Prayer

Alexa

ask the Church of England…for the Lord’s Prayer, a local church – or even who the Archbishop of York is! Say: “Alexa, open the Church of England,” to start the conversation today.

When and where do you pray?

The power of prayer in the community

Above all Dorchester Abbey is a place of prayer.
For centuries men and women have brought their joys and sorrows to this building and before God. Visitors, villagers and regular worshipers all find a real sense of peace within these prayer-soaked walls. Everyone who visits has their favourite place of prayer in the Abbey. The Lady and Memorial Chapels and the Birinus Shrine area are particularly beautiful and quiet spots in the Abbey.
Wherever you turn in Dorchester Abbey you will find a memory, sight or sound to prompt your prayers and we have a Prayer Pilgrimage – a tour of the Abbey with a difference offering the opportunity to stop at different places in the building to remember particular people, events or situations. This leaflet is available free of charge in the Abbey or may be downloaded.
The Birinus Chapel is kept quiet for personal prayer and there you will find a prayer board for your personal prayer requests, and a prayer card with guidance for your prayers – these prayers are below and can also be downloaded here. On summer weekends we also say Evening Prayer here at 4.45pm whenever possible.

Calm me, O Lord,as you calmed the storm.Still me, O Lord,keep me from harm.Let all tumult within me cease.Enfold me, Lord, in your peace.

For forgiveness

Humbly, O Lord,I ask forgiveness:For every weakening thoughtto which my mind has roamedFor every word spoken inhastiness and passion,For every failure of self control,For…Grant thy pardon and thy peace that I may be cleansed from all my sins and serve thee with a quiet mind, Amen.

In thanksgiving

O God whose love is beyond measure, I praise and bless you, giving most humble and hearty thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness and especially for…Grant that I may show forth your love not only with my lips but in my life. Amen.

At a time of anxiety

O God of love, whose compassion never fails, lift up the light of your countenance upon me and enfold me in the comfort of your love this day and for evermore. Amen

For the lonely and the sick

Lord Jesus by the loneliness of your suffering on the cross be near to …and all who are desolate and in pain or sorrow this day. May your presence transform their sorrow into comfort and in fellowship with you may they find peace for your mercy’s sake. Amen.

For families and loved ones

Merciful God, we bring to you all whom we love knowing that your love for them is greater than ours and that you want only good things for them. Hold them safe in the palm of your hand and give them now and always the blessing of your peace and the comfort of your Spirit. Amen.

For a loved one departed

Eternal God, by whose mercy and grace your saints remain in everlasting light and peace: I remember with thanksgiving … And all those whom I love but see no longer committing them to your love and peace. Amen

Dedication and commitment

O Lord my God, grant me grace to desire thee with my whole heart; that so desiring thee I may seek and find thee; and so finding thee may love thee, and loving thee may hate those sins from which thou hast redeemed me; Saint Anselm

Over five lessons, Archbishop Justin explores different ways of praying. From asking for things and giving thanks, to expressing deep sadness and anger, Discovering Prayer helps you begin – or develop – your conversation with God.