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Open for Prayer Last year David, [2003] our rector, began his ministry at St Thomas' by inviting us to join him in prayer in church. This period of prayer lasted during the day time for a period of one week and there was hope that a new era was begining in the life of St Thomas'. We went to these times of prayer in the church, spending perhaps one hour in silence and sometimes praying aloud. WE also wondered what to pray for, had wandering thoughts and even nodded off. After a week of prayer the church was open for prayer each Wednesday frm 9am-12 noon. A building and a time set aside I thought about the special value of praying in church. Why not pray at home? The psalmist understood the significance of the house of God when he said "I was glad when they said, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord'"-Psalm 122:1. By setting aside a time for prayer we do business with God in a building set aside for worship, teaching and prayer. Last week I asked David what his vision was for Wednesday mornings. He replied, "I would love the church to be open throughout the year at this time for prayer". "What do you pray for?" I asked David, knowing sometimes it was difficult, especially because we are used to printed prayer topics at St Thomas' when praying together. David replied that he prays for revival, for the leaders of the church, the PCC, the Leadership Team, the people who preach and lead at our services and everybody in our congregation. I thought of my own prayers. At times I have just read through the Scriptures and practiced trying to listen to God. I have prayed for people in the parish and for our neighbours on Chatsworth Road, Peter Blakes, Safeway [Morrisons], the pubs and drivers of the vehicles, wondering how God could use us as a channels of the grace of Jesus to these people. Large numbers of young people in our church have responded to God's call for short or long term service. This naturally leads to thanking Him for them and also for committed and gifted children's and young people's leaders. At other times I have prayed for our musicians. 'A Year in the Life of our Parish' and the church address book have also been very helpful as prayer guides. A people set aside We have a time to set aside and a building set aside for prayer. My dream is to see a people set aside by the Lord, listening to Him and praying in our church during those three hours each Wednesday. Ray Hearn
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