What Is Prayer?

At its heart, prayer is simply being with God.

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You don’t need special words or deep knowledge. You don’t have to get it “right.” Prayer begins with an openness—an honest moment of pausing, being still, and offering your heart to God.

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You can speak, you can listen, you can sit in silence. You can pray in joy, in grief, in anger, in wonder. God meets us exactly where we are.

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Some people describe prayer as talking to God. Others experience it more as sitting with God. Sometimes it’s a conversation; other times it’s just being in God’s presence. Sometimes we use words. Sometimes we let go of words altogether.

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Prayer Is…

Gentle – It gives us space to breathe and be held.

Challenging – It opens our eyes and invites us to change.

Transforming – It shapes us from the inside out.

Powerful – Not always in obvious ways, but in deep and lasting ones.

Healing – A space to bring our wounds and weariness.

Mysterious – We don’t always understand it, but we can still enter into it.

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Prayer can be still and silent, joyful and loud, private or shared with others. It can last a second or an hour. It can happen in church, at home, on a walk, or in a traffic jam. There are no rules—only the invitation to come close to the God who already holds you in love.

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Simple Ways to Pray

If you’re new to prayer, here are a few ways to start:

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• Begin by being still. Sit quietly. Breathe slowly. Say “Here I am, God” and know that is enough.

• Try speaking aloud or silently in your heart. You could say something simple like:

• “Thank you for today.”

• “Help me with this situation.”

• “Please be with someone I love.”

• “I’m tired. Please hold me.”

• Write a short note to God as a prayer.

 

Use your surroundings. See something beautiful? Say “Thank you.” Hear troubling news? Say “Lord, have mercy.”

These are sometimes called arrow prayers—short, spontaneous prayers sent straight to God.

 

A Prayer to Try

God, you know me.
You know what I need, and what I long for.
I bring you my day, my thoughts, my hopes, and my worries.
Help me to trust that you are with me.
Help me to listen for your love.
Amen.

 

The Lord’s Prayer (Contemporary Version)
 

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.

 

This prayer comes from the words of Jesus and has been said by Christians for centuries.

You might find it helpful to say each line slowly, leaving silence in between.

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At the bottom of the page there are some simple prayers you may find helpful to use.

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Patterns of Prayer in the Church
 

The Church has a rhythm of prayer each day:

• Morning Prayer – to begin the day with focus and thanks.

• Evening Prayer – to reflect and give the day to God.

• Night Prayer (Compline) – a gentle, peaceful prayer before sleep.

 

You don’t have to follow these formally, but they can offer structure if you’re looking to go deeper.

 

We also hold regular services of prayer in church—come as you are, whether to listen or to join in.

 

 

Living Prayerfully
 

Prayer is not just what we say—it’s who we are becoming.

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St Paul wrote that we should “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

 

This doesn’t mean non-stop talking to God. It means living with an awareness of God’s presence, responding to the world with compassion, acting with justice, seeking peace, offering kindness. We can live in a way that is itself a prayer.

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Sometimes we are the answer to prayer—by offering help, presence, generosity, or love to others. Sometimes we see answers in unexpected ways. Sometimes we’re called to be part of the change we long to see.

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You’re Not Alone
If you're curious about prayer but unsure where to begin, you are not alone. Come and speak to someone. Join a quiet service.

 

Try a prayer at home. Know that wherever you are on the journey, God is already with you.

And remember: there’s no wrong way to pray—only the invitation to begin.

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Some prayers you may helpful in getting you started.

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A Prayer for Starting the Day

Loving God,
Thank you for this new day.
Whatever it holds, help me to meet it with kindness and courage.
Be with me in all I say and do.
Amen.

 

A Prayer in Hard Times

God,
Everything feels heavy right now.
I don’t have the words,
but you know what’s on my heart.
Please carry me through this.
Amen.

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A Prayer of Thanks

Thank you, God,
for the people I love,
for the small joys,
for a warm drink or a moment of peace.
Help me to see your goodness today.
Amen.

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A Prayer for Someone Else

God of love,
I hold [name] in my heart.
Be near to them.
Bless them with your peace and strength.
Let them know they are not alone.
Amen.

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A Prayer for Forgiveness

God,
I’ve got things wrong. I’ve hurt others.
I’ve turned away from what I know is right.
I’m sorry.
Help me begin again with honesty, grace, and love.
Amen.

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A Prayer Before Sleep

God of stillness and rest,
Thank you for today.
For what went well, I give thanks.
For what was hard, I leave it with you.
Keep me safe through the night.
Bring me peace and new strength for tomorrow.
Amen.

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The Lord’s Prayer (Contemporary Version)

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.