Creative Prayer in the Oxford Circuit

Creative Prayer Comes Alive Across the Oxford Circuit

Following a joyful and well-attended circuit gathering last June, churches across the Oxford Circuit began asking an important question: What could be the legacy of this special event?
The answer has grown into something inspiring, interactive, and deeply meaningful – a collection of creative prayer stations now available to churches throughout the circuit.

From one church to the whole circuit
The idea was first brought to life in the sanctuary at Wesley Memorial Church, where a series of prayer stations were set up for people to explore throughout the day. These spaces invited reflection, conversation, creativity, and personal response, offering a fresh and engaging way to experience prayer.

The response was so positive that the vision expanded. Today, there are sixteen themed boxes of resources, each carefully designed around a different aspect of prayer. Every station combines thoughtful themes with hands-on, creative activities that make prayer accessible to people of all ages and stages of faith. These stations are now available for any church within the Oxford Circuit to use, and they are already making a significant impact.

Woodstock Methodist recently hosted a highly successful local arrangement service, focusing on prayer in everyday life. The prayer stations formed a central part of worship, helping the congregation reflect in interactive and meaningful ways.

Most recently, the congregation at Bladon Methodist Church took part in a vibrant and creative service led by Rev Miriam Moul. Nine prayer stations were set up throughout the building, transforming the space into a journey of discovery. Both young people and adults were invited to explore the stations freely and in their own way, reflecting on themes such as forgiveness, saying sorry, celebrating our gifts, embracing difference, and learning how to work together.

This was far from a quiet, sit-still experience. Participants created pipe-cleaner people, shredded written fears, shaped prayers with playdough, built with Lego, and collaborated using giant Jenga blocks. As they worked, there was energy and enthusiasm throughout the church. Younger children were supported by older members of the congregation, and conversations flowed naturally as people discussed and debated issues that mattered to them. There was a real buzz in the air.

The young people shared that they especially valued the freedom to choose how they engaged, the opportunity to talk openly, and the chance to work and create alongside others. The activities gave them space not only to think about prayer, but to experience it in a way that felt meaningful and alive.

At both the beginning and end of the service, Miriam encouraged everyone to reflect on how prayer shapes daily life – not as something distant or formal, but as an ongoing, personal conversation with God. The prayer stations encouraged us to enjoy talking to God.

What began as a single-day gathering has grown into a shared circuit resource that continues to expand and evolve.

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Many thanks to the Oxford Circuit for sharing the above news piece and photos with us.
If you'd like to send in a good news story, please email Naomi on digital@northamptonmethodistdistrict.org.uk