What is Prayer? Why do Christian’s Pray? Is prayer important in the life of the church? Whose responsibility is it to pray? These questions may provoke thoughtful consideration as you read through this article accounting for the special time so many of us shared in a unique prayer experience a few weeks ago.

On the 28 April Deo, our Vicar, delivered a meaningful sermon on Prayer. He drew our attention to the Lord’s Prayer, breaking it into sections in order for us to find a specific focus as the phrases unfolded. It was part of our preparation for what was to follow in the hall: our invitation to a Multi-Sensory prayer experience, using seven stations relating to the Lords Prayer, set out in a most creative way around the allotted spaces.

These stations were structured to help all ages dwell and linger over the words of the prayer as they used them to connect to God.

The 9 am church family went through first, following our service. Individuals and pairs were directed to a station, but the order of movement around them was not considered important, and seven people waited on chairs at the side of the hall for their turn - in contemplative silence as well. The others spent time fellowshipping with friends outside or in the church as they waited. It was not necessary for all the stations to be visited, but everyone made sure they did this because of the process they became engrossed with.

Of the. 49 people at that first service, over forty participated, which was simply wonderfully encouraging.

The hall was a silent refuge, and people participated very intentionally, responding to the suggestions outlined at each table. At one of the stations we had the opportunity to outline how we could be a blessing to others that week - by writing our intention on a luggage tag and slipping it into our pocket as a reminder.

At the 11 am family service families filed silently through with silent children, and a good half of that congregation participated fully in this innovative programme. It was obvious that participants were aware of their fellow travellers through this experience, and wanted to ensure no one was distracted from their tasks.

The impact upon many people was profound, judging by the feedback, and appreciative of the fact that this was a creative way to enlarge their relationship with God and strengthen up their prayer life.

Prayer underpins every aspect of church life. It is essential to the growth, the existence of a healthy church. St Christopher’s church has become increasingly focussed on drawing this to the attention of its family and provided four prayer vehicles for people to use to support this ethos. Intercessory Prayer, Corporate Prayer, Prayer Chain situations of immediacy and prayer after Communion and service are specific areas which enable the effective functioning of St Christopher’s church to be a beacon of light in our community.

Jackie Hall on behalf of the PMOT

The St Christopher’s Multi-Sensory Prayer Morning Experience