The saints of old had the same struggles in life that we have today. And they called out to God in the midst of their troubled lives. We too can receive God's help.

The Bible is full of prayers. Some are very well known while others are discovered only on a close reading of scripture. Many times in the Bible, especially the Psalms, the prayers are a cry to God for help in personal distress. Other times, particularly in the Epistles of the New Testament , prayers are made for other people. In the gospels we have the well-known example of prayer given to us by Jesus – commonly known as "The Lord's Prayer."

When praying the prayers of the Bible, make them your own. Read the words quietly and think of the meaning behind the words. Come into God’s presence in whatever way is helpful to you. You may like to find a quiet place away from distractions, light a candle, have a cup of tea, coffee or other drink in hand, play some music, and breathe out the cares of your everyday life.

As you come into God's presence and begin praying the prayers from the Bible, allow yourself to go beyond the words and to experience the joy of just being with God. (All prayers here are from the Good News Bible).

A Prayer for Protection Psalm 57:1

Be merciful to me O God, be merciful,

Because I come to you for safety.

In the shadow of your wings I find protection

Until the raging storms are over.

A Prayer for Others Ephesians 1: 15 – 19.

I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I remember you in my prayers and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him. I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, and how very great is his power at work in us who believe.

The Lord's Prayer Matthew 6: 9-15

Our Father in heaven’

May your holy name be honoured;

May your Kingdom come;

May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us today the food we need.

Forgive us the wrongs we have done,

As we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us.

Do not bring us to hard testing,

But keep us safe from the Evil one.

The Twenty Third Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd’

I have everything I need

He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water

He gives me new strength

He guides me in the right paths

As he has promised

Even if I go through the deepest darkness

I will not be afraid, Lord

For you are with me.

Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me

You prepare a banquet for me

Where all my enemies can see me

You welcome me

As an honoured guest

And fill my cup to the brim

I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life

And your house will be my home as long as I love

An Evening Prayer for Help Psalm 4:8.

When I lie down, I go to sleep in peace;

You alone, O Lord, keep me perfectly safe. Amen