some guidelines for praying set prayers

Anglo-Catholic Prayers

"Lord, make me a channel of your peace"

(Prayer of St Francis of Assisi)

(Prayer of St Richard)

(The Serenity Prayer)

(The Grace Blessing)

(Judeo-Christian prayer)

Celtic prayers

(St Patrick's Breastplate)

(traditional gaelic blessing)

Wedding Blessings

Famous Prayers

Please see on the left a list of popular prayers for use at different occassions.

Some of these famous prayers are drawn from the Anglo-Catholic traditions of prayer, such as the Prayer of St Francis ("Lord, Make Me a Channel of Your Peace") and the Prayer of St Richard ("Day by Day"). Whereas "May the Grace.." is a widely used prayer in the non-Conformist churches (especially Methodism), and "May the Lord Bless You" has it's origins in Judism but is also often used in Christian gatherings.

This section also features prayers from the heritage of the celtic christians in Britain and Ireland, such as "I arise today", (otherwise known as "St Patrick's Breastplate") and "May the Road Rise Up to Meet You", also featuring a short introduction to celtic prayer life. Continuing the theme of celtic spirituality, there are also some Irish prayers and Scottish blessings suitable for use in wedding ceremonies. Here you'll also find some of these prayers in the original gaelic translations.

Some guidelines to help prayer

Remember that prayer happens when we become conscious that God is with us. Prayer does not necessarily even need words. We can wait on God in prayer. We can be "Still and know" (Psalm 46:10) that he is God. Or we can "shout for joy". There is no correct ritual, or one way of praying. Martin Luther King (1929-1968) said "To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." Prayer is where we grow in our relationship with God. There are many different ways to pray. Here are some ideas:-

1. Find a quiet place to pray
Many people find this helpful. Perhaps there is a place in the house where you can go and "close the door" and remind yourself that God is with you. A place where you can pour your heart out to Him. A place you can hear His "still small voice"

2. Go for a walk
Going outside, enjoying creation, these things can be helpful to clear the mind and converse with God. You might find as you walk that your mind naturally starts to think about the day, perhaps you are meeting a friend or you become aware of something that needs to be done. Instead of worrying about these things, give them over to your Father in Heaven, who cares so much more for you the birds of the air.

3. Write your prayers down.
Some people find it easier to write their prayers down, as if writing a letter to a close friend. Remember that you can be as honest and open as you like with God. There is nothing he has not seen before! And His forgiveness is without boundaries. You may wish to turn your writing in a journal, creating a daily prayer book. You could also keep a note here of anything that you feel God may be saying to you.

4. Read the newspaper and pray!
Watching the T.V. or reading a news item and then stopping to pray is a good way of praying for others. This is known as "intercession". It's good to be informed as you talk to God about these things, as you pray specifically for people and events.

5. Join a prayer group, or start one!
Jesus said "Where two or three are gathered, there I am in the midst of them" (John) We become aware of God's presence with us in a special way as we pray with others. It might be that there is a prayer group at your local church that you could join. Or why not help organise a week of prayer? 24/7 prayer.com have some great resources for helping people pray together in this way.

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