Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4.2
These words of St Paul remind us of the centrality of prayer in the life of a Christian. It is through prayer that we connect with the divine presence and deepen our love for God and for others. In prayer we are thankful because we bring our praises before God and our gratitude for his grace, mercy and the gift of life itself. But Paul also encourages us to be watchful. In prayer we wait on the Lord and become attentive to his presence with us in our lives and in the world. We are watchful in our awareness of the needs of others, bringing to God our concerns for others as well as for ourselves.
Prayer Requests and Candle Stands
There are candle stands at various points in the cathedral where you are invited to light a candle and offer prayer. At the candle stands near the Jesus Chapel there is a book in which you can write your own prayer requests. You can also email us at prayer@worcestercathedral.org.uk and your concerns will be remembered in prayer each week by a member of the clergy or our pastoral care group.
Meditative Prayer Group
Prayer can take many forms. Sometimes we may want to talk to God – perhaps giving thanks for good things that have happened or asking for God’s help. Just sitting looking at nature can also be prayer, as we sit quietly we may become aware of the presence of God all around us.
Another form of prayer is to sit in silence and listen and reflect – we often refer to this as meditation. A number of us meet every month using Zoom to practise this meditative prayer. The meetings last no more than an hour. They are all different but in a typical meeting we will spend some time bringing ourselves into the present moment and quietening our minds, focusing on relaxing our bodies. Then there will be a short reflection led by someone in the group, maybe a psalm or a story from the Bible. We will reflect on it silently, then we will apply it to ourselves in some way, using suggestions from the leader. We always include a time to look outwards and remember other people. Finally, we will spend 15 minutes in silence, being open to God.
For more information please contact us at prayer@worcestercathedral.org.uk
You might also be interested in our series of Quiet Mornings - details here.
Prayers & Resources
Learning to pray: www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/learning-pray
Daily Prayer services: www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer
Light an online candle: www.churchofengland.org/our-faith/light-candle
Faith & Spirituality
Visit our Faith & Spirituality page for details of pastoral support, quiet days, and other spirituality resources.
Be inspired by our Indoor Pilgrimage that you can carry out in your own home.
The Worcester Cathedral App
Download the free Worcester Cathedral App for a number of trails which can be used at home or inside the cathedral. It is available on Google Play or on the App Store and alongside historical and architectural information there are various spiritual and pilgrim tours.
Bereavement & Funerals
The Church of England website contains many prayers and resources for those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. www.churchofengland.org/life-events/funerals
Another useful link is AtALoss.org which signposts the bereaved to a selection of local resources.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today 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 for ever.
Amen.
