Taking place between 29 May and 8 June, Thy Kingdom Come is an ecumenical prayer movement across the globe. Throughout this period, our bishops and members of our senior team will be sharing reflections on prayer. Find today’s reflection from the Ven Richard Brand, Archdeacon of Winchester, below.
Life is gift.
Faith is gift.
Prayer is gift.
We pray because through Jesus we rediscover and grow these gifts and prayer offers the way to a future where God is more present and presents, gifts us more of what the world and we need.
I have been encouraged over the years by the gift of Appreciative Inquiry. At a low point for me, one way it helped was through a practice of gratitude, woven into my prayer life. For a period of 21 days I wrote down three things each day that – however small – were good. For each one I then noted
‘Why did this good thing happen?’
‘What does it mean to me?’
‘How can I have more of it?’
The good things might be the sight of a tree, bird or flower; the kindness of a friend or stranger; exercise you’ve taken; controlling your temper in testing times; a visit or trip. Whatever you notice felt good and for which you’re grateful.
Once you have answered the three questions and opened wide that door of gratitude; turn again in prayer to the one who gives all good things and pray as your heart leads you.
