Be Still Days

Be Still days are changing both in style and location this year, with a series of quiet days in Central Hall planned on the following dates: 

• Saturday 5 April
• Saturday 12 July
• Saturday 6 December

Stefan and Susie Smart, who are part of the team organising Be Still days, suggest that the idea behind them is to offer those who come along a wide variety of ways to pray and connect with God. These will be mostly contemplative or meditative in style, but it is hoped there will also be opportunity for prayer for healing and prayer ministry. The days are likely to have a distinctly ‘alternative’ feel with some traditional items thrown in for good measure!

A recent survey conducted by Tearfund found that prayer is a vital part of life for nearly half of UK adults, with 20 million saying they pray, one in three adults believing that God is watching over them, and 1 in 5 adults believing that prayer ‘changes the world’. In the light of this, it is exciting that Be Still days this year will be open to all – not just Christians. They will be publicised widely in the city, offering people a chance to ‘be still’ in the midst of lives that are often bewilderingly busy and cluttered, and through this to experience something of the love and presence of God.

The days themselves will comprise of various ‘prayer stations’ spread across four rooms in Central Hall. Each station will inspire a different form of prayer or reflection. Some possible activities include a labyrinth, a Taize service, using the imagination, Lectio Divina, silent contemplation and using art to explore and express spirituality. The days will run from 10am to 4pm, giving people a chance to drop in when they want to and to experiment with different ways of praying at their own pace. There will be no charge for the day but donations of £10 for the whole day or £5 for half a day will be gratefully received. Refreshments will be provided, but those staying for the whole day will need to bring along a packed lunch.

If you would like to come along on one or more of the days – or you know someone who might benefit – you would be more than welcome. The days are likely to be very accessible to those who might feel more uncomfortable with organised church. In the meantime, if you have any ideas or suggestions as to what the days might include or would like to offer to man one of the stations, Stefan and Susie Smart would love to hear from you. With this in mind, they are hosting a special bring and share afternoon tea on Sunday 17th February from 4-6pm at 110 St Catherine’s Road, Bitterne Park. All are welcome.

You can download a flyer for this year's Be Still Days here.