We are living in uncertain times and though our gathered church services have to go on hold for the time being, our faith can still flourish. In this new season we have the opportunity to explore new and creative ways to grow as Christians, nurture our spiritual lives and show God’s love to those around us. As part of this endeavour we have put together some initial resources to help you discover what enables you to draw near to God and feel connected with your faith and our faith community.
For resources for children, youth and families please click here.
Apps to download on your phone or tablet
Daily Prayer Find complete services for Morning, Evening and Night Prayer from the Church of England with this official resource.
Pray as you go is a daily prayer session, founded in Ignatian Spirituality and uses the imagination to enter more deeply into prayer. See also: https://pray-as-you-go.org/
YouVersion Bible gives you tools to seek God’s heart daily: listen to audio Bibles, create prayers, study with friends and much more.
Bible in One Year is a Bible reading app. Nicky Gumbel, vicar of HTB church in London and pioneer of Alpha, provides audio and written commentary to walk you through each day’s readings.
Lectio365 is a daily devotional to help you pray the Bible every day. It is written by leaders of the 24-7 prayer movement and produced in partnership with CWR.
Miss our dulcet tones? Listen to our back catalogue of sermons…
Prayers for use at home
A prayer about the Coronavirus outbreak
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
The Daily Examen
An ancient practice which helps you be mindful of God at work in your life and in the world. It comes in many forms—here is one:
Be still – become aware that God is with you, perhaps say ‘God you are with me and I am with you’
Give thanks – Think through your day and look for the things you are thankful for, big and little.
Reflect – What happened? Become aware of your emotions as you consider your day. Name the feelings both positive and negative and offer them to God.
Contemplate – Choose a joy or a sorrow from your day to focus on, ask God for what you need in relation to it – comfort? Forgiveness? Peace?
Hope – Look to tomorrow with hope, commit it to God in trust.
Expression of faith from the Northumbria Community
Lord, You have always given
bread for the coming day;
and though I am poor,
today I believe.
Lord, You have always given
strength for the coming day;
and though I am weak,
today I believe.
Lord, You have always given
peace for the coming day;
and though of anxious heart,
today I believe.
Lord, You have always kept me
safe in trials;
and now, tired as I am,
today I believe.
Lord, You have always marked
the road for the coming day;
and though it may be hidden,
today I believe.
Lord, You have always lightened
the darkness of mine;
and though the night is here,
today I believe.
Lord, You have always spoken
when the time was ripe;
and though you be silent now,
today I believe
Suggested Psalms to read and pray with:
Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation
Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength
Psalm 91 He shall cover you with his wings
Psalm 139 O Lord, you have searched me out and known me
Need a place of peace? Create a sacred space in your home…
Read a blog post about that here
Miss singing in worship?
Do you miss singing when you can’t get to church? YouTube has many videos of songs and hymns to listen to. There are even some which display the words for you to sing along to in your kitchen. Try searching for your favourite hymns and songs or learn some new ones!