Worship
Worship lies at the heart of the Christian life. It is in worship that we express our theology and define our identity. It is through encountering God within worship that we are formed (and transformed) as his people.
(https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources)
We as Christians believe that every time we come together to worship, we are encountering God, and through this encounter we are transformed to be more like Jesus.
As Anglicans we delight in the traditions and heritage that have shaped our prayer, worship and liturgy. Some of the words we use in our liturgy is quite old – over 350 years to be precise! In some of the churches in our team, we still use this original version of the liturgy which includes:
“Almighty God, unto whom all our hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, 1662).
This simply means that God knows all that is on our hearts and that we ask God to send His Holy Spirit to help and guide us so that we may, through prayer and service, grow in likeness and in our relationship with Christ.
Across our team there are various styles of worship, all of which help us to come together, encounter God and grow in His love and likeness.
Please do explore our website to see the different styles of worship we offer, traditional BCP, Family Worship, Taize, Parish Communion and so much more.
We would love for you to join us and welcome all God’s beloved children to all our worship across the Upper Wylye Valley Team.
Celtic Morning Prayer – A Different Rhythm of Worship
Our Celtic Morning Prayer service is rooted in the worship traditions of early Celtic Christian communities, such as those in Northumbria and Iona. These communities embraced a rhythm of prayer and reflection, seeking God’s presence in everyday life and setting aside moments of stillness to listen for His voice. Their worship combined structure with space for deep reflection, balancing set prayers with opportunities for quiet waiting on God.
Our service follows this tradition, using elements of the Northumbria Community’s Morning Prayer, including their responsive prayers and liturgy. While it shares similarities with traditional Anglican worship, it also incorporates extended periods of silence and a slower, more meditative rhythm. After scripture readings and reflections, we pause to sit with God’s word, allowing time for it to settle in our hearts. Instead of hymns, we use Taizé chants—simple, repetitive songs that can be sung or listened to as a form of prayer.
Through candle lighting, communal prayers, and moments of stillness, this service offers a sacred space to step away from the busyness of life and rest in God’s presence. It blends ancient traditions with a contemplative approach, inviting us to encounter God not just through spoken prayers and liturgy, but through listening, reflection, and stillness.