God loves spending time with you.
Prayer is how we stay close to God’s presence. It’s not about having the right words—it’s about being real. We might talk, sit in silence, say thank you, or cry out for help. However we come, God is ready to listen and talk. Prayer helps us stay grounded and open to God’s love. This week, we’ll think about what prayer looks like in our everyday lives. When we pray regularly it helps us grow, feel connected, and remember we are never alone.
Mini-adventures
Pick one of these challenges to try out this week. As you do it, pay attention to the ways in which God might show up.
- Keep a short list of your prayers for a week. Each day write down one thing you prayed for, and later note how you sensed God responding.
- Take a short walk—around your home, garden, or neighbourhood. Notice three things:
- Help: Where do you see a need or someone who could use support?
- Thanks: What small blessings or joys catch your eye?
- Wow: What surprises, inspires, or amazes you?
Get talking
Prayer was central in Jesus’ life. Before important moments, he prayed. For his friends, he prayed. And he taught his followers to pray too. In John’s gospel we hear Jesus praying for his disciples and for all who would believe through them.
John 17:6-26 - Jesus prays for his disciples
- What do you notice about the way Jesus prays in this passage?
- Jesus prays for unity (“that they may be one”). Why do you think unity matters so much?
- How might prayer connect us more deeply to God, and to each other?
- How might God be inviting you to respond to this passage?
Get inspired
- What do you notice in this artwork?
- How does it make you feel?
Church song
Stay with me (StF 780)
Secular song
Get deeper
Prayer can feel mysterious. Sometimes it’s easy to know what to say, and other times it’s hard to put feelings into words, or even to know if anyone is listening. Over the years, people have wrestled with this in countless ways, exploring what prayer is and how it works in their lives. This sketchnote gathers some of that collective wisdom—ideas, reflections, and experiences from people who have prayed before us—offering a window into the many ways we can connect with God through prayer.
- Prayer is a two-way conversation with God. How do you make time to listen as well as speak?
- God doesn’t always answer as we expect. How do you stay patient or trusting when prayers feel unanswered?
- Which of the kinds of prayer do you do most often? Which do you avoid?
Prayer
Loving God,
You are the Father who runs to meet us,
the Mother who embraces us with open arms.
Thank you for your boundless love and forgiveness,
even when we wander far from you.
Holy Spirit, guide us home.
Help us to return to you with open hearts,
and to celebrate when others do the same.
Teach us to love without judgment,
to forgive as we have been forgiven,
and to welcome all into your grace.
May we reflect your mercy in our lives,
and share the joy of your reign with everyone we meet.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.