(Introduction) The beginning of each year marks an important time in the calendar of any church. The best start is always to begin with prayer; this is why at Grace FPC we set aside the second full week of January to seek God for the many needs connected with our church family and denomination. This

‘Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.’ Psalm 44:26 Praying in public, and praying while alone, have their differences as we all as their challenges. In private communion with God no one else sees us, and so no one knows how long we spend before God’s throne. In the public prayer

‘…and when thou hearest, forgive.’ 1 Kings 8:30 Solomon’s greatest achievement (apart from being an inspired penman of Scripture) was the building of the magnificent temple. The greatness of this temple did not ultimately consist in the materials from which it was made or the size of it. Its magnificence was due to the fact

‘….Even so, come, Lord Jesus’ Revelation 22:20 Some of the most striking prayers are those which express the collective desire of the Church of Christ. We may not all agree on church governance or matters such as baptism but surely all of God’s people long for that final and glorious day of His return. It

‘Help, LORD’ Psalm 12:1 The thought behind these ‘one word prayers’ first came to me while I was part of another week of prayer. This was the Ministers’ Week of Prayer which our denomination holds annually at the start of a new year. Along with Bible college students and workers under our Mission Board, times

‘And all the people said, Amen..’ 1 Chronicles 16:36 Of all the words which we speak in prayer none is repeated as much as the timeless ‘Amen’. Tragically, so few know its meaning and so become guilty of praying it without without knowing it. No part of our prayer life must be characterised by ignorance.