PRAYER

How To Pray

When should I pray?

Traditionally, prayer times have been morning and evening, but you can choose a time which is best for you. It helps to be somewhere quiet, where you can have some time for yourself.

What do I need?

You might like to set up a special place in which you pray regularly. You might also place an open Bible, a cross, a candle, or a picture, to give the time and space special significance. However, you can pray anywhere - walking, standing, sitting, whatever feels comfortable.

You don't have to know any prayers if you want to pray - in fact, words can often get in the way. But you may wish to write down or memorise some prayers that speak to you, especially the Lord’s Prayer. You could build up a collection of favourite prayers and sayings and keep a scrapbook.

Why not use your hand as a model!

Your fingers can be used to bring to mind different things to pray for:

• Thumb - This is the strongest digit on your hand. Give thanks for all the strong things in your life, like home and family, relationships that support and sustain you.

• Index finger - This is the pointing finger. Pray for all those headlines in the news that need to be prayed for. Also, for those in our lives who guide and help us: friends, teachers, the emergency services and so on.

• Middle finger - This is the tallest finger. Pray for all the important people who have power in the world, like world leaders and their governments, members of parliament and local councillors, the Royal Family, other world leaders and their governments.

• Ring finger - This is the weakest finger on your hand. It can’t do much by itself. Remember the poor, the weak, the helpless, the hungry, the sick, the ill and the bereaved… as well as victims of war and disaster.

• Little finger - This is the smallest and the last finger on your hand. Pray for yourself.