Taking to the streets to pray…

Being ‘open to the community’ is one of three priorities for St Nicolas’ Church in Earley. With this in mind over forty people from St Nicolas took to the streets of Earley on 6th September 2009 on a Parish Prayer Walk.

The Prayer Walk took in the whole Parish with eight stops on the way where specific prayers were said. The stopping points were chosen to reflect the every day lives of people in the Parish. For example, at Earley Railway Station all commuters, railway and transport workers were prayed for. At the local school we prayed for teachers, school staff, parents, carers and pupils. At the local shops for all people working in shops, restaurants and pubs. We also got prayer requests ‘live’ as we walked – someone in the Seven Red Roses pub asked us to pray for a friend in hospital.

Posters at the prayer stops let the wider community know what was going on and invited them to join in or call the St Nicolas’ 24/7 Prayer Request Line.

Outlining the reason for the Prayer Walk, organiser Karen Koefman said,

“St Nicolas’ Church is here for everyone in Earley and we therefore pray for everyone in Earley everyday. The Prayer Walk was a fun and meaningful way to let people know that we are praying for the things that matter in Earley’s day-to-day life.”

The Prayer Walk also gave new Vicar, Neil Warwick, a chance to see every corner of the Parish.
 

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