celtic church

In its simplest definition prayer is a discussion between the main one who is praying and the main one to whom those prayers is directed.

Prayer can take many forms, and encompass the complete selection of poetic and literary styles. It can be a cry for help or even a cry of joy. It can be a single word or even a symphony of prose.celtic church

Pope John Paul II is quoted as follows on the difficulty of praying. "How to pray? This can be a simple matter. I would say: Pray in whatever way you prefer, as long as you do pray."

Prayers can be individual or corporate, liturgical or extemporary. They can be short or long, simple or complex in language. In fact words are not always necessary, for we have the promise that when words fail us the Spirit will intercede for people with the most intimate prayers of our heart.

Living for some years in Wales and being alert to the interest and influence of the early Celtic Church in this land, it is difficult never to be influenced by the vision and prayer life of the early Christian saints.

To the Celtic Church their God was your own and loving God totally mixed up in whole of the Created world, which He had breathed into existence.

The Celts knew that their God was involved totally in all His Creation. They held firm to a belief in the incarnation and the information that Jesus Christ lived, died and rose again from death to exhibit the truly amazing Love of God for His Creation, and indeed for many of us, His creatures.

Michael Mitton in his excellent book'Restoring the Woven Cord'talks of the Celts'love of wholeness, and how they wove together the different strands of the faith in to a most effective cord for ministry and mission. Mitton suggests that within the centuries the Church has picked and chosen from these strands, ignoring, losing and then re-discovering lost strands as though they certainly were the main strand of all.

Consequently, the first Cord and the effectiveness of the Church in its mission has become weaker. The strands of the Celtic cord which Mitton emphasises are holiness, a love of the Bible, the significance of children, community, creation, creativity, death, evangelism, healing and miracles, the Ministry of Women, prayer, prophesy, spiritual warfare and the Wild Goose (the Holy Spirit)

It's my opinion that the early Church in this land was in certain ways much closer to one's heart of God than our current denominational jumble sale. We can make and choose as we would sweets in a market stall - there's something for everyone.

But the strength of the Church is surely in a weaving together of all strands of our Christian faith - One Church, One Faith, One Lord. celtic church

I started this introduction by stating that at its simplest prayer is a discussion, and conversations are rarely one-sided. Within our time of prayer must function as silence that allows God to contribute.

David Adam says of silence'It's no empty time but a God-filled time.' 'Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer'

John Birch is really a Methodist Local Preacher and Worship Leader surviving in Wales, UK. A published author, he is also a regular contributor to the International Bible Reading Fellowship notes, and his material has appeared in many websites and publications.