Sustaining the sacred centre – twenty things for twenty-ten

There are many different ways of praying.

The phrase 'sustaining the sacred centre’ invites us to find, and then nurture, the way of praying that is right for us. It is also about developing the links between the prayers we offer and the lives we lead.

Here are some ideas to try out during 2010.

1.    Talk to someone about your prayer life and your relationship with God.
It could be your parish priest or just anyone you trust; but there is also a network of spiritual directors in the diocese called Spi-Dir. You can get more information at - http://www.soulfriend.org.uk/

2.   Go on a quiet day or a retreat. W
We are fortunate in this diocese to have lots of places close by – especially the many religious communities in the diocese - where we can get away from it all. Here are a few suggestions -
Pelagos |Stanton House |Religious Communities in the Diocese

3.   Go to a bible study group or Lent group this year.

4.   Visit a garden or nature reserve. Contact theQuiet Garden Trust, founded by a priest in this diocese.

5.   Go on pilgrimage. You could go to anywhere in the country, but in our own diocese why not visit ourCathedral, orDorchester Abbey or the holy well atFrilsham?

6.   Read a Christian book. Ask your Vicar or a friend for recommendations.

7.   Revisit your first love.Where was the place you became a Christian? Who helped you on the way? Revisit these people and places. Get back in touch with, and be renewed by, your first experiences of the Christian life.

8.   Pray online. The CSMV sisters at Wantage have developed all sorts ofonline prayer resources. You can join them live for offices. A weekly meditation is posted every Saturday. There are online retreats. More information at –

There are other online spirituality resources at –

Church of England Daily Prayers
Scripture Union
ReJesus
Mothers'Union
Pray As You Go
Sacred Space

9.   Read a book of the Bible all the way through in one go. Why not try Mark’s gospel? Or one of Paul’s letters?

10.   Learn some prayers or some passages from scripture passages by heart.

11.   Say grace before meals.Ideas can be found at - http://www.prayer-and-prayers.info/dinner-blessings/saying-grace-before-meals.htm

12.   Pray with other people.Christian prayer is supposed to be a corporate activity. Find a prayer partner or form a small prayer group. Or, if you are part of a family, pray with them. Ideas for how to do this can be found in Bishop Stephen’s bookPraying through life (CHP) or in the Mothers Union resource…. Other resources can be found at -Pray Without Ceasing of the Church of EnglandsLearn to Pray page

13.   Prepare carefully for Sunday. Find out the readings and look at them a day or so before the service.

14.   Learn how to sit still!Many of the world's problems are caused by our busyness, our lack of reflection, our undue haste. Sitting still could transform the world!

Or if you are one of life’s activists –

15.   Go for a walk! Or a run! Or a workout at the gym.But dedicate the time to active reflection.

16.   Do something new!Climb a mountain, write a poem, plant a seed, strip an engine, lean a language – just enjoy becoming a learner again and do something you’ve never done before.

17.   Re-visit an old skill. Pick up that forgotten violin. Get out those water colours. Dig that vegetable patch. Rediscover something in your life that got mislaid on the way,

18.   Live differently.Learn how to inhabit this planet more carefully. Don’t leave the TV on standby. Turn down the thermostat. Slow down the car. Get out the bike. Visit the farm shop.

19.   Say sorry. The story of the gospel is one of generous forgiveness. Many of us are still encumbered by the weight of our sin. Lay this burden down. See a priest to make a sacramental confession. Talk to a trusted Christian friend. Take hold of the gospel of peace and be set free.

20.   Count your blessings!Say thank you more often! It has been noted that adults prayers usually begin with the words please’ and children’s wit the words ‘thank-you’. Be a bit more child-like in your praying.

Twenty things for Twenty-ten was prepared by the Worship, Prayer and Spirituality Group of the Oxford diocese.