February seems a bit late to be wishing you all a ‘Happy New Year’, but as this is the first Kingsfolder of 2012 I guess it’s quite apt.  This time last year our thoughts were directed towards reflecting upon the Bible, with the celebration of the 400^th anniversary of the launch of the King James Version. 

This year, 2012, has been designated “by the Methodist people in Lancashire as a year of prayer” (to quote Revd Stephen Poxon – Chair of the Lancashire District of the Methodist Church).  Although it would be true to say that every year is one of prayer, I think that placing special emphasis throughout this coming New Year will certainly help us as individuals and churches to explore prayer more deeply. 

During a recent conversation with other church leaders (ordained and lay) on the subject of prayer, came the following statement: ‘Ask any Christian what they find hardest in the Christian life and they will probably say prayer’.  And I think that’s very true; we find it hard to give prayer proper time, and harder still to find the words for what we often want to say.

To help us journey through prayer this year a brilliant book has been produced by the District, it includes input from each circuit, and is called ‘Transforming Prayer’.  This is a practical journal-style book, which provides inspirational week-by-week reflection resources and can be used for both individual and small group.  (Our circuit, Preston Ribble, was responsible for producing material for the month of April, which includes Holy Week and Easter). A suggested donation of £2.00 is asked towards the cost, and it really is a quality book.

In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians (5:16-18) he writes: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. This year let us try to deepen our own walk and personal relationship with God. 

“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!  What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

Love and prayerful blessings to you all,

Katharine

Loving God, as I pray

            take my words, my silence and all that I feel,

            and hear my prayer,

            and speak to me today.  Amen.

(taken from‘Transforming Prayer’)