The Parish Prayer Programme - Introduction

“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” Matt. 18:20

You may remember that, at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Roy referred to the need to refocus our parish on the importance and power of prayer, and that there would be a new initiative on prayer this year. Well, that new initiative is going to be called the Parish Prayer Programme (already shortened to PPP in much of the documentation surrounding it).

“..if two of you on earth agree about anything that you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.” Matt. 18:19

The Mission and Discipleship Committee formed a ‘PPP Working Group’ in April, which will be presenting its proposals to the PCC meeting on 18th June. During our deliberations we have aimed to ensure that this initiative is relevant and accessible to all, and is sustainable in the future, but most of all that it meets its main objectives of tapping into the power of corporate prayer and building our relationships with God. 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thess. 5:16-18

The PPP Working Group is proposing a varied ‘menu’ of prayer styles and support in which we hope everyone will find something to their taste. A pilot scheme of the key aspects will be run within the PCC over the next three months, prior to launching the PPP to the whole parish. Several of these offerings, such as the Tuesday morning Prayer Group, Taizé services, and the Prayer Boards already exist within the parish and have supported God’s work in this place for a long time, so they will primarily benefit from an organised circulation of prayer needs. Other offerings have happened on an ad hoc basis, such as small prayer groups, and these will be included in a new coordinated approach. And finally there will be some new types of corporate prayer established that will form the backbone of this prayer initiative. 

“Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matt. 21:22

Further information will appear in future issues of the Parish Magazine and, don’t worry, you certainly won’t miss the launch of this exciting programme!

Robert Smith

Chair of the PPP Working Group

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