Prayer Support Group
A group of Quakers have gathered together a selection of inspirational themes to form the base for prayerful meditation.
These “themes” or inspirational statements of encouragement for “those in distress of body, mind or spirit” or those carrying heavy responsibility are a selection from the statements sent out each month to those who are supported by a group based in the Mt Eden Meeting of BOP- Auckland Monthly Meeting. The group was set up by Winifred McNaughton and other concerned Friends in the late 1970s. This Prayer Support Group seeks to stand alongside those in need during a short monthly Meeting for Worship in which these people are remembered “adding our will to theirs in the effort it takes to keep turning to the source of all life, to remain open so that the power and strength needed for their situation can flow in on them”.
Friends who have found encouragement and strength from these themes have suggested that they be available on the website as a resource for others who may wish to use them.
Note about authorship and editing
Where there is no attribution, the theme, as far as can be ascertained, has been created by members of the Prayer Support Group. From March 1993 - June 2000 these were the work of Winifred McNaughton with assistance from various members of the group. In addition some later themes were also repeats of or adapted from their work. Some very good themes have had to be omitted because they contain quotations for which we have no source. However I have taken the liberty of retaining some for which we have a title or some indication of origin but no clue as to author. I would like to apologise to anyone whose words have unwittingly been used without acknowledgement and would be happy to be contacted if this is the case so that the matter can be put to right. Other themes have been omitted because they are a reprinting of an earlier theme or an early version of a revised theme. Finally I have also taken the liberty of changing some of the formatting to create a consistent document and for ease of reading. (Heather Denny, BOP-Auckland Monthly Meeting)
Prayer Support Theme March 1993
From the Spirit of God within us we draw strength for the needs of our hours and days.
Prayer Support Theme May 1993
God’s spirit is powerful within our lives, to strengthen and renew us.
Prayer Support Theme June 1993
The Living spirit of God is a power within us and our lives.
“Knock and it shall be opened unto you.”
----Matthew 7.7
Prayer Support Theme July 1993
In so many varied ways the infinite love of God makes itself felt within our lives to strengthen and renew us.
Prayer Support Theme August 1993
Whatever our situation we are able to draw on the strength of God's living spirit within us.
Prayer Support Theme October 1993
Through the power of God's holy spirit our inner life is renewed day by day.
Prayer Support Theme February 1994
The spirit of God is a power within us as we move through times of stress or trouble.
Prayer Support Theme March 1994
God is our high tower for refuge and our daily strength.
Prayer Support Theme April 1994
When the way ahead seems dark or difficult, God’s indwelling spirit empowers us.
Prayer Support Theme May 1994
The spirit of God is our close companion, strong to support us in our times of need.
Prayer Support Theme July 1994
God is an inward strength for us as we move through times of trouble or uncertainty.
Prayer Support Theme Sept 1994
Through God's indwelling spirit our lives are strengthened and renewed.
Prayer Support Theme October 1994
The continuing presence of God is a source of power within us.
Prayer Support Theme November 1994
The living spirit of God is within us encouraging and strengthening us.
Prayer Support Theme February 1995
In the strength of God’s love our lives find shelter & renewal.
Prayer Support Theme May 1995
Lord, help me to remember that nothing can happen to me today that you and I together can't handle
----(Morning prayer brought back for us from Upminster, Essex, England)
Prayer Support Theme June 1995
Within the dark soil of some deeply felt distress seeds of new life may be awakening for us.
----(from a Friends Meeting for Worship, Mount Eden, Auckland)
Prayer Support Theme August 1995
However closed in we may feel our lives to be, God's liberating love can still flow in on us and those around us.
Prayer Support Theme September 1995
God's love is a light for us in dark days, a strength for us in times of weakness.
Prayer Support Theme October 1995
In so many different ways God's love touches our lives and renews our strength.
Prayer Support Theme November 1995
Whatever the situation God is there within it and within us, steadying and empowering us.
Prayer Support Theme February 1996
Throughout this day, Lord, may I be helped to remain open to your love and enlightenment and enabling power.
----(part of a morning prayer)
Prayer Support Theme March 1996
We are not alone. The living spirit of God is within us, able to bring us through our times of weakness or distress.
Prayer Support Theme May 1996
The living loving spirit of God is in our giving and receiving of reassurances and unlooked for, unassuming help.
Prayer Support Theme June 1996
Morning Meditation:
Lord, your love and enlightenment and what strength there is in me may they come together as one.
----(from ministry in a Mount Eden Meeting for Worship)
Prayer Support Theme July 1996
Surrounded by God's love we find strength there and fresh courage.
Prayer Support Theme August 1996
Lord, help us to stay aware of your continuing presence in our lives.
Prayer Support Theme September 1996
Lord, bless us in our times of waiting. May we draw strength and comfort from your loving presence with us.
Prayer Support Theme April 1997
In our differing circumstances, Lord, keep us able to recognise and accept your supporting love, offered to us in small ways as in great.
Prayer Support Theme May 1997
A Friend once spoke with us of how, at a time of personal misery and stress, he became conscious of Gods companionship.
“The pain was not any the less,” he said, “but it was as though a warm coat had been put round my shoulders.”
Prayer Support Theme June 1997
Your life within our lives, Lord, steadies us and encourages us through our times of darkness or uncertainty.
Prayer Support Theme July 1997
Bless you, Lord, for your living power within us and within other lives than our own.
Prayer Support Theme August 1997
Help us, Lord, to be open to your living spirit so that the power and strength needed for our situation can flow in on us.
Prayer Support Theme September 1997
Lord, blessed is even the smallest act of kindness and goodwill that lights up a dark day.
Prayer Support Theme October 1997
When we are facing situations that call for courage, help us to be aware, Lord, of the power and support of your living presence within us.
Prayer Support Theme November 1997
May we learn to recognise and respect and trust the way in which lives are developing - our own lives and the lives around us.
Prayer Support Theme March 1998
Lord, we give thanks for those whose lives touch our life,
and whose brief unremarkable acts of good will give us fresh heart on our journey.
Prayer Support Theme April 1998
At times of near despair help us to remember sown seeds and the darkness of their passage to fulfilment. May we be hopeful in our waiting and quick to sense the stirrings of your life within us.
Prayer Support Theme May 1998
When fears or uncertainties beset us, Lord, help us to be conscious of the supporting power of your life within our lives
Prayer Support Theme July 1998
Your love reaches out to us, Lord, in so many different ways. May we be ready to recognise and welcome each encounter, however brief.
Prayer Support Theme August 1998
It is not the number of times we are knocked down that counts.
It is the number of times we get up again and go on.
----spoken in Meeting for Worship, Mt. Eden, Auckland)
Prayer Support Theme November 1998
The spirit of God within us is a light for our path and strength for our times of need.
Prayer Support Theme February 1999
Lord, when our troubles weigh us down may we take hold on life and courage and keep open to the leadings of your spirit within us.
Prayer Support Theme March 1999
“You want to know,” said the speaker on the talkback show, “if I believe in the Resurrection?” “Well, I do. As I see it, the Lord is risen indeed, wherever there are caring people through whose lives his spirit can continue to reach out”.
Prayer Support Theme April 1999
From time to time we can build up a prison for ourselves by brooding on regrets or shortcomings or hurts. May your spirit, Lord, empower us to break free into your healing light, together with renewed outgoing ways of thought and life.
Prayer Support Theme May 1999
Lord, when some great difficulty faces us, may we be quick to reach for your support and light and leadings for our hearts and minds.
Prayer Support Theme June 1999
“Lord, open the young mans eyes, that he may see that those that are for us are more than those that are against us.”
These words have come down to us from the days of Old Testament battles - words that, in time of need, can still encourage us to hope and act.
Prayer Support Theme August 1999
Lord, you understand our situation and the lives that move within it. When we feel pressured may we remember this, and halt, and stay still and wait, and know that we are not alone.
Prayer Support Theme September 1999
At dark times in our lives, Lord, may your love be close about us and keep us able to endure until dawn comes, and with it strength enough for us to start afresh upon our journey.
Prayer Support Theme October 1999
“Dip down where ye are,” shouted someone from a sailing ship well out on the ocean. It then sped past the distressed ship that had signalled so urgently for water. “What could this mean?” those on board asked one another. Without any hope they tried "dipping down". Bucket after bucket of fresh drinking water came up and they lived on. Over the horizon and unknown to them a mighty river was channelling its waters into their part of the ocean.
Lord, when our need is great, may we, too, be aware of a life-giving, powerful flow around us and of fresh leadings of your spirit for us.
Prayer Support Theme November 1999
Blessed are those in whose company we find ourselves concentrating less on difficulties and more on possible resources. They are your messengers to us, Lord.
May we break free out of narrow negative thinking and be open to the leadings of your spirit for us, here and now.
Prayer Support Theme March 2000
A solitary prisoner, so they say, felt he owed much to the frail spear of grass that showed up in a cracked flagstone in his cell. It took what he could spare from his small water ration and grew on.
Pondering on its journey to him he started to think through the possibilities for growth that might be there for him within that waiting place and time. And he survived. And blessed the day, Lord, that this lowly silent messenger managed to get through to him to be a living witness to your enabling power. May there be a message like that for us too when circumstances close in around us and hold us prisoner.
Prayer Support Theme April 2000
Some hundreds of years ago in England a small group, now known as Friends (Quakers) tangled with authority. Authority scented trouble if too many took on the idea that there could be a direct present day relationship between God and ordinary human beings. “Dangerous” thought authority. “No priest. No checks. No safeguards. Lock them away”.
About that same time the group sent a letter to Friends in the North about the things that were important to them and might help others. They were plain people and across the years that letter of theirs speaks to us in blessed simplicity and power.
To Friends in the North
Opening thought:
Take heed dear Friends, to the promptings of love and truth in your hearts, which are the leadings of the holy Spirit of God.
----(Advices and Queries 1.02.1)
Closing thought (following several other paragraphs):
These things we do not lay upon you as a rule to walk by, for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.
----(from postscript to an epistle to “the brethren in the north” issued to an meeting of elders at Balby 1656)
Prayer Support Theme May 2000
When it is a time for us of suffering or great darkness, Lord, may your life within our lives steady us for what we have to do to help ourselves and those about us.
Prayer Support Theme June 2000
In times of change, doubt or stress, the indwelling spirit of God is a calm centre for our lives and a source of insight and enabling power.
Prayer Support Theme July 2000
God’s caring love is at the heart of our living. Courage, strength and patience are given us at times of need on our life journey.
Prayer Support Theme August 2000
Hold on to hope, and feel the wind of the Spirit, remembering that the light always shines and is never extinguished, even by the darkest night.
Prayer Support Theme September 2000
Lord, help us to remember that when we have difficulty reaching you, you have already reached out to us, and that we need only to be open to your loving presence within us.
Prayer Support Theme December 2000
Pause from the struggle. Stay still, letting the Light flow in. In the stillness its power will bless you with peace, strength and confidence.
Prayer Support Theme March 2001
In the midst of our daily searching, Lord, may we be blessed by the light of the Spirit which sets us free.
Prayer Support Theme April 2001
As we follow our solitary paths, let us remember that God’s love reaches out to each of us in ways seen and unseen.
Prayer Support Theme May 2001
“In the noisy confusion of life”, may we access the strength, joy and peace which comes when we are open to the needs of others.
----quote from “Desiderata”
Prayer Support Theme June 2001
Forget ye not that in the microscopic depths of nature, in the profoundest depths of the soul His Light is still present.
Prayer Support Theme July 2001
The messages of truth and love come when we let go and let the Spirit work through us, stilling our busy, noisy selves and allowing its mysterious working.
----adapted from “The Verses of Ruth Mary Fawell” P48
Prayer Support Theme November 2001
Be still, my soul, consider the flowers and the stars.
Prayer Support Theme December 2001
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
----Matthew 11:28
Prayer Support Theme March 2002
Let us cherish the light in and around us: “The light shines in the dark and the darkness has never quenched it.”
----St John 1.5
Prayer Support Theme April 2002
In the confusion and turbulence of life, help us, Lord, to find our “still centre”.
Prayer Support Theme May 2002
Be strong and of good courage for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
----adapted from Joshua 1.9
Prayer Support Theme June 2002
Let us be mindful of the powerful and transforming gift of Hope as we meet each challenge on our life journey.
Prayer Support Theme July 2002
In the midst of adversity, give us the faith to keep our eyes on the gleam of light at the end of the tunnel.
Prayer Support Theme August 2002
Speak through the earthquake, wind and fire, O still small voice of calm.
----from a hymn/poem by John Greenleaf Whittier
Prayer Support Theme September 2002
“If I take the wings of the morning and remain in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there also shall thy hand lead me and thy right hand shall hold me.”
----Psalm 139 verses 9 and 10
Prayer Support Theme October 2002
May we find, deep within us, the Spirit-given “peace which passes all understanding.”
----Philippians 4.7
Prayer Support Theme November 2002
“God grant me the strength to be me
Let me learn from the past and let it go
Let me dream of my future and create it.”
----from “My Prayer”
Prayer Support Theme March 2003
The present contains all that there is. It is holy ground.
----Alfred North Whitehead
Prayer Support Theme May 2003
Now may the peace of God fill you with light.
----Philip Toynbee
Prayer Support Theme June 2003
With trust and faith, there is always a way forward.
Prayer Support Theme July 2003
Although we may be shaken by “the winds of change and adversity”, there is within and around us a power and a presence to uphold us.
----on an extract from Ruth Fawall’s writings
Prayer Support Theme August 2003
May the light that awakens us each day bring a rekindled hope
to nurture and support us.
Prayer Support Theme September 2003
Give us the faith to meet the unknown in each new day with patience and quiet purpose.
Prayer Support Theme October 2003
The Light reaches out to us through the caring actions and wise words of ordinary people.
Prayer Support Theme March 2004
Serenity is not freedom from the storm but peace within the storm.
Prayer Support Theme April 2004
In giving we are blessed as we are doing the work of the Spirit.
In receiving we are also blessed as we allow the work of the Spirit to flourish.
Prayer Support Theme May 2004
Though I sometimes fail to seek your light, it is still shining for me and though I sometimes fail to listen for your voice, it is still speaking to me.
Prayer Support Theme July 2004
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
----from “The Serenity Prayer”
Prayer Support Theme August 2004
He will give you enfolding strength to bear [your suffering]
Be at peace then, do not be anxious.
He is with you and in you.
----St Francis
Prayer Support Theme September 2004
“Let me wake each day to a brand new life
Let me bury the dying day as I go to sleep
Let me love and be loved
Remind me to laugh.”
----from “My Prayer”
Prayer Support Theme October 2004
All things are passing. God never changes.
----St Therese
Prayer Support Theme November 2004
“Spirit of God,
All darkness is penetrated by your Light
All troubles calmed by your presence.”
----from “Evening Prayer”
Prayer Support Theme March 2005
Be still and know that I am God.
----Psalm 16.10
Prayer Support Theme April 2005
As the phosphorescent beauty of the sea is visible only on dark nights, so in the darkness of adversity we can experience most strongly the unceasing and redeeming love of the Spirit.
Prayer Support Theme May 2005
God is an energising power for good and loving kindness and courage that exists within, around and between us.
----developed from an idea in the writings of Catherine Benland
Prayer Support Theme June 2005
Fill our hearts with thankfulness for the simple, yet priceless acts of love on which our daily life depends.
----from “Suffering for Others” ed Philip Eastman (International Fellowship of Reconciliation)
Prayer Support Theme July 2005
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.”
----Isaiah 40.31
Prayer Support Theme August 2005
The Inner Light can bring courage and wisdom “and the fruits of this experience are joy and peace.”
-inspired by David Buller 1981
Prayer Support Theme September 2005
Though the outer being struggle, the inner being is renewed day by day.
----from St Paul, adapted by Winifred McNaughton and the PSG
Prayer Support Theme October 2005
Let me live one day at a time, enjoy one moment at a time, accept adversity as a pathway to peace.
----from “The Serenity Prayer” (adapted)
Prayer Support Theme November 2005
God’s living Spirit gives us strength for our living: strength beyond our strength alone.
----adapted from a theme written by Winifred McNaughton
Prayer Support Theme March 2006
When lost and bewildered, Spirit of God
May your deeply-present compass
guide me.
Prayer Support Theme April 2006
Be still...from your own thoughts
so you may receive strength and power
from the source of all life
-----Adapted from George Fox
Prayer Support Theme May 2006
Go boldly to the fount of grace
Despair not thy bruisings
For grace comes at first as little
Be not disappointed in small beginnings.
-----From: æThe Bruised Reed and Smoking FlaxÆ dated 1635 by Sibbes
Prayer Support Theme June 2006
We are each unique and precious to God.
His compassion for our pain is infinite.
Prayer Support Theme July - August 2006
Light will come where the dark is deepest.
----Jenny McLeod
Prayer Support Theme September 2006
Spirit of God, lifter of burdens,
Let me learn from the past and leave it,
Seeking new Light each returning day.
Prayer Support Theme November 2006
The Inner Light is a powerful healer,
helping us to move beyond our sorrow,
sowing the seeds of peace.
Prayer Support Theme December 2006
Despite our doubts and fears
to weather the storm.
And available to us if we seek it
is the reassurance and understanding
that it will end.
----Inspired by Penelope Dunkley, Quaker Faith and Practice Aotearoa/NZ p 93