People often ask me to help them with prayer and a common cry is ‘I just can’t pray, I’m stuck, I can’t find time, I feel so dry inside, nothing will come.’ We pray together corporately in church but the problem seems to be when we find ourselves talking to God on our own. People who have prayed all their lives suddenly run out of words and inclination.

The busyness of life can be a block to a satisfying prayer life. We need to nurture that sacred inner centre of ourselves where prayer springs from our God centre.

I am an Oblate of the Community of St Mary the Virgin at Wantage and part of my Rule of life is to say the Daily Office, usually Lauds first thing in the morning and Compline on going to bed. As an Oblate I live outside the convent and am married. The Divine Office is recited daily by the sisters of the CSMV and part of my daily Rule of Life as an Oblate, is to join in everyday with that prayer, wherever I might be.'

The other part of my Rule is to go regularly to the community for quiet days and retreats throughout the year. Someone said once it was like going on holiday with your favourite person and giving them your undivided attention.

I recommend to those of you who are ‘stuck’ the benefits of a few hours away from your normal domestic situation. I have the privilege of taking groups of people from my own church to Wantage and I witness the transformation after a day in solitude with God. We usually begin in a small group with some inspiring words to contemplate on and we then find a comfortable chair away from everyone else and maybe spend an hour in relaxation with God.

This pattern continues throughout the day. When nothing is forced or contrived, prayer will often start to flow again, it’s the being with God without distraction that seems to cause the dam to burst. Silence isn’t for everyone, but I do believe that it has to be tried and when it is carefully guided by someone who can reassure you along the way, it has great benefits.

Marion Pyke is a Licensed Lay Minister at St Peter’s Church, Caversham and is in her second year on the Ordained Local Ministry Scheme.