Ministry of Prayer & Healing

Prayer. 

For all that is good in life, we give thanks to God,
For the love of family and friends, we give thanks to God, 
For the kindness of good neighbour and unknown stranger, we give thanks to God.

We pray for; 
Those who are vulnerable, hungry or homeless, that they will experience the support they need.
Those who are sick in mind or body, that they will receive peace and healing.
Those who are anxious and fearful about the future, that they find hope. 
Those who are bereaved, may they find comfort and peace.

Bless all young people, in all their varied circumstances, that they remain safe and secure. 
Bless and guide political leaders and decision-makers with wisdom and integrity. 
Bless and strengthen health, key and essential workers in all the challenges they face.
Bless those who work for peaceful equality and justice across our society, that they will be heard. Bless and guide each one of us as we adapt to a new way of living. 
Amen.

If you wish for prayer for particular situations, please email minister@unitedchurchboa.org.uk or message through our United Church Facebook Page. Details can be kept to a minimum - God knows your worries.

The Ministry of Prayer and Healing

The Ministry of Prayer and Healing is central to our church and is based on our following of the life of Jesus, who spent much of his ministry here on earth in prayer and healing, and who made clear that, through him, we can have a direct line to God in prayer. Prayer is the way in which we build and develop our relationship with God.  As Julian of Norwich said “Prayer makes the soul one with God”.

There is the prayer of individuals within our church in their own quiet time with God – prayer both spoken and unspoken. 

·       There is prayer within different groups in our church – “Time for Prayer” particularly. Most of our meetings start with prayer and house groups usually have a time of prayer during their meetings.

·       There is corporate prayer within our church services, for the world, our locality, ourselves and our church community.  We focus particularly on current issues of concern.

·       There are prayers of intercession for people who have requested prayer for themselves or someone known to them – people who are comfortable with being named in our church service in such prayers.

·       Church family members to be prayed for by name are circulated via the Pastoral Visitors.  Such prayers can include prayers of thanks for good news among members and friends, as well as specific prayer requests for people who are ill or going through difficult times. If you have a prayer request, please contact Marion Harford, Assistant Pastoral Secretary, on 01225 862763.

·       We observe different Sundays, days and weeks during the year when prayer is specifically requested eg. Homelessness Sunday, Christian Aid Week, Refugee Sunday, World Day of Prayer.  We also hold regular Healing Services within our church. Healing can come in many different ways and does not always mean a return to full physical health. Sometimes that can happen and we give thanks when it does.  However, we also believe that God does give healing in other ways, sometimes in terms of peace and acceptance of illness and strength to cope with pain and diagnoses, both for the ill person and  those caring and supporting him/her.  We feel strongly that power of prayer cannot, and should not, be underestimated.