There are many gateways in this book. Primarily the book uses scripture as a gateway to prayer, as has been the practice in these prayer handbooks over many years. For the second year, in common with many other denominations, we are using the Revised Common Lectionary (year A). We do so in the belief that both scripture and prayer are 'gateways to grace' through their contribution to our relationship with God and with each other.
1999 is itself something of a gateway, leading as it does, into the Millennium. As part of our preparation for that celebration we hope you will spend a year in prayer and fellowship with our CWM partners. 'Gateway' is also a term with gets into computer-speak as a link in the chain of the electronic network. Whilst we realise that many people do not have access to the internet, the growth in this medium of communication is affecting us all. There is a growing virtual world of links to local churches, national and international church bodies and nongovernmental organisations of all kinds. For those that are 'on-line' or would like to be we offer opportunities to link up to some of these.
We have adopted the consistent format 'Read, Pray, Think, Link' in both the daily and weekly pray pages this year. We hope this will help people to see that the material for each week is connected. When the link says 'pray with partners churches in ....' you may find it helpful to turn to the coloured inset pages about the work of the CWM churches where you will find information and requests for prayer.
There are things we have left out: some indices and special Sundays. As always your comments are welcome, to the Chair of the committee. As ever the committee has developed its own spirituality of 'critical laughter', a way of working and praying together during the year, as we have prepared this material together. My thanks to all who have had a part in the adventure, especially Wendy Cooper, secretary to the group for the first time.
Next year we hope to bring you a millennium experience based around the call for justice and jubilee, through the prayers of a group of young writers. Remember to order your copy!
Janet Lees
Editor
This year's book has been produced by a group of contributors, both writers
and artists (see page X). The theme is 'Jubilee'. The material tries to
wrestle with the hope that the year 2000 will be a Jubilee but also acknowledges
that much still needs to be done to bring that hope to reality. Once again the
Revised Common Lectionary (year B) is used and as usual we try to pray with our
partners in the Council for World Mission. We have other partners too and
whilst it is difficult to include them all, we hope that what is presented here
will inform and enliven our prayers beyond this particular year. We hope you
will experiment with different ways of presenting these prayers in worship.
Often several voices can be used rather than just one. Visual or sound
accompaniment can add another dimension to our praying.
My thanks to all who took part in the process and its ups and downs. The
publication of this book sees many 'old hands' leave the committee after several
years of service: Ioan Gryffudd from the UWI and Allan Patterson from CUS. We
thank them for what they have contributed and look forward to welcoming their
sucessors.
Janet Lees
Editor
It seems that some pray-ers find new ways of praying a threat rather than an adventure. I was in my early twenties when a lay preacher fifty years my senior first outlined to me what he had experienced as the exciting prospect that 'prayer changes'. We pray because we believe prayer changes: it changes us, our relationships, situations, people, our faith. Equally, prayer changes: it develops, grows, wanes, transforms. These are some of the adventures of prayer. What better activity to accompany our hopes and fears for regeneration than prayer.
Regeneration is not new. The UK has had many regeneration initiatives over the last fifty years and billions of pounds have been spent. At the time of writing there are many regeneration schemes in local communities throughout the UK in which faith communities are involved. The work of regeneration does not end with these prayers but is the context in which many communities live daily. If you are not involved in regeneration then try to find out about projects going on near you, perhaps linking with those churches that are involved. It can take a lot of sustained effort and energy to continue to work for regeneration and solidarity from others can be a source of encouragement. If you are involved then make the most of support networks, or consider starting one if necessary. It's about more than survival; it's about flourishing. Find ways of sharing your regeneration stories in words and pictures as we have tried to in this book. This year's contributors: Heather Pencavel and Chris Warner, both working in Industrial Mission, Lindsey Sanderson, Mission Enabler to the URC Synod of Scotland, and Leigh Jones, an artist from Sheffield, offer a wealth of insights on regeneration in church and society.
Regeneration continues, my term as editor of this prayer and worship resource ends with this book. My thanks to those who have sustained the work of these three years, and even made it fun. Particular thanks to Wendy Cooper, secretary of the committee, without whose support and skills there would be no prayer handbook. Prayer changes and the prayer handbook changes: your new editor is Norman Hart.
Janet Lees
Editor