Letter from the Minister

Lord, teach us to pray... (Luke 11:1)

Happy New Church Year!

Until a few months ago, I did not realise that a couple of prayer initiatives take place so close together in September. There is The Global Week of 24-7 Prayer which takes place from 1-7 September. During this time, the global church is encouraged to pray non-stop for every nation on earth and the event invites communities worldwide to unite in prayer. There is also the National Week of Prayer (NWoP), which runs from 6-14 September. This movement invites the Body of Christ, across the British Isles, to pray for each other, our leaders, our nation and the nations. In that week, we are encouraged to remember and discover the good things that God has done and continues to do in this country, with thanksgiving, worship and praise. I believe the timing of these prayer events is no coincidence and is significant. What a proper and effective way to begin the new church year – with, in and by prayer!

Why? Because prayer underpins everything we do as Christians. The old hymn by James Montgomery describes prayer as the ''Christian's vital breath'' and ''the Christian's native air'' and Martin Luther, the seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation said, ''To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." These two quotes capture the essence of the indispensable role prayer plays in our lives. We step out not knowing what lies ahead but knowing full well that God promises to be with us as he leads us through the plans he has for us.

The new church year offers us a fresh start, a chance to recommit the challenges of the previous year to God, trusting that God will continue to be with us. It also offers a chance to embrace the opportunities that God has in store for us. One of the best ways to prepare ourselves for the coming year is through deepening prayer – seeking God's wisdom, guidance, direction, blessings and peace as we enter a new chapter.

As Christians, prayer is one of our greatest weapons – ''the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. (James 5:16b) So, I urge us to take time to pray – to really pray. Let us begin this new year with prayer, ''praying without ceasing'' and ''giving thanks in all circumstances,'' for this is the will of Christ Jesus for you.'' (1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18)

As we enter a new church year, I pray that prayer will be our passion and prayer our practice. Even when you are unsure of how to pray or what to pray, the Holy Spirit, our help and guide, will intercede on your behalf and align your prayers with God's will. (Romans 8: 26-27)

O you, by whom we come to God,
the life, the truth, the Way!
The path of prayer yourself have trod:
Lord, teach us how to pray!
(StF 529)

Every blessing,

Georgina