Have you ever picked up a copy of the United Reformed Church’s (URC) prayer handbook and thought you could write prayers just as good as, or maybe better than, these published within it? If so, now’s your chance to put pen to paper and write a prayer or two, to three or four, for the 2020 Prayer Handbook – Prayers from the Heart.
Incoming editors, Ian Fosten and Karen Campbell, are keen to build on the work of Richard Church and Nathan Eddy, editors of the past three editions of the prayer handbook, and widen its authorship. Prayer writers from every part of the denomination – and beyond – are invited to submit prayers for the 2020 edition.
Ian says: ‘As new editors, we are very aware that there are plenty of prayer anthologies available for use in public and private worship. In adding to that bank of resources we would like to encourage writers, many of whom will be skilled at crafting fine words, to pause before putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. In that pause we invite you to listen unhurriedly to the readings for a particular Sunday, but also to be attentive to how the readings resonate with your own life experiences, questions, discoveries and hopes. Having listened to both readings and life, then see how the Spirit can use your thoughtfulness and creativity. As editors we shall be delighted to receive finely worked prayers, but we shall be listening out even more keenly for authentic voices.’
Karen adds: ‘We hope prayers will come in from all corners of the United Reformed Church and are actively encouraging prayer writers of all ages, all traditions, all nationalities, to submit prayers for possible inclusion in the next URC prayer handbook. If you write prayers, write one for us!’
If you are interested in writing for the 2020 handbook, please read the Guidelines for further information, and, if you have any queries please email us. The deadline for submissions is Monday 10 December.
The 2019 prayer handbook, Seasons of the Spirit, is now available, for just £6.50, through the URC’s online shop.
- Guidelines for non-commissioned prayers
- Lectionary readings
