I am a member of the Iona Prayer Circle. Every three months I receive a list of prayer requests from around the world. There are ten groups, each with approximately 12 names. I am in Group One. The requests remain on the list until the sponsor who has placed the name on the list asks that it be removed; conditions have improved, cures have occurred, or death has happened. We intercessors are asked to pray for our group on Tuesday when the names are lifted up at the Service of Healing at the Iona Abbey. I pray for mine every day, which draws me close to them.
Chris Polhill is the coordinator for this important ministry. Here are her comments about prayer from the October Iona Prayer Circle newsletter.
We need wisdom too when it comes to prayer for others. Prayer is not about God getting someone else to do or be as we think they should be, everyone has free will, even those we pray for. When I first thought about this I stopped asking for anything particular and just prayed for God to bless who or whatever situation was on my mind. I shifted a bit when I thought about God as papa, and it being fine to ask anything as children do and that sometimes I just need to ask, but the difference now is that I know I cannot use prayer to manipulate anyone/thing or God, and I like the prayer for blessing. Rowan Williams talks of prayer as taking people or situations into the presence of God and being there with God. Then living as best we can.
Chris Polhill is the coordinator for this important ministry. Here are her comments about prayer from the October Iona Prayer Circle newsletter.
We need wisdom too when it comes to prayer for others. Prayer is not about God getting someone else to do or be as we think they should be, everyone has free will, even those we pray for. When I first thought about this I stopped asking for anything particular and just prayed for God to bless who or whatever situation was on my mind. I shifted a bit when I thought about God as papa, and it being fine to ask anything as children do and that sometimes I just need to ask, but the difference now is that I know I cannot use prayer to manipulate anyone/thing or God, and I like the prayer for blessing. Rowan Williams talks of prayer as taking people or situations into the presence of God and being there with God. Then living as best we can.
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