Praying at St Andrew's

Prayer - the heart of it all

It's impossible to read the New Testament witness to the early Church and not to see that prayer was right at the heart of everything. Doubtless, these early Christians prayed individually, in the privacy of their rooms, just as Jesus had encouraged them to do (Matthew 6:6.) But just as definite is the conclusion that they prayed together! Even a brief skim through the early chapters of Acts proves as much.

At St. Andrew's we believe that prayer should be foundational to everything and that individual and corporate prayer are equally important. Here are the opportunities that are open to the people of St. Andrew's, to be involved in the prayer life of the congregation. It goes without saying that all are encouraged to find time and space to be involved.

In Worship

Together, God's people pray when they assemble to worship. Even though it's usual for just one person to lead the prayer, the whole congregation shares in it.

Before Worship

In preparation for Sunday worship, a group meets in the Session Room from 10.30-10.45am to pray for the minister, musicians etc. and for all those in the congregation.

Through the Week

Every Sunday, a prayer sheet is distributed as the congregation leaves the Church. This, together with the excellent 'Praying through the Week' section in the bulletin, provides the kind of information that we need to be specific in our praying.

In Groups

Our Midweek Programme comprises a mix of neighbourhood house meetings and Wednesday evening gatherings in the Church. In both cases, praying together is part of the package. In the more intimate setting of small groups, it's possible to pray for one another as need arises. In the Wednesday evening gatherings, the focus is on issues in Church and wider community.

One-to-One

Much of prayer is general in nature but there are particular rewards in praying for an individual. Since 2006, we have offered every child and young person at St. Andrew's a 'Prayer Guardian.' Why not sign up! You'll be linked with a boy or a girl and set the task of praying for them all through the year.

OBs

Meeting at 9am every Tuesday morning, a group gathers to pray specifically for the work of The Oyster Trust at OBs on the Westport. Here, of course, the focus is on the young people who frequent the bar and on the staff, management group and volunteers who run it.

Prayer by phone

St Andrew's Church is the Arbroath outpost of a national prayer network called UCB PrayerLine. Anyone can call the number and, at the end of the line, is a caring Christian, ready and willing to pray for the caller about their situation. The lines are staffed by our volunteers each afternoon, 2.30-7.30pm, and a backup team of prayer partners offer prayers from home for callers who have requested prayer for long-term situations.

Postscript
Some people are able to pray out loud in a group, without any trouble. Others are filled with terror at the very thought!! Everyone should know, however, that there is no obligation to speak up. For some, it's a case of confidence; for others, it's to do with being reserved by nature. Some will gradually learn to pray in public, others will always sit quietly. The most important thing is this: God hears prayers, whether spoken or unspoken! And, it is still important to be involved in praying together even if you don't speak out. This year, at the Wednesday evening gatherings there will always be an option for those who prefer not to pray out loud. Something just right for everyone is our aim.