As we are step into a new chapter in our growing mission journey at St Denys we need to ensure we are walking God's way, and that we are leaning on God for his provision. And so we're encouraging folk who are committed to St Denys to pray during the Prayer Weekend (24th and 26th), and the resources and ideas below are to help you. whether praying at home, at church or elsewhere. Feel free to use, adapt or ignore!

Let's Pray...

One Story that Jesus Told to Inspire Your Prayers

While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: ‘A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up.  Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.’

[Jesus told his disciples] ‘This is the meaning of the parable: the seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.' (Luke 8:4-8, 11-15)

Two Questions to Reflect On and to Lead You into Praying

• Where in your own life and the life of the church and community do you see God scattering seeds of his word? 
• What is needed so the seeds grow strong and fruitful?

Three Focus Areas for Prayer

1. Recognising that God is already at work sowing and growing the seeds of his kingdom, pray that we might be courageous, kind and creative in playing our part, collectively and individually.
2. Mindful that there are significant changes to the membership of the PCC (and the need for a new warden), pray that the governance and leadership of the church might be missional, prayerful, diligent, wise and loving. 
3. Grateful for the funding opportunities we've been given, pray for God's wisdom, provision, direction & fruitfulness in all stages of the building work, and the appointment of two roles: Children, Youth & Families Worker, and the Church Resource Manager.

Four Words that Might Be Starting Points for Prayer

• Here! (a word of offering to God 'here I am, here you are, here we are, here is the situation)
• Thanks! (a word of gratitude for who God is, for the journey so far, for his provision big and small)
• Help! (a word of humility, naming honestly the ways in which God's help is needed, for we can't do things without him)
• What? (an word of invitation, inviting God to speak and guide as you ask 'what do you need from me and us? what do you want us to be or do?')

Five Things to Remember

• Be yourself when you pray.
• Pray is not a test that you pass or fail.
• God delights that you pray and helps you pray.
• You can write, be silent speak, picture things, go for a walk, sing, draw or sit very still (and maybe even do all of the above if that's how you do it)
• You could simple say the Lord's Prayer a few times, focussing on different things each time (I often use this method to pray for people and situations)

Pray at Home, at Church or Out and About:

The church is open to pray at the following times, and you'll find a Prayer Space set up where you can sit if that is helpful.

• Friday: 24th April 10am till 8pm
• Saturday: 8am till 2pm
• Sunday: 8am till 10am 

Or you could take the dog for a walk and quietly pray as you walk around the community or park

Or light a candle at home and pray

Alternatively you could meet up with a friend and commit to praying and having a cuppa for an hour

And finally... 

Email or write or tell Sera or Paul what ideas, words or pictures have come to you during your time of praying. 

Blessings and thanks

Sera & Paul

serarumble@gmail.com
revd.paul.lambert@outlook.com