Praying with our senses reminds us that prayer is not just something we do with our mind. Our senses provide us with the images and experiences that we put into words or thoughts. We can bring all that we are into our relationship with God: indeed God who created us as we are, can use every means to reach us.One way of using our senses is to help us prepare for a time of pray. Take a few minutes to be still and slowly bring your attention to what you can see around you, what you can hear, what you can small, anything you can taste, what you can feel on different parts of your skin. These sensations may lead you straight into prayer, or they may give you a sense of present focus for your planned prayers.God blessSamantha
Dear Friends,Today's suggestion for exploring different ways of praying is all about finding inspiration in the natural world. May we draw closer to the Creator as we give our attention to our place in creation,God blessSamantha-- The Reverend Samantha StayteThe Lyn Valley Mission Community
Dear all,Christian Aid Week falls next week,and will have a very different character to it this year.Obviously no envelopes in the magazine,and none in our churches.If any of you wish to make a donation,please do go to the CA website,click on C A week,/give/donate,and it will show all the ways you can donate.As with all charities at this time,donations are desperately needed and you can see what projects your money will go towards.Many thanks,Lyn WhiteC A coordinator.
In a discussion led by the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, who chairs a group examining how the Church of England might proceed once the current restrictions for COVID-19 are relaxed or lifted, the House of Bishops recognised that there have been some welcome signs of improvement in the current situation, including a reduction in new cases and hospital admissions giving evidence for hope.While church buildings remain closed for public worship, in line with Government advice, the Bishops agreed in principle to a phased approach to lifting restrictions, in time and in parallel with the Government’s approach, with three broad stages as infection levels improve: An initial immediate phase allowing very limited access to church buildings for activities such as streaming of services or private prayer by clergy in their own parishes, so long as the necessary hygiene and social distancing precautions are taken Subsequently access for some rites and ceremonies when allowed by law, observing appropriate physical distancing and hygiene precautions Worship services with limited congregations meeting, when Government restrictions are eased to allow this.Read the full story.
