments.
https://www.methodist.org.uk/media/16918/mwol-commitment-card-220420.pdf
You are invited to:
follow the link and browse through the list of commitments;
pick one of them, from any of the four sections;
look through the questions, picking the one most relevant for you;
reflect prayerfully on that question;
think of who you might share your thoughts with, when you get the opportunity. Someone who would be happy to share with you their own answer to your chosen question, so that you might encourage each other.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 7: NOOMA – NOISE 005
In the NOOMA film Noise, Rob Bell illustrates the importance of finding some peace and quiet in order to hear God. Why is silence so hard to deal with? We’re constantly surrounded with the noise of movies, music, technology, cell phones, and a never-ending barrage of advertisements. If we think that God’s not talking to us, perhaps it’s just that we can’t hear him.
The film lasts for 10 minutes 23 seconds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XFoReR_XBE
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 8: PRAY FOR THE WORLD
24-7 Prayer ‘is an international, interdenominational movement of prayer, mission and justice; a non-stop prayer meeting that has continued for every minute of this century so far’.
For more information, this is the link to their website:
On the website there are lots of resources for prayer, including helping us pray for the world.
Think back over the news items that you have heard/read about over the last day or so.
Make a note of them.
Follow the link to a page of resources to help us pray for the world.
https://www.24-7prayer.com/prayfortheworld
Scroll down and then select the link for:
5 simple ways to pray for the world.
Read through these 5 ways, holding in prayer the news items you noted down earlier.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 9: WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS: A PRAYER FOR THE WORLD
This is a link to a song of prayer and worship from the Leadership Conference 2021 at Holy Trinity Brompton, home of Alpha.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPlfoAfjY5k
Worship leaders from across continents and across come together to sing this song.
Enjoy!
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 10: BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
The Bible in One Year is a daily Bible reading plan which takes you through the whole Bible in 365 days.
Each day includes passages from the New Testament, the Old Testament and the Psalms or Proverbs, along with a daily commentary from Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, leaders of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London and pioneers of Alpha. The Bible in One Year encourages readers to engage more closely with the Bible, to apply its teachings to everyday life and to grow in relationship with Jesus.
The Bible in One Year is a wonderful tool for those who are looking for an easy and accessible way to read and understand the Bible. Each day, readers can follow along by reading the text or listening to the audio commentary and can choose the version that best suits their lifestyle; the Classic version (25 minutes) or a shorter Express version (10 minutes). A Youth version is also available.Join 3 million users worldwide each day in reading the Bible in One Year.
The following link will take you to the Bible in One Year website:
https://bibleinoneyear.org/en/
Click the ‘Start Today’ button.
Select Classic, Youth or Express
Scroll down the page and then select Today’s Reading.
Either:
a) Read all of it.
b) Select one of the readings and focus on that.
c) Ponder what God is saying to you through the reading/s for today.
d) Consider taking up the challenge of reading the Bible in One Year (if you haven’t already!)
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
THANK YOU
for being part of our Circuit Day of Prayer.
I hope that these prayer stations have been helpful and enabled you to pray.
I am hopeful that we will be able to hold our next Prayer Day in-person. If so, the September Day of Prayer will take place at Consett Methodist Church on Thursday 23 September.
The Day will begin with a short service of Holy Communion at 9.30 am. The church will then be open until 2 pm.
I am looking forward to being able to share with you then.
God bless
Anne
Circuit Day of Prayer
July 2021
WELCOME
Welcome to our Circuit Day of Prayer.
This month – and next – we are doing things a little differently.
So far, we have had six on-line Days of Prayer. This month, and next, we will be revisiting a selection of the prayer stations from our first six Days of Prayer. This month, the selection comes from the January, February and March Days of Prayer.
You are invited to browse through the stations, and pick those you would either like to revisit, or try for the first time. Some of them will be identical; some will have changed because the material you link to has changed.
The prayer stations are numbered, but, as usual, feel free to visit them in which ever order you prefer. This time there are nine in total.
You are invited to spend as much or as little time at each prayer station as you wish. You can do the ones you choose all in one go, or spread them out over time. Whatever works best for you.
May you be blessed as you spend time with God.
PRAYER STATION 1: A PLACE TO BE/BREATHE
Sanctuary First is a pioneering online worshipping community of the Church of Scotland.
The following is a link to a Journey Prayer, part of their resources for ‘Going on retreat’.
The Journey prayer helps us to prepare for going into a quiet time with God.
https://www.sanctuaryfirst.org.uk/assets/documents/uploads/journey_prayer_retreat_resource.pdf
A couple more ideas for preparing for prayer, for becoming still and focussed.
· Close your eyes and listen to your breathing. The Holy Spirit is called the breath of God. Invite God to breathe within you. Spend several minutes just allowing your breathing to slow down as you relax in the presence of God.
· Perhaps you want to develop this by breathing in time with your breathing. You could try breathing in the love of God and breathing out your worries and concerns.
If you would like to reflect a little further about breathing & breath & prayer, watch Rob Bell’s 5 minute Nooma video entitled ‘Breathe’: www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-h3c45Hug4
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 2: PRAYER CARDS
Below is a link to six prayer cards.
https://www.methodist.org.uk/media/20053/prayercards.pdf
The cards are colour-coded into six styles of praying: Peach -Body; Blue – For Ourselves and Others; Green – Nature; Orange – Contemplate; Dark Green – Craft; Pink – Scripture.
Each card has a ‘prayer prompt’ which you are invited to follow. For the fifth card, you need a pen/pencil and a piece of paper, (and crayons/felt-tips/coloured pencils/glitter … if you want to get really creative!)
Each activity will take no more than 5 minutes but could be extended for a longer reflection time.
These are taken from a box of prayer cards, produced by The Learning Network in the North West and Mann Methodist region.
Enjoy!
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 3: JESUS FEEDS 5000 – IGNATIAN MEDITATION
Last Sunday, our Gospel reading, from John’s Gospel, included the story of Jesus feeding the 5000.
We’re now going to explore Mark’s telling of this story.
The link below will take you to the website of Taketime (taketime.org.uk). Taketime is a series of relaxing guided meditations based on the stories of Jesus and the tradition of St Ignatius.
We have shared together in these meditations in our circuit, and some of us experienced them at the ECG Conference (@ecgconference) in 2019.
Once you have reached the website, you will have a choice of four mediations (5/10/15/20 minutes). There is an explanation of the difference between the four.
You choose which one/s you would like to do.
https://taketime.org.uk/journey-meditations/18-jesus-feeds-5000
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 4: THE HILL WE CLIMB
‘The hill we climb’ is the title of the poem that Amanda Gorman, National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States, wrote for, and read at, the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th US President on 20 January 2021.
Copied below is a link to a video clip of Ms Gorman reading the poem (nearly 6 minutes long).
It is a poem, written for the United States, but which has so much to say to each of us.
The poem itself is copied below.
As you watch/read the poem, be aware that you are watching/reading in God’s presence. Invite God into the moment, and ask the question:
God, what are you saying to me through this poem?
See what words and phrases jump out at you.
Write these words and phrases down.
Try writing a prayer or a poem that included these words and phrases.
Video:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/55745795
Transcript:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/20/amanda-gorman-poem-biden-inauguration-transcript
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 5: PEACE AND TRANQUILITY
Spend as much time as you like with these images and accompanying Bible verses.
Breathe in peace and tranquillity. Breathe out your cares and stresses.
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 6: PRAYING THE BREAKTHROUGH PRAYER
Spend some time praying the Breakthrough Prayer, pausing after each line, to reflect on its meaning for you, and for your church, and for our circuit.
The Breakthrough Prayer
A prayer for God to break through in the life of our churches:
God of love, God for all,
your purposes are more beautiful than we can possibly imagine.
Fill us with your Holy Spirit.
Help us let go of all that holds us back.
Open our lives and our churches to new seasons of humility and faith, of change and growth.
Shake us up with the Good News of Jesus and show us the way.
Amen
Prayerfully ponder your responses to the following questions:
Where do you think God is working in your life?
Where do you think that God might be challenging you in your life right now?
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 7: RESET THE DEBT
Reset the Debt is a campaign launched by the Baptist Union, the Church of Scotland, Church Action on Poverty, the Methodist Church, and the United Reformed Church, working with Jubilee Debt Campaign.
An estimated six million people in the UK have fallen behind on one or more household bills as a result of Covid-19, with the biggest increases in debt amongst the poorest households.
People who were previously able to keep their head above water are now in severe difficulty. Others, who had been just staying afloat, now face being overwhelmed by circumstances entirely beyond their control.
The campaign proposes that the Chancellor creates a Jubilee Fund. This would provide grants to pay off and cancel unavoidable debt accrued by households during the lockdown period, giving them a more stable platform from which to face the future.
You are invited to spend some moments praying for all those who are in debt.
Forgive us our debts
Forgive us our debts, we pray
As we forgive our debtors.
We all have debts, Lord
We owe so much to so many:
For love and nurture
Education and encouragement
Shelter and hospitality.
And from you,
The health that has sustained us
The bounty of the earth
The love that frees us.
As we acknowledge what we have received,
Let us also be ready to give
And to forgive.
We pray for those who are burdened by unavoidable debts
And pray that we who know our indebtedness
May act so that all can experience release and freedom.
For your promise is life in all its fullness.
We pray in the name of Jesus
Amen
For more information about the campaign and how to take part, do visit their website:
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
PRAYER STATION 8: SACRED SPACE
Sacred Space is a ministry of the Irish Jesuits. It is a website where you are invited to make a ‘Sacred Space’ in your day, praying with the help of scripture and on-screen guidance.
The following link will take you to the Sacred Space homepage and I invite you to click on: ‘BEGIN THE PRAYER’ and select today. You will then be guided through the prayers and scripture passage for today.
When you reach the screen headed ‘Conversation’, imagine you see Jesus sitting close to you and share with him your thoughts on the scripture passage.
PRAYER STATION 9: PHYSICAL PRAYER
God cares for us as whole people, and the Bible asks us to bring our physical selves to God. We suffer from a lack of the physical at the moment, unable to meet in the same room, unable to shake hands or hug our friends.
This is a prayer that encourages us to pray in a physical way, using our hands and bodies.
Of course, we are all different when it comes to mobility, so I encourage you to engage with this to the extent that you can. Feel free to substitute a movement for something that works for you.
__
Let’s start by grasping our hands into fists in front of us. Think about what is distracting you right now - concerns you have, items on your to-do list, deeper worries about the future. Whatever you come with today, imagine that you hold them in your hands.
Feel the tension of holding on to all these things and the effort needed to keep your hands in fists.
In 1 Peter 5:7, we read:“Cast all your anxiety on God because God cares for you.”
Let’s softly open our hands and let go of our anxiety, allow God to carry our burdens today, because God cares for you.
Next, spread out your hands wide in front of you.
Psalm 143:6 says: “I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.”
Out hands are so empty, so full of need! Like the parched land cries out, we cry out: Oh Lord, we are thirsty, we are needy! Come and rain down on us, fill us today with all that we need.
Now, if possible, move so your feet are touching the ground. Imagine that this is your root, receiving the life-giving love of Christ. As you read this famous verse from Ephesians 3, use your arms to show how immense Christ’s love is for us.
“I pray that we, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how WIDE and LONG and HIGH and DEEP is the love of Christ.”
Now, church, you in whom the Lord dwells, let’s raise our arms in praise to God to end.
Praise the Lord, all you servants
of the Lord
who minister by night in the house of the Lord.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the Lord. (Psalm
134:1-2)
Prayer by Sara Hargreaves, (https://www.engageworship.org/ideas/physical-prayer-for-zoom)
CIRCUIT DAY OF PRAYER
THANK YOU
for being part of our Circuit Day of Prayer.
I hope that these prayer stations have been helpful and enabled you to pray.
Looking forward to sharing with you next time, on Thursday 26 August 2021.
From September, I am hoping that we can resume our in-person Days of Prayers. If so, the September Day of Prayer will be at Consett Methodist Church on Thursday 23 September. Hopefully I will see you there!
God bless
Anne
Go to this page for previous months' material.
June
For a PDF file with all of the following, click here.
WELCOME
Welcome to our Circuit Day of Prayer.
Our Day of Prayer is made up of six prayer stations, each offering a different way of praying creatively.
The prayer stations are numbered, but feel free to visit them in which ever order you prefer. You may however find it useful to start with Prayer Station 1: Paying Attention.
You are invited to spend as much or as little time at each prayer station as you wish.
You can choose to visit them all in one, or to spread them out over time. Whatever works best for you.
“Walking with God down the avenue of prayer we acquire something of God’s likeness, and unconsciously we become witnesses to others of God’s beauty and God’s grace.” E M Bounds.
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PRAYER STATION 1: PAYING ATTENTION
Paying Attention
‘For God wishes to be seen, wishes to be sought, wishes to be expected, wishes to be trusted’ (Julian of Norwich).
Here is a short film about attention:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpPYdMs97eE
What do we miss, when our mind is occupied elsewhere? God is forever communicating - sometimes we catch what’s being said, sometimes it floats over our head.
Prayer is, essentially, paying attention to God, how God wants to be with me, what God is doing within me, in the people around me and in the world. Sometimes paying attention is easy, when a sunset inspires awe, or we hear good news. Sometimes paying attention is difficult or painful, when we see injustice in the world, or we’re struggling to connect to ourselves or others or God. But for most of us, most of the time we just need to remember to lift our eyes from the everyday, and all the things that absorb us, so that we can notice what God is doing, in us, through us and around us.
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PRAYER STATION 2: MIRRORS, LIGHTS & PHONES
The following are taken from Online Prayer Stations for Instagram Stories, by Russell Martin, Posted on March 22 2020, based on every day items.
If you like these, and would like to see more, these prayer stations can be found here:
https://www.umylead.com/online-prayer-stations-for-instagram-stories
There are ten stations in total. The other every day items used are: Fridge, Sink, Bed, Toilet Paper, Car, Hat & Window.
Mirrors
We all have mirrors in our house, maybe several of them.
We use them to get ready: for church, for work, for school, for meeting friends, but also often to critique or judge ourselves.
What if you used your mirror instead as a reminder that God ALWAYS takes care of you.
If you can, take a post-it note or piece of paper and write some words on it that remind you of the ways God takes care of you.
Stick it on or near your mirror.
Each time you see them you can be thankful for the ways in which God takes care of you.
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 19
What words remind you of the ways God takes care of you?
Lights
Look around at the lights and lamps in your home. Some of you like them all on, while some are fine with no lights. But we depend on them. They help us to see, read, move, navigate. Even your smart phone (if you’ve got one) will have a light on it.
Each time you see a light, be called to prayer … of thanksgiving that we serve the light of the world, and a prayer of direction, of how we can be reminded to show everyone that we too can be light to others.
“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 15: 5
“For so the Lord has commanded us, saying: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” Acts 13: 7
“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 5
How can we shine the light of Christ in this dark world?
Phones
We’ve all got one. In face yours could be sitting right next to you now.
But how many phone calls have you made this week to check on someone? A friend, a family member, a neighbour?
We might still be more distanced physically, but we are created to be social. To do life together.
Pray for who God might lead you to call. Then do it!
“Above all clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel (and talk to) each other with all the wisdom he gives.” Colossians 3: 14 – 16
Who is someone you really need to call or reach out to?
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PRAYER STATION 3: WALKING WITH MICAH
The Methodist Church has recently launched:
Walking with Micah: Methodist Principles for Social Justice
This is a two-year project to help the Methodist Church in Britain focus on our principles and priorities for justice and through that increase our ability to seek God’s justice, as a Church and in our own Christian lives.
This project will involve
- Drawing on our Methodist heritage of challenging injustice and learning from the insights and challenges of others within and beyond the Christian faith.
- Consulting widely within the Methodist Church and listening to what matters to Methodist people at this time.
- Working with others to resource individuals, churches and leaders, to speak and act for justice both individually and in the name of the Methodist Church in Britain.
The project was launched on Sunday 13 June with a lecture by the Rt Hon Gordon Brown entitled Justice and Hope.
You can watch the video of the lecture (1 hour 22 minutes) here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTB2wLO4k1w
To find out more about the project you can watch the following video:
‘Walking with Micah’ (3 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki77_pKLwQo&t=15s
and visit the following page on the Methodist Church Website:
https://www.methodist.org.uk/walking-with-micah/
From ‘A Methodist Way of Life’:
Commitment: We will challenge injustice.
Questions for reflection:
What issues of injustice are you currently concerned about?
What are you doing in response?
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PRAYER STATION 4: BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
The Bible in One Year is a daily Bible reading plan which takes you through the whole Bible in 365 days.
Each day includes passages from the New Testament, the Old Testament and the Psalms or Proverbs, along with a daily commentary from Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, leaders of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London and pioneers of Alpha. The Bible in One Year encourages readers to engage more closely with the Bible, to apply its teachings to everyday life and to grow in relationship with Jesus.
The Bible in One Year is a wonderful tool for those who have just finished Alpha or are looking for an easy and accessible way to read and understand the Bible. Each day, readers can follow along by reading the text or listening to the audio commentary and can choose the version that best suits their lifestyle; the Classic version (25 minutes) or a shorter Express version (10 minutes). A Youth version is also available.Join 3 million users worldwide each day in reading the Bible in One Year.
The following link will take you to the Bible in One Year website:
https://bibleinoneyear.org/en/
Click the ‘Start Today’ button.
Select Classic, Youth or Express
Scroll down the page and then select Today’s Reading.
Either:
a) Read all of it.
b) Select one of the readings and focus on that.
c) Ponder what God is saying to you through the reading/s for today.
d) Consider taking up the challenge of reading the Bible in One Year (if you haven’t already!)
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PRAYER STATION 5: PRAYING FOR THE PANDEMIC
Video Prayer
The following is a link to a special prayer following the recent .extension of lockdown restrictions. The prayer is from Jude Levermore, Head of Mission at the Methodist Church in Britain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDUv-ZTZSK4
This is the transcript of the prayer:
Freedom is coming …
Dear Lord, I was so looking forward to the day they were calling Freedom day.
And now it’s postponed. I’m thinking of all those whose plans are more complicated, and whose lives are impacted, those on furlough dreaming of going back, those who long to dance at their wedding, those who live in fear of a third wave. Lord help me to remember that my freedom is tied up only in You, that you are the God who sets me free. Help me to choose again that sort of freedom. Help us to remember the promise that those who hope in the Lord will renew our strength. They we will soar on wings like eagles; run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint. Lord, give us freedom in you, and strength to wait patiently until the current restrictions end and we can your praises again, with our voices and our lives- like you made us to. Amen.
Intercessions
Let us pray to God,
who alone makes us dwell in safety:
For all who are affected by coronavirus,
through illness or isolation or anxiety,
that they may find relief and recovery:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
For those who are guiding our nation at this time,
and shaping national policies,
that they may make wise decisions:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
For doctors, nurses and medical researchers,
that through their skill and insights
many will be restored to health:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
For the vulnerable and the fearful,
for the gravely ill and the dying,
that they may know your comfort and peace:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
We commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
For the Christian community
We are not people of fear:
we are people of courage.
We are not people who protect our own safety:
we are people who protect our neighbours’ safety.
We are not people of greed:
we are people of generosity.
We are your people God,
giving and loving,
wherever we are,
whatever it costs
For as long as it takes
wherever you call us.
Barbara Glasson, President of the Methodist Conference
Write or draw or doodle your own prayer for the pandemic.
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PRAYER STATION 6: PARTY TIME!
Read the following two stories:
If any of you has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, what will you do? Won’t you leave the ninety-nine in the field and go look for the lost sheep until you find it? And when you find it, you will be so glad that you will put it on your shoulder and carry it home. Then you will call in your friends and neighbours and say, “Let’s celebrate! I’ve found my lost sheep.
What will a woman do if she has ten silver coins and loses one of them? Won’t she light a lamp, sweep the floor, and look carefully until she finds it? Then she will call in her friends and neighbours and say, “Let’s celebrate! I’ve found the coin I lost.
Two wonderful stories of celebrations.
Next year, the The UK will celebrate the Queen’s 70th anniversary as monarch from Thursday, 2nd June 2022 to Sunday, 5th June 2022.
The following comes from HOPE Together:
Churches are in an ideal place to bring communities together for national celebrations. We have the tables, chairs, crockery and PA systems – and we love making cakes!
And that’s not all. We are marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and four day Bank Holiday from 2-5 June 2022 with a host of celebratory activities with our partners the Church of England, the Methodist Church, Biblica and many more. Here’s what’s in the pipeline:
a specially commissioned souvenir book
a new anthem to sing
a ’70 Acts of Service’ community challenge
lots of resources for children and schools
Our goal is to magnify the Queen’s faith and highlight a sense of community, service and neighbourly love, making it a perfect opportunity to invite the people in your area to the celebrations and a Pentecost service to end the weekend
For more information and to receive updates, visit the HOPE Together website:
https://www.hopetogether.org.uk/Groups/363172/Platinum_Jubilee.aspx
Planning ahead:
How do you like to celebrate special occasions?
Give thanks for those that come to mind.
How might you celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee?
with your church?
with your community?
with your neighbours?
If you are looking for more inspiration, you might like to visit the following website, which has a similar theme:
https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com/blog/the-big-jubilee-lunch
To read about the positive impact that such invents have on communities, click here:
https://relationshipsproject.org/project/biglunch (and scroll down the page).
Spend some time looking at your community through God’s eyes. What do you see? What needs are there? How might you respond?
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THANK YOU
for being part of our Circuit Day of Prayer.
I hope that these prayer stations have been helpful and enabled you to pray.
If you would like to take part in the planning or the production of one of our online Days of Prayer, do please get in touch. Your contributions would be much appreciated.
Looking forward to sharing with you next time, on Thursday 29 July 2021.
God bless
Anne