MU Australia Prayer & Spirituality Department

Mrs Bronwyn Fryar

Department
Coordinator

prayer@mu.org.au

In England, about 1920, Mrs Edith Mosse began what we now know as the Intercessory Prayer Circle (IPC). She was an invalid who found strength in praying for others, and so encouraged others who were frail and sick to join her. These members pray regularly for each other, for the needs of the world and for the work of MU Australia. They are now joined in the IPC by the Friends of IPC or Prayer Partners, and increasingly by a faithful number of ordinary MU and Caritas members. MU visitors in hospitals and nursing homes often leave an IPC leaflet when they visit.

IPC leaflets
To help in this, the IPC leaflets are prepared three times a year (Easter, Christmas & Mid Year) to provide a daily prayer focus for personal devotion.

All dioceses order leaflets from the Australian Coordinator for distribution. These are kept at a minimal cost and are usually paid for from diocesan funds. They are printed in two sizes — the larger one being helpful to those with failing eyesight.

IPC in action
The IPC ministry provides us with a wonderful opportunity for outreach — to share the love of Christ.

Through visiting — IPC members who are elderly and often frail love to be visited by branch members in their homes, retirement villages or nursing homes, providing a time to chat, to listen and perhaps, to pray.

Through prayer — Praying for the IPC members at branch meetings or at times of private prayer.

Through correspondence — IPC members, especially those who may be housebound love to hear news of friends, MU and special events in a regular letter. Birthday, Christmas & Easter cards can also bring great joy. (Keep in touch though, so cards are not sent to a wrong address or after a person’s death.)

Through practical help — Sometimes IPC members are able to continue to live in their own homes if a little practical help is offered.

Through appreciation — Let them know how much we appreciate their prayers for MU Australia and the community in general. Encourage them in their praying —it may be all they can now do.

On St Luke’s Day (18 October) IPC members make a special effort to receive Holy Communion either at church or in their homes.

Prayer groups which meet on a regular basis can help a small group to bond as well as providing a time to pray for MU, the parish and other needs.

Prayer Ring-A-Rounds/Chains, etc come into action when a special request for prayer is made known. The coordinating person rings the first person, who in turn passes the request on to the second person, and so on. Restrict the conversation to the special needs of the call and pass on the request as quickly and as accurately as possible. Don’t embellish it as it goes!

Quiet Days & Retreats may be organised to give members an opportunity to experience quiet reflection in an atmosphere of silence and provide a time of growth for their spiritual journey.

Seminars provide an opportunity for teaching about prayer and for discussion and sharing concerning various aspects of prayer life. The MU Chaplain or parish clergy may be able to help in this.

Prayer Diaries provide a helpful and routine way to pray regularly for all aspects of MU work and for office bearers at various levels.

Lone (or Diocesan) Members are those who are isolated from regular MU involvement because there is no parish branch to which to belong, because of frailty of health or because of employment or other commitments. Each diocese should have a Lone (Diocesan) Members Secretary whose responsibility it is to make contact with these members, keeping them informed of MU news, and inviting them to major diocesan events which they may be free to attend.