Prayer Ideas
Developing good prayer habits benefits the whole family, whatever your age and whatever the situation, making prayer a part of your day will help you to reach out to God and gives you the time and space to listen.
Prayer Habit #1
When the Disciples asked Jesus how to pray he gave them the Lord’s Prayer. We use this prayer in all our services and it is used by Christians all over the world. This is a great prayer to learn off by heart.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer Habit #2
Saying a prayer at meal times, often referred to as saying Grace, is a perfect opportunity for family and friends to pray together. Here are a few examples to try out.
Be Present at our table.
Be present at our table, Lord
Be here and everywhere adored.
from your all-bounteous hand our food
may we receive with gratitude.
(
John Cennick, 1740)
Thank You for the World So Sweet
Thank you for the world so sweet,
Thank you for the food we eat,
Thank you for the birds that sing,
Thank you, God for everything!
(Edith Rutter Leatham)
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God, all saints in heaven above
Praise God the Trinity of Love.
(Thomas Ken, adapted)
Prayer Habit #3
Praying at Bedtime - time to take stock and reflect on the day.
Holy God, source of all good things,
give me the peace that is yours to give.
Soothe my restlessness as
I give this day, to you, O God,
so I may rest this night
and be ready when morning comes
to share your love with everyone.
Amen
(Common Prayer for Children & Families)
Now the daylight goes away,
Saviour, listen while I pray,
Asking Thee to watch and keep
And send to me quiet sleep.
Jesus, Saviour, wash away
All that has been wrong today:
Help me every day to be
Good and gentle, more like Thee.
(Rev. W.H. Havergale c.1877)
Day by day, dear Lord, of Thee
Three things I pray:
To see Thee more clearly,
To love Thee more dearly,
To follow Thee more nearly,
Day by day.
(St Richard of Chichester)
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John,
Bless the bed that I lie on.
Four corners to my bed,
Four angels round my head,
One to watch and one to pray
And two to keep all harm away.
(Traditional)