On Saturday 9th July, we held a prayer morning at Wicken Bonhunt.
What did we hope to achieve?
Why did folk take three hours out of their busy weekend schedules to attend?
There was no immediate crisis to address; no one thing that we felt needed focussed prayer.
But what the morning did provide was the time and space to slow down, to let the urgent demands of our schedules die away, and to be still before God: the mighty creator of all things, but also our loving Father, who delights in the company of His children.
It was a time to reflect, to look back on the blessings and lessons of the past, and to consider areas in our present activities and concerns where we specifically need the help and presence of God.
Scriptures were read for our contemplation; there were times of silence for reflection on these words, and to allow God to speak. Insights and experiences were shared, and prayers were offered: prayers of worship, thanskgiving and intercession.
On this occasion one of us shared some well-established techniques for Scriptural meditation from church history.
There was also time to deepen acquaintance with others over refreshments, and to build the links of community that God seeks among all those who follow him.
So next time a prayer morning is announced, and you are aware of all that you have to do at a weekend – do consider that just possibly the investment of a few hours can equip us with a clearer vision and renewed energy to focus on what God is calling us to do – and some of the rest may turn out not to be so essential after all.