Prayer and discussion groups

Monthly Prayer Calendar

A prayer calendar is an aid to personal or group prayer. The calendar was composed using Google Street View wherever possible to 'walk' along the street in question in cyberspace; like virtually beating the bounds! This sometimes prompted a topic for prayer.
In this way we can pray together around the streets of our parish, its people and concerns. Copies are available at each church in the parish as well as from here link text and the link at the bottom of this web page.

Prayer Groups

Prayer Chain

A group of people have pledged to pray each week for any concerns or thanksgivings that have been posted on the prayer boards in our churches or that have been given to one of us to pass on. All requests are kept strictly confidential within the group. We start off the chain afresh every Wednesday and requests are passed round the group by phone or e-mail. The group are also supportive of each other and it is not unusual for an extra personal prayer to be passed around when it is apparent that one of the group has a concern that they want to share.

Daily Prayer Group

The Daily Prayer Group is a way of praying with others for people who because of family or work commitments, time constraints, age or lack of mobility are unable to go to a specific time at a specific place to pray together. All prayer groups operate from the gospel promise that God will grant the requests of those who come together to ask:

'Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.'

Matthew 18: 19 - 20

When we become part of this prayer group, and it is about a five minute commitment each day, we are not together in one room or church, but we are together in time and in spirit and as part of the church. There is no membership list, no formal commitment, no agreement other than between ourselves and God that at the time we have chosen we will pray alongside others who have also chosen the same time. We pray in the confidence that our prayers will be heard and answered, though we need always to remember that how God answers our prayers is not always in the way we hope. We also need to remember that God, like any loving parent, sometimes says ‘No’ and sometimes says ‘Not yet’.

If you would like to participate in the Daily Prayer Group an explanatory leaflet is available here and in the churches.

15 Minute Prayer Group

A group of us meet at home for 15-20 minutes of shared prayer. We try to meet every week; sometimes it is fortnightly (through force of circumstances) – but always on a Tuesday evening because that suits all of us most of the time; and usually at 6.30 p.m.

We derive a lot of strength and spiritual refreshment from these short, concentrated sessions. The sharing makes them something quite different from private prayer. The short duration means it never becomes a chore.

We would be delighted to welcome other Ascension parishioners. If you want to know more, please ring Helen Cunnington (355579) or Hilary Footitt (364929) or David and Caroline Wilson (356675).

How you may make a request for prayer

It is unnecessary to include any personal information about yourself in the prayer request or to include anyone’s full name. All requests will be treated with complete confidentiality and passed onto the Prayer Chain.

In St. Luke’s Church, near the font, is a prayer board, book and bowl containing candles which can be lit as a sign of a prayer having been said. Prayers written on the board or in the book are collected regularly and passed onto the Prayer Chain.

At St. Giles’ Church there is a book where prayer requests may be written. These will be remembered during the Sunday service and during weekday Morning Prayer.

At Castle St. Methodist Church a prayer request book is provided in the church.

By post: Prayer requests can be sent to: Prayer Requests, St Giles’ Church, Castle St., Cambridge, CB3 0AQ. These requests will be passed onto the Prayer Chain.

E-prayers: Prayer requests can be e-mailed to us at prayer@churchatcastle.org .

Requests for prayer may also be made to any of the ministers at any time, about any matter.

Discussion Groups

Upper Room

The Upper Room group usually meets on Friday evenings at 6.00 p.m. in the first-floor vestry of St Augustine's, a time marking the transition from the business of the working week to the more reflective moments of the weekend. It was launched in September 2004 in order to study the weekly readings prescribed by the lectionary in a three-year rotation, but after three years moved on to consider whole books of the Bible at a time. The choice of reading and length of weekly passages for preparation is democratically made; the tone of discussions is informal and lively, sometimes individually led, sometimes free-for-all. This is a group for those who wish to deepen their engagement with the Bible; we use commentaries and other resources as required. Currently we are exploring the books of the Old Testament and will begin reading Isaiah in January 2010. There are five regular members, though more - and their suggestions - would be very welcome.  

Seasonal Study Groups

The churches run day-time and evening study courses during Lent and Advent, led by the ministry team and shared by members of all the congregations. All are welcome.

Details will be given in the Calendar and the Events sections of the website, in leaflets in the churches or by enquiry at the Parish Office, tel: 01223 315000.

Parish Quiet Day

The churches share a quiet day of study, prayer and fellowship every year. Details will be available as for the study groups, above.