Those posting prayers at www.sayoneforme.org, the Church of England’s web-based prayer service for Lent, are valuing happiness for the world and others more than money – analysis of the first 300 prayers reveals.
Just two per cent of prayers have brought money-worries before God, whereas 19 per cent have prayed for the world (over a third of them for Japan), 14 per cent for healing for others, 10 per cent for family, and nine per cent for spiritual development.
The Bishop of Dudley, the Rt Revd David Walker, said: “It is beautiful to see people pray for the people and the world around them – and they quite naturally see beyond the realms of their own needs.”
The other main subjects for the prayers are: saying thanks to God (seven per cent), work worries (four per cent), the Church (four per cent), marriage (two per cent), and healing for self (two per cent).
People across the country are having the opportunity to share with God their hopes and concerns, anonymously, in the form of a prayer posted at www.sayoneforme.org, until Good Friday.
Prayers posted online are being offered to God by various parish churches, prayer groups, and three religious communities: St Mary’s Abbey, West Malling; St Peter’s Community, Woking; The Sisters of Bethany, Southsea. They are also being prayed at the retreat centre Launde Abbey, Leicester and placed on the altar at a number of cathedrals and at Westminster Abbey during church services.