The fundamental business of life is worship. At the root of all your being, your intellectual studies, the games you play, whatever it is, the impulse to do them well is and ought to be understood as being an impulse towards God, the source of all that is excellent. All life ought to be worship; and we know quite well there is no chance it will be worship unless we have times when we have worship and nothing else. Archbishop William Temple (1881–1944)

What is prayer?

This is a question many have asked and are still asking. Simply explained, for a Christian, prayer is “talking to God”.
This is very different from meditation or reflection. It is a time of communication with God. Through prayer, as Christians, we communicate our emotions, desires, joys, sadness, request, appreciation and whatever we have on our minds to God.

Why pray?

We pray because Jesus, whom we follow and believe has asked us to do so. In the Bible, Jesus taught his followers the prayer now called The Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). he also asked us to pray persistently without ceasing. And so we pray because we know that God listens and will response in His own time and manner.
Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7). Worry about nothing; pray about everything.

Why come together to pray?

We come together to pray because then we could support each other but also the Bible enjoins us to fellowship with each other (Hebrews 10:25). This why in addition to prayers during services, we meet every Thursday at 9:30 for a short time of open and collective prayer. Everyone is welcome to take part. Private requests for prayers are also welcomed. Please send requests to layminister@oatlandschurch.org.uk. 

You might also want to contact our Caring & Sharing Team. This group meets on the first Tuesday of the month to pray for members of the community who are unwell or in distress. All are welcome.

You might also find helpful information on this site.

For more information contact the Parish Office parishoffice@oatlandschurch.org.uk or Tel 01932 231274.