Blog
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“What Kind of Pray-er Are You?” by Sam Richardson: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
I’m grateful to offer this powerful and vulnerable reflection by Sam Richardson, who heads up SPCK, my publisher. You won’t want to miss this, his follow-up from his blog in the autumn. In my last blog from September, I confessed that my prayer life was at a low ebb, and hoped that Amy would invite…
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Praying with a Painting: Watching in hope
I wonder if you resonate with this painting of my dad’s. I love the splashes of color that provide hope amidst a bleak and stark setting. We might feel overwhelmed with all that we face personally and globally – the invasion of Ukraine, the altercation at the Oscars, the latest variant of coronavirus. And the…
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“The Jesus Prayer” by Ruth Bamforth: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
I’ve long appreciated the Jesus Prayer, although I tend to pray a slightly longer version (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner”). I’ve found this prayer especially helpful if my mind is whirring around and I want to focus on God – perhaps if I’ve woken in the…
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Praying with a Painting: Streams of living water
Last week I was surrounded in beauty – the gorgeousness of people encountering God through prayer and the wonders of creation with sea, streams, and sky. This week my view is definitely smaller, down to two rooms in our vicarage as I isolate from the family to avoid spreading covid. But I can look at…
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“Praying with Joy and Sorrow” by Michelle Vergara: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
Michelle and I may be many miles apart, from California to London, but her warmth and encouraging words make her feel close. She shares movingly about the power of prayer in an unlikely place as she and her son experienced it. Her post is a bit longer than some, but I think you’ll want to…
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“In the Name of Jesus” by Ros Bayes: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
I’m currently praying so much for a friend going through a devastating time. You may be too. I’ve found such help in Ros’ gentle description of a way of praying for others that helps us release them fully to Jesus and his love. I hope you too will try out this way to pray. I…
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Praying with a Painting: Longing for peace
As we continue to wrestle with the news out of Ukraine, our hearts are heavy and burdened. That there would be a Russian air strike on a maternity and children’s hospital is barbaric. As you cry out to God, you might want to pray alongside some pictures of a photographer who is currently in Ukraine.…
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“Movement and Prayer to Encounter God” by Anna Gilderson: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
Prayer with movement – I so appreciate how Anna shares different ways for us to engage with God through our bodies. After all, as she notes, we might well be using certain physical motions to pray anyway, such as folding our hands or closing our eyes. I’m looking forward to trying out her ideas, and…
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Praying with a Painting: Praying for peace
Our thoughts turn to those in Ukraine, and those who have left their beloved country, as we hear continued news of war. And we are hearing of resistance from many in Russia too. We cry: Lord, have mercy.Christ, have mercy.Lord, have mercy. I offer this painting of my dad’s as a prayer prompt as we…
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“From Imaginary Friends to Beautiful Saviour: A Journey in Prayer” by Ruth Leigh: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
What a moving account by Ruth of moving from a prescribed prayer life to one of freedom and grace. I’m sure you’ll be encouraged by her blogpost. You might consider spending a few moments charting out your own prayer journey, in the fashion she illustrates. One of my earliest memories. Two little hands – mine…
