Prayer is central to the Christian life, but how and where do we pray? And could our prayer life benefit from fresh ideas from other traditions of prayer?

Most of us pray in our churches, some pray in cathedrals and retreat houses, others in quiet gardens or in specially designated 'prayer rooms' or 'prayer corners' in our homes. But what about praying in our commercial centres, our banks, shopping malls, fitness clubs and cinemas, factories, offices, schools, colleges and pubs?

A Diocesan team, chaired by Rt Revd David Hawkins, The Bishop of Barking, in his capacity as lead Bishop on Mission and Parish Development, has been considering some of the 'where and how' questions about prayer. Out of these discussions has come the concept of 'Prayer Hearings', six of which will take place at different venues all over Essex and East London this summer and autumn. The Prayer Hearings will culminate in a final event at Chelmsford Cathedral on 28 January 2008.

The idea of these Prayer Hearings is two fold - 'to listen to one another and wait on God' in places where prayer is less common and to explore different ways of prayer with the encouragement of all those present. Each of the Hearings will start with a look at the context of the venue and will incorporate thoughts on the experience of prayer, how it feels to pray in that context and of course, there will be prayer too - both open and led.

Whether you pray regularly or only when trouble comes, or whether you have given up on prayer, or whether or not you are a church-goer, you will be welcome.

The form that each event will take will depend upon the venue and those present. East Ham is different from Colchester and Thurrock is different from Southend. In the words of Revd Paul Bowtell, Bishop David's PA and Chaplain, "The prayer hearings are exclusively for everyone! They are for those who find it easy to pray, anf for those who don't; for those who have given up on prayer and those who have yet to discover its delights."

One of the Prayer Hearings is being held in the garden of the Bowling Green, 8 The Downs, Great Dunmow on 14 June at 8:00-9:30pm. If wet, shelter will be provided. We will be learning as we listen to each other and to God. The event is free and open to all.

So come, bring your friends and a candle which we will put in a convenient place. There will be room for everyone.

If you have any queries, please call Robert Wiggs at 01245-359138.