Praying Alone

Praying in church is in many ways quite straightforward. Prayers are going to be said anyway, and you join in them in whatever ways suit you. Private prayer can be much more complicated and troublesome; and causes many Christians a lot of guilt. We are told often enough that we are supposed to do it. But doing it is not easy.

There are many books on how to pray, and websites too, but private prayer is certainly one of those areas where one size most definitely does not fit all.  

For some Christians a daily routine of prayer is important, with a regular prayer time at a particular point each day.  Others prefer spontaneity and flexibility.  Some use a set form of prayer, and there are lots of different things available here, including various forms of the old monastic daily offices for the morning or evening. 

Celtic Daily Prayer from the Northumbria Community is particularly popular at the moment (HarperCollins, ISBN 9780007199075).  A popular local one in Cornwall is Pat Robson's Celtic Liturgy (SPCK, ISBN 9780281055883). 

Some pray in the car on the way to work, with a music cassette to help the mood.  Others relax quietly in a comfy chair.  Some read the Bible as part of a prayer time, others read a newspaper.  Some people write things down, others close their eyes, others go for a walk.  Time, place, posture all vary.  What people actually do also varies.  And what people call it varies too: ‘saying your prayers', ‘having a quiet time' and ‘meditating' amongst others. 

In addition there can be brief moments of prayer at any time.  We suddenly think of someone in particular need.  We have to make a difficult phone call.  Something super happens.  Some call these ‘arrow prayers' - short and urgent prayers shot up to God!