IT is a new approach being driven across the Church in Scotland to encourage congregations – and those who do not attend Church – that praying does indeed work.
Churches of all denominations across the Borders have seized on the initiative to develop praying as a means of people seeking answers to their worries.
It is a fact that 20 million adults in this country do pray and one in three believe God will answers their prayers.
Rev Elspeth Harley, of Caddonfoot linked with Trinity in Galashiels, has asked her members to read ‘trypraying’, a booklet which examines the benefit of saying prayers – such as before an examination, when a friend is sick in hospital, or the hours ahead of an interview.
“I would hope that people, having read the booklet, will then hand it on to neighbours and friends,” she said.
Mrs Harley added: “Several people have told me they have already done so. One woman burst into tears when it was offered to her – her friend had not realised she was in such need.”
Church member, Miss Frances Pringle, explained that a huge branch had fallen to the ground near her and she felt God was speaking to her on her present spiritual search.
As it explained, ‘Prayer is conversation with God. He knows what you think and is familiar with what you do.’
The booklet is divided into the seven days of the week, a plan in which several people give their views from a husband and father and youth worker to a builder and social worker.
There is also a ‘trypraying Youth’ booklet aimed at getting young people started and a children’s one..
“I hope that members will be encouraged to take part and find that it helps them,” said Mrs Harley.