Jenny’s letter 9th February
Dear Friends,
Last Saturday we had a prayer meeting with only five people present.
Some regulars were unable to attend and I know there are some people who are never able to come. But just five people? It made me sad and also reflective about why people aren’t coming (no you can’t do everything) and what I need to do to change things. This meeting used to be so well attended that it was growing out of The Rectory. I need to think, to pray, and to act.
Prayer is a gift. It is an opportunity to connect with God, seek His guidance, and draw strength from His presence. It is something deeply personal, yet also profoundly communal. While private prayer is essential to our faith, there is something uniquely powerful about coming together in prayer as a church family.
Jesus often withdrew to pray alone, showing us the importance of personal time with God. In solitude, we can pour out our hearts, listen for His voice, and grow in our relationship with Him. This one-on-one time strengthens us spiritually and prepares us to support and encourage others.
However, while private prayer is vital, praying with others brings another dimension to our faith. When we gather in prayer, we unite in purpose, share burdens, and encourage one another.
Jesus said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). There is a special blessing in lifting our voices together in prayer.
I am sure that some of you will say, “I pray with others on Sunday”. Sunday services provide structured worship and teaching. But dedicated prayer meetings create space for deeper intercession, reflection, and shared encouragement.
A prayer meeting is not just an extra event. It is a vital part of church life, strengthening both individuals and the body of Christ as a whole. I am quite sure many of the successes we have had as a church occur through being faithful in prayer. I also experience the turbulance that occurs when I have cancelled that monthly collective prayer time.
Prayer meetings don’t always have to follow a single format. They might include silent reflection, spoken prayers, scripture readings, music, or even talking and sharing. I personally think the chat and the chance to eat if you wish are valuable parts of the gathering.
As we share our joys and struggles, and join in with encouragement, we build each other up in faith. As we speak about our world, the conversations broaden people’s knowledge about all that there is to pray for. I do not have to lead it each time. I am thankful that Lis and Juan share this with me sometimes but others can do that too.
Finally, some of you may feel hesitant to join a prayer meeting because you are unsure about praying aloud. But there is no requirement to speak. Your presence alone is valuable. Listening, agreeing silently in prayer, or simply being there to support others is just as meaningful. Prayer is not about performance; it is about being with God and each other.
My thanks to those of you who attend when you can. You are the engine room of our work. No need to apologise if commitments keep you away. But what if once in a while you modified those plans? And do tell me how would you like our prayer times to look. Let’s shape this together.
Wishing you every blessing,
