Beginning on Sunday, February 18th, the first Sunday in Lent, and continuing through Sunday, May 6th, you are invited to join in praying with this group at 10 AM in the Parish House. In this prayer group, as we pray The Lord’s Prayer, we’ll also be reviewing the various types of prayer spelled out in the Catechism in The Book of Common Prayer. The schedule is below
And then from Ascension Day, May 10th until Pentecost on May 20th, we’ll be joining in the worldwide prayer movement, Thy Kingdom Come, a global prayer movement which invites Christians around the world to pray between Ascension and Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus Christ. This movement, Thy Kingdom Come, started in 2016 as an invitation from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to the Church of England has grown into an international and ecumenical call to prayer.
Those who cannot join the 10AM Sunday prayer group can participate in these prayers during these eleven days in May.
Catherine wrote in the Feb. newsletter "I hope that you will take seriously the prayer book’s invitation, on Ash Wednesday, to the observance of a holy Lent through a deeper commitment to prayer. Prayer helps lead us into joy in communion with God, prayer helps us to love all of humanity, and to live in harmony with creation. Prayer helps us to struggle against all the things that lead us away from the love of God, neighbor and creation."
Thy Kingdom Come was begun by Archbishop Justin Welby as a global prayer movement, which invites Christians around the world to pray
What started as an idea from Archbishop Justin Welby gained momentum and in May 2016 more than 100,000 Christians from different denominations and traditions took part from the UK and across the world. They joined in more than 3,000 events and services to pray for others to come to know Jesus Christ and for God’s kingdom to come.
Welby has written – "The hope is that people will commit to pray with God’s world-wide family – as a church, individually or as a family. Churches will hold prayer events, such as 24-7 prayer, prayer stations and prayer walks, across the UK and in other parts of the world;people will be empowered through prayer by the Holy Spirit, finding new confidence to be witnesses for Jesus Christ." Here is his video:
The Schedule
Sunday, February 18th –#To Jesus–How do we pray to Jesus Christ?
We go where Jesus goes; as we follow, we ask for all that we need to be his Body on earth, and to realize our union with Him in glory.
Sunday, February 25th–#Praise—Why do we Praise God?
We praise God, not to obtain anything, but because God’s Being draws praise from us.
Sunday, March 4th–#Thanks—For what do we offer Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is offered to God for all the blessings of this life, for our redemption, and for whatever draws us closer to God.
Sunday, March 11th–#Sorry—What is Penitence?
In penitence, we confess our sins and make restitution where possible, with the intention to amend our lives.
Sunday, March 18th–#Offer—What is prayer of Oblation?
Oblation is an offering of ourselves, our lives and labors, in union with Christ for the purpose of God.
Sunday, March 25th, #Pray For and #Help—what are Intercession and Petition?
Intercession brings before God the needs of others; in petition, we present our own needs, that God’s will may be done.
Sunday, April 1 th (Easter Day), #Adore—What is Adoration?
Adoration is the lifting up of the heart and mind to God, asking nothing but to enjoy God’s presence.
Sunday, April 8th–#Celebrate—What is Joy?
We celebrate this truth: that the whole of creation is sacramental—everything and everyone we meet is sacred and charged with God’s Glory.
Sunday, April 15 (to be announced)
Sunday, April 22nd–#Silence—What is Contemplation?
In contemplation, we let go of all words, images and experiences, abiding in the One who prays silently with us.
Sunday, April 29th—How do we pray for #Thy Kingdom Come?
From the wellspring of prayer, we are called to action: when God’s grace and our efforts unite, such action becomes prayer.