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Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for our parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer
Many wonderful prayers for personal devotion and corporate worship are included in The Book of Common Prayer. You’ll find prayers for a variety of occasions beginning on page 814. There are also rites for morning prayer, evening prayer and other forms; simple daily devotions begin on page 136.
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer a renewal of an ancient form of Christian prayer. It is a method of consenting to the presence and action of God in the stillness of our being. It is an exercise of faith, hope and love, moving beyond conversation with God to communion. The fruit of this prayer is a growing sense of God’s leading us beyond anxiety into an inner stillness and peace, and outward in compassion and service. Anyone desiring to deepen his or her prayer life will benefit from centering prayer. A group meets at St. John’s to both study and practice centering prayer on Tuesdays, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the church library. (Enter through the main, east entry, and turn left.) You may join us on any Tuesday, any week of any month. For more information, contact Pam Brown.
Daughters of the King
Daughters dedicate their life to the spread of Christ’s kingdom and assist in strengthening the spiritual life of the parish. As members of this international religious order, daughters take a vow, pledging to a life-long program of prayer, service and personal evangelism, and commit to a Rule of Life. St. John’s DOK is the St. Martha Chapter, and members regularly assist with bereavement ministry, delivery of altar flowers to shut-ins and prayer.
Intercessors
An intercessor offers the Prayers of the People at the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sundays, bidding prayers for those who are ill and in nursing care, members of the military and those who have died. They also offer thanksgivings and prayers for our church, community and the world.
Daily Offices
The Book of Common Prayer provides resources for daily prayers and there are wonderful places at the church for observing these prayer rites — particularly the Cloister Chapel and, when the weather is nice, by the Celtic cross on the east side of the church. There are seasonal offerings of corporate daily prayer at the church, such as Noonday Prayer in Lent. For more information on daily prayer patterns, contact the church.
Prayer List
A prayer request list is available in the narthex on Sunday mornings, for inclusion in the Prayers of the People during worship. If you desire prayers for yourself or a loved one, you may also e-mail your prayer request or call the church at 405-321-3020. Members of the Daughters of the King and others in the church pray, as requested. Unless otherwise specified, prayers are included in Sunday intercessions, by first name.
Prayers of the People
Prayers are offered in our worship services, with intercessions for the universal church, the nation and world, our local community, those suffering and the departed. You may add your own petitions during the prayers, which are found beginning on page 383 in The Book of Common Prayer.
Reflection Room
A room is set aside in the church for personal prayer and reflection, and it is available anytime the church is open. You may contact the church to reserve it or simply stop in to see if it is available. This is a wonderful space for your own time of retreat. The room is equipped with a comfortable sofa and chair, table and music.
Stations of the Cross
There are stations of the cross placed around the perimeter of the church grounds and you can pick up a guide for walking the stations in the church office. At noon on each Friday of Lent, a service will begin at the Chapel of the Beloved Disciple and proceed through the stations, and on the Friday of Holy Week it will begin in the nave of the church.
Votive Candles
Lighted votive candles are a reminder of God’s presence and promises through the Light of Christ, the light of hope that cannot be extinguished. The word votive comes from the Latin votum meaning vow, and a votive candle is lit to fulfill a vow associated with a prayer, in gratitude for an answered prayer, or to bring comfort and strength to ourselves and others. While the light of fire illumines, the heat of it warms us and purifies us. A votive candle is a joyful witness, and a living symbol that is a visible expression of petitions sought and thanksgivings received. You will find two stands of votive candles at St. John’s, in the narthex and in the Chapel of the Beloved Disciple.
