Midday Prayers
Midday Prayers
Midday Prayers are open to all and take place as follows:
Mondays: Milton Church Room
Tuesdays: Fifield Church
Thursdays: Idbury Church
Fridays: Prayers for Peace in Shipton Church
Monday midday prayers in the Milton Church Room is a time for quiet reflection on varied matters, for which our prayers are needed. The readings often turn out to be most appropriate. Not only parochial “for the sick”, but also wider issues are raised and there are frequent occasions ‘when two or three are gathered together, you grant their requests ‘.
As a relative newcomer to midday prayers I can say what a difference it makes to be ablegather with some of the “church family” to discuss and pray over, issues and problems that cannot necessarily be addressed on a Sunday. It keeps a sense of continuity of being “church” in this community from week to week and allows us to get to know other members of our “fellowship” and promotes just that – fellowship.. It also provides a forum for us to be able to support each other in our needs and to help us maintain a closer Christian walk which at times is particularly challenging!
I come to midday prayers to share with others our own concerns, and those for people in our church and community and in the world, and remembering to thank God for his goodness – blessings we have received and answers to prayers. It is a more intimate space than church because there are only a few of us. As a result we have got to know each other well and feel free to share things that we might feel uncomfortable about mentioning on a Sunday morning. It is also good to read the set daily bible passages together, which often tie in miraculously with what we have been talking or thinking about. I treasure this time at Milton on a Monday but also try to get to the other churches on different days of the week sometimes – to spend time with others in the benefice and/or have time alone with Kate and/or Anne. I think it is so good that the churches are open and that there are these regular times set apart for prayer in our busy lives – yours especially – it is a great commitment. It would be great if more people could come and enjoy them –Monday prayers are a welcome time of thoughtful reflection during a busy day and an opportunity to share concerns and give thanks with dear friends. It has become a valued part of my life.