At first, the staff at a local coffee shop in Winscombe, Somerset, were surprised to see a group of ladies nattering, sharing stories and praying together once a month. Yet helpfully, they agreed to open half an hour earlier to enable Lynch Chapel United Reformed Church’s Ladies Prayer Breakfast to keep going over the past three years.
As the women gather to share in fellowship, food and conversation, the focus is on sharing concerns for local people, whether connected with the church or not, thinking about the best course of action to address community issues, and preparing a list of people and issues for every participant to take away and pray for at home.
This practical approach to immersing themselves in prayer and finding ways to respond to the concerns raised has brought many benefits to the community.
The shop staff witness women from the community doing something tangible about issues in the area. The members have bonded together. There is a strong sense of God’s presence as prayers offered in faith and love are answered.
One letter to the group says: ‘My husband and I are glad this year is over. A squamous cell carcinoma on his left ear, dealt with at the end of last year, suddenly raised its head again in the form of a lump in the neck. After surgery lasting seven hours, he recovered well. A follow-up of radiotherapy treatment five days a week for six weeks came next, giving horrendous side effects. Throughout this difficult period, we were held in prayer and support by friends at the women’s prayer breakfast and my church family. I felt this carried us through. Because I was coping, my husband could cope. I am happy to report that all checks are good. The hospital consultants are surprised at his remarkable recovery.’
Another reads: ‘I had been praying for some time for my friend (call her Alice) and her family. They originate from north India and were brought up in London in the 1970’s, having a challenging childhood. I have prayed frequently that they would know the care of their heavenly father even when going through difficulties. Alice has lived in Winscombe for some time and has now been joined by her brothers who have also faced hardship, to open a store together.
‘The week the store was due to open, John quickly became seriously ill. This illness can kill or cause devastating disability if it takes hold. This nearly happened to John, who went downhill quickly. When he reached hospital on the Saturday he could barely string a sentence together. Word was sent to friends at the Lynch who prayed and shared this in the prayer breakfast and to the amazement of the medical team, he was out of hospital walking around by Tuesday. John and his brother have made a lot of friends in the village, and I continue to pray that they will know the father heart of God.’
The Lynch Chapel Ladies’ Prayer Breakfast offers and opportunity to live out the Holy Habit of Prayer in tangible, practical ways. In what ways does/could your church do the same? Email the Walking the Way: Living the life of Jesus today team at wtw@urc.org.uk and let us know.
