WHY PRAY?
Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; and the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
We should pray because Jesus not only asked us to – and taught us how to through the Lord’s Prayer – but also because, through prayer, we enter into a relationship with God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” (CCC 2559) and that “prayer is the living relationship of the children of God with their Father who is good beyond measure, with His Son Jesus Christ and with the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 2565)
By praying, we are following God’s will and we are imitating Christ, who prayed often.
When we pray, we also humble ourselves to God because we accept that we are dependent on Him. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)
Pray also gives us peace “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
THE ROSARY
The rosary is a meditation on the life of Jesus. Many great popes, saints, and Christian leaders have exhorted us to pray the rosary. It’s a powerful prayer, they say, one that can change your life, strengthen the family, bring peace to the world, convert entire nations, and win the salvation of souls.
You can learn more about the rosary and how to pray the rosary
on Catholic Online.
At Our Lady and St Edmund, the rosary is prayed before Mass as follows:
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Mondays: 8.30am
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Tuesdays: 8.30am
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Wednesdays: 6.30pm
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Thursdays: 9.00am
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Fridays: 6.30pm
CHARISMATIC PRAYER
Representative
Mike Oliver
HOW TO PRAY
There are no hard and fast rules on how to pray. For some, and at times, stillness and quiet is important. Prayer can be loud too - and we can also pray anywhere and at any time. Pray can also be formal or informal. However, prayer does not have to be complicated.
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Keep it simple.
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Read the Bible - through it we learn to know God.
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Make prayer an essential part of your day.
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Pray 'from the heart' - have a sincere conversation with God.
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
There is a group of people in our Diocese who devote a lot of their time to intercessory prayer - that is, praying for other people's needs. You can submit a request for prayer here.
Our Charismatic Prayer Meeting has been running regularly in the parish for the past 20 years and has helped many to come to know Jesus in a deeper personal way. Since the start of the Pandemic we now get together virtually via the Internet and we all enjoy the convenience of this way of meeting. In fact the numbers have grown, with some joining us from far afield, including abroad. We meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:45pm for an hour of very informal Prayer, Praise and Prayer Ministry. The intimate atmosphere helps people to open up and unburden themselves of their deepest problems. Each meeting is different as we let the Holy Spirit take control, and the presence of the Lord is always very strong! The Holy Spirit moves in a powerful way, touching hearts in a profound way. You are warmly invited to join us. For more details please contact the Parish Office.
More information about the Catholic Charismatic Renewal can be found on this, the national website: CCR
BISHOP BARRON COMMENTS ON PRAYER
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
(Matthew 18:20)
WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN A PRAYER GROUP? PLEASE CONTACT US.
PRAYER REQUESTS
“Why should we not expect great things of God? We serve One who is all powerful” (St Teresa of Avila) Do you have prayer requests that you would like others to pray for? The diocese has 70 intercessors who pray for others in need. Our intercessors have discerned that God uses their prayers to change people’s lives and situations. Please contact them by emailing Sr Rosaleen at intercessors@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk with any prayer requests, which will be treated with full confidentiality.
MOTHERS' PRAYERS
Representative
Eliane Pony
Mothers' Prayers is a prayer group for mothers and grandmothers who wish to pray together for their children and grandchildren. The group uses a specific booklet of prayers that are used by mothers throughout the world. The group meets in the church on the last Saturday of every month between 9.30am and 10:15am. We have received remarkable answers to our prayers. We warmly welcome new participants.
There is also a group who meet for Mothers' Prayers in Spanish, who get together every Friday at 10:00 am. We will stop during the summer holidays and will restart in September. Everyone is welcome. Please contact Sandra at mamakolb@gmail.com
Mothers' Prayers in French meet on the second Wednesday of each month (apart from August) at 8pm in the parish centre.