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You are here » Home» Visitors» Visitor information» How to pray

How To Prayer (a guide only)

'There is, deep down in each human being, some spiritual impulse and energy that is constantly yearning and aching and longing for a fuller life and a better world'. David Connor Dean of Windsor.

'Be joyful always; pray continually; and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus' (1 Thess.5.16-18)

How do we pray?

• - Favourite prayers - use prayers one knows or in the service book.
• - Particular needs e.g. forgiveness, bereavement, thankfulness, and concerns. Pray to God as one would speak to a friend, pour out one's heart to God, spend time in quiet after and listen. Let God guide you, listen to hear something, or read something that answers one's prayer in some way.
• - Read the readings for Ash Wednesday: Joel 2v1-2,12-17; Psalm 51v1-18;
• - 2 Cor.5v20b-6.10; Matt.6v1-6,16-21
• - Find a Psalm that helps you or look at Psalms 4; 27; 37; 77; 139
• - Read a passage of scripture and then use it for meditation or imaginative prayer. Suggested readings: John 4 v7-42 Samaritan Woman at the well; Matt. 8v23-27 Calming the Storm: Matt. 12v1-7 Eating on the Sabbath; Matt. 20v1-16 Labourers in the vineyard.
• - Walk around the Cathedral or church and look for a window or a carving or a monument that takes your attention and use it as a form of meditation and prayer.
• - Use the time to make a plan to make Lent more meaningful for you by :
• - Making a Lent resolution;
• - Making opportunities to pray;
• - Attending Holy Communion and public worship;
• - Organising your time to read the Bible more regularly and other study;
• - Balancing one's life;
• - Financial giving;
• - Service of others;
• - Faith and work;
• - Care of creation
• - Quiet days/time/retreats;
• - "Proclamation" of the Gospel;
• - "Fasting";
• - Saying "No" to something in order to say "Yes" more fully to Christ.

Fasting is a personal decision and not compulsory but you may like to avoid lunch in the middle of the day. Drinks should still be taken throughout the day.

All the above suggestions, plus all the readings in full and other helpful information will be printed in booklet form to be used by those attending the day at the Cathedral. For a copy of this booklet email julie.anscomb@herefordcathedral.org or telephone the Cathedral Office 01432 374200