Spirituality

Iona Prayer Circle

The Iona Prayer Circle was established by the Iona Community for people and situations that require prayer over a period of time. Intercessors pray for people known by their first names and a brief description of their needs, on a regular basis. This network of prayer takes place across the world.

Tuesday nights are a special time for prayer, as those who can do so join in time if not in place with the Service of Prayers for Healing that take place in Iona Abbey. At this service, urgent situations and those requests left in the Abbey or St Oran Chapel on Iona, or sent to the Sacristan, are included.

Prayer Circle sponsors

Sponsors are people who request prayer in the longer-term for a person or situation. Some sponsor themselves. They are asked to provide an update every two months. Prayer Circle Intercessors are people who commit themselves to praying on a regular basis for the twelve or so people and situations on one of the lists of prayer requests. Some intercessors commit to more than one list. Many intercessors are also sponsors.

Prayers for what?

Prayers are requested for people who are ill, in trouble, for families in conflict, for people fleeing war or persecution, for people without work, for those working to alleviate injustice, in short, for anyone suffering physically, emotionally or spiritually. We have a section on prayers for thanksgiving, for prayers answered, situations alleviated, and other reasons for joy. A series of short liturgies are in preparation to cover some of these situations.

The newsletter

Sponsors and intercessors receive a newsletter every two months. This contains a list of situations for which thanksgiving is offered; and input intended to help with strengthening the network of prayer. Could you join us?

Anyone can sponsor another person, a situation, or themselves, for prayer by the Circle. You send the request to the Prayer Circle Co-ordinator (address at the end). There is no limit to time spent on on the prayer lists, but we ask that you send in updates every second month, as without them it is difficult to hold the person in prayer. If we do not hear for four months we will assume that the situation has been resolved. Sponsors normally send in up to three requests.

An intercessor can be anyone praying in their own tradition and including on a regular basis the people and situations named on the list(s) they have committed to. If possible, you will pray especially on Tuesday nights at 9pm (UK time) as part of the circle of prayer across the globe, receiving the support of knowing that other people are joining their prayers to yours.

Contact us

To request prayer for yourself or to sponsor someone else, or to become an intercessor on the Prayer Circle, please contact:

Rosemary Power, Prayer Circle Co-ordinator, the Iona Community, 21 Carlton Place, Glasgow G5 9JP, e-mail: [email protected]

If you have an urgent request for prayer, you can also send it to her and she will ask the Sacristan to include it in the next Tuesday night Prayers for Healing in the Abbey.