Recent years have seen a re-discovery of the value of the 'Daily Office' - prayers to be said at different times in the day which provide a rhythm and routine around which everything else unfolds.
This can take a very simple form, using for example the three prayers below, or can include Bible readings and other forms of Christian meditation.
The idea is that the prayers provide a framework and structure for the prayers that are on your heart. Sometimes you will just use the written text, whereas other times you will want to spend more time sharing with God. Either is fine - there are no rules and regulations!
Morning Prayer
The morning prayer allows us to begin the day by focussing on God (rather than social media, the news, or whatever else is already vying for our attention). It helps us to commit the day to him, and ask for his help and guidance through whatever the day may bring.
Loving Lord,
At the beginning of a new day,
I commit myself afresh to you.
In everything I do, guide me in your way.
Pause to name any specific people, opportunities or challenges for the coming day.
I place these things into your hands,
asking for your presence, wisdom, love and guidance in everything I do.
Walk with me every step of the day, Lord.
Forgive my mistakes and work through my weakness.
Make me aware of your presence, as I share life with you.
That your light might shine through me to all I meet.
Amen.
Midday Prayer
The midday prayer is a chance to pause, catch our breath, reflect upon God’s goodness and mercy, and to commit the day afresh to his guidance and upholding.
Gracious God,
whose gift of life fills each moment with promise,
I give you thanks for the morning past
and its fulfilment in your purposes,
and the continued promise
of your presence for all that lies ahead.
A pause to acknowledge any specific thanks and praise
I pray for those I have met, carry on my heart and for whom I have a concern ...
I pray for all that the afternoon will hold, the planned and the unexpected interruptions ...
May your grace fill me,
your Spirit uphold me,
and your Word direct my steps.
Amen.
Night Prayer
Evening prayer allows us to 'shut down' the day with God, handing everything that has happened to him, and asking for peace, sleep and rest.
As the day draws to its close and night settles,
I quieten my mind and still my heart.
You are with me here and now,
and in your presence I rest.
Looking back at the day that has just passed…
- What am I most / least grateful for?
- What warmed my heart?
- How did I encounter God today?
- What are my regrets?
Merciful Lord,
Thank you for those moments of joy,
the ways I’ve seen your blessing today.
Forgive me those times when
I have sought to put myself first.
When I have responded to others in anger.
When I have not loved you or others as I should.
Grant me your pardon and peace,
and give me the strength tomorrow to begin again,
walking every step of my life with you.
Amen
Looking for more?
There are all sorts of daily offices and prayers available online. Try searching 'daily office' and have a look at some of the results. One we can recommend is that of the Northumbria Community, whose website has different prayers, along with Bible readings for every day. The prayers they use are based on the Celtic Daily Prayer Book 1, which is available to buy in print here or in all the main ebook formats. The book also includes reflections for different seasons of the year, and stories of the saints.
Prayers For Other Times
When life gets tough, prayer can often be difficult. We struggle to find the words to say or to express our emotions, and can sometimes feel selfish for wanting to pray for ourselves.
The prayers below are offered to help when you don't have words of your own.
Prayer for Peace
Father God,
My heart is filled with chaos and confusion.
I feel as if I am drowning in my circumstances
and my heart is filled with fear.
I really need the strength and peace that only You can give.
Right now, I choose to rest in You.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.
Prayer for Rest
Father, my heart is heavy.
I feel like I have to carry the burden alone.
Words like overwhelmed, distraught, exhausted seem to describe where I am.
I am not sure how to let you carry my heavy load, so please show me how.
Take it from me.
Let me rest and be refreshed
so that my heart won't be so heavy in the morning.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Prayer for Forgiveness
Be merciful to me, O God,
because of your constant love.
Because of your great mercy,
wipe away my sins!
Wash away all my evil
and make me clean from my sin!
I recognize my faults;
I am always conscious of my sins.
Remove my sin, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness;
Create a pure heart in me, O God,
and put a new and loyal spirit in me.
In the name of Jesus I ask it.
Amen.
Asking for Prayer
If you'd like someone to talk to or to pray for you, there are a number of different options.
- A group from the church meet every Tuesday morning at 9.30am for Coffee & Prayer. This is an informal prayer time in which we pray for people, our community, church and the wider world. Anyone is welcome to join us - for more information please get in touch by contacting our ministers using the details below. Alternatively, if you would like us to pray for you or someone you know, please get in touch.
- For more urgent prayer requests, we have a prayer chain which gets a number of people from the church praying quickly.
- We also have a healing prayer group, who are available to visit people at home on request. The group holds regular healing prayer services at the Chapel. See the Calendar or News page for upcoming dates.
- Our ministers, James & Julia, or another member of our pastoral team are available to listen, support and pray for you if you want.
If you have a prayer request or would like more information about any of the above, please contact us by emailing enquiries@budleighbaptistchurch.org.uk or phoning 01395 443137. Prayer requests can be anonymous if preferred.