To our wonderful congregations

We are all aware that Lent is very near. Some of us will be considering our usual Lent disciplines. Pushing away the second box of  chocolate hobnobs or even refraining from opening the Cava.

However, I have heard Father Marcus suggest that another approach is that instead of stopping something, we consider starting something, particularly something positive.

My suggestion is regular Prayer.

The Church of England have long supported this, in the form of Morning and Evening prayers. However I know that many of us, including me, struggle with praying regularly.  Can I therefore draw to your attention the attached 2021 Chaplaincy Prayer Guide.  The link is at the bottom of this message.

Some points for your consideration –

it’s envisaged that this guide will be of use in encouraging those of us who are new to regular prayer,  it is therefore short and simple to use. You may agree that most change stems from personal change ,therefore the main prayers are for the development of the prayer in order that we may more positively impact upon the World.

It’s recognised that not everyone reads the Bible, therefore included are known Bible passages hoping that this will encourage us to look up the passage and explore the Bible.

Some of us prefer personalised prayer but lack direction, therefore included is the 5 finger prayer technique intended for daily use,  also included is a reminder of people and organisations who we might include in our prayers.

I can do no better than finishing with a quotation from the Guide –

            “Every time we pray, our horizon is altered, our attitude to things is altered, not sometimes but every time, and the amazing thing is

 ….that we don’t pray more.”  Oswald Chambers. 1874 – 1917

God bless

Tony Cooke (Reader, Costa Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy)