Connecting with God

Connecting individually - Resources for Daily Bible Reading and Prayer.

Whether you pray regularly or not, we hope that some of the ideas below might help you to speak to God, our heavenly Father; to come close to Him; and to know that He comes close to you. Below are listed some resources designed to support prayer and bible reading, but first some ideas about how to pray using Psalm 23 as a basis. You can use the same approach with other psalms and bible passages.

How do I pray? Some ideas using Psalm 23

Find a space to be quiet. Open a bible at Psalm 23. Still yourself. In the quietness remember that you are in the presence of your heavenly Father. He loves you and is present. If thoughts distract – don’t worry – just bring yourself back to being in God’s presence. Perhaps repeat to yourself the words, “The Lord is my shepherd,” reminding yourself of His love and care. You may want to read through all of Psalm 23.

Reflect on the words ‘He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul.’ Thank God for the good things in your life. Even in difficult days – are there things to say thank you for? Thank Him.

Reflect on the words, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for You are with me: Your rod and Your staff they comfort me still.”

Pray for those you know experiencing difficulty.

Pray for wisdom for the government and its advisors.

Pray for all who work in the NHS and medical services.

Pray for all who are deeply worried about their livelihoods.

Pray for those who are ill or fearful.

Prayer doesn’t need words. It can be in our imagination placing people before God.

Reflect on your own needs, worries, concerns. Your loved ones. Give those worries to Him asking for His peace.

Maybe repeat the words ‘even though I walk…’ a couple of times. Ask God for His help to trust.

Perhaps finish by saying The Lord’s Prayer.

Make time each day to sit prayerfully in the presence of your heavenly Father.

Online resources to help us read the bible and pray:-

Daily Prayer App from Aimer Media Limited. Find complete services for Morning, Evening and Night Prayer from the Church of England with this official Daily Prayer app. https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/daily-prayer/id818491760

Thy Kingdom Come, from the Church of England. Join the global wave of prayer calling all Christians to pray between Ascension and Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus Christ. May 21st - May 31st 2020 ://www.thykingdomcome.global/

LECTIO 365, is a daily devotional resource that helps you pray the Bible every day.  https://www.24-7prayer.com/dailydevotional

Practicing The Way: Vision Series, 12 talks to download and listen to. Learning to be disciples of Jesus. https://bridgetown.church/series/practicing-the-way/

Pray As You Go is a daily prayer session. A framework for your own prayers. https://pray-as-you-go.org/home/

Pray as you Stay.  A guide aimed at supporting you during this time of self-isolation, uncertainty and fear. https://pray-as-you-go.org/retreat/pray-as-you-stay

As well as using these resources why not start or finish each day by making yourself a cuppa and saying the words of the Lord’s Prayer slowly, allowing your heart and mind to dwell on the words.

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,
give us this day our daily bread,
forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us,
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,
for the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours,
now and forever.
Amen.

Praying the Lord’s Prayer reminds us that we don’t just connect with God individually. It begins with the words ‘our Father’. It’s the prayer of God’s family around the world and billions will be saying it with you today.