Sharing Hope in Later Life

Sometimes the most encouraging conversations happen when you least expect them.

At the Keswick Convention this year, the trypraying team had the privilege of meeting so many people and hearing their stories. Among them were a number of older people living in retirement or residential communities, and we were so encouraged by those conversations.

We were surprised to hear of how many people still attended prayer group meetings where they live, and still did bible studies together with other residents, and of their desire to continue sharing their faith and the hope they have found in God. 

Several wanted trypraying booklets to take home and share with others in their building.

They weren't talking about what they used to do. They were looking at the community around them and asking: “What can I do where I am?”

What a wonderful question, at any age.

A simple invitation with a long story

Trypraying began in Edinburgh sixteen years ago as a simple idea: a 7 day prayer guide for people who aren’t religious and don’t do church. A simple resource that invites people to start a conversation with God.

No arguments. No pressure. Just an invitation: “try praying for a week… and see what happens.”

Since then, trypraying has expanded across the UK and into 16 countries around the world, with thousands of churches and individuals sharing the booklets in their communities.

Using everyday language, stories and gentle prompts, it helps someone begin talking to God for themselves.  Its simplicity is why it continues to connect. 

Sharing hope right where you are

Sharing our faith in later life can happen anywhere. Living within a retirement community, or a sheltered residential home doesn't mean our opportunities to make a difference have ended. It can open the door to a whole new community.

There are neighbours and friends with stories to tell, questions to ask, joys to celebrate and sometimes worries or loneliness they carry quietly.

Many people are curious about prayer and faith but don't know where to begin. They may never walk into a church, but they might accept a small booklet from someone they know and trust.

Sharing a trypraying booklet doesn't need to be complicated. It might simply mean saying: “I thought you might like this. Why don't you try praying for a week and see what happens?”

One booklet. One conversation. One invitation.

Could it start with you?

Perhaps you already meet with a small prayer group where you live. Could you begin praying together for your neighbours, fellow residents and staff?

Perhaps you could introduce your seniors group to trypraying and encourage them to consider who they might share a booklet with.

You could:

• Show the group a booklet and explain how it works

• Pray together for friends, neighbours, fellow residents or members of staff

• Give each person a booklet to pass on to someone they know

• Invite them to share what happens at a future meeting

Whatever our age, wherever we live and whatever our circumstances, there are still opportunities to encourage someone, pray for someone and gently point someone towards God.

You don't need a platform or a programme. You don't need to have all the answers.

You can simply begin with the people around you.

That's what was so encouraging about the people we met at Keswick.

They still wanted to make a difference.

They still wanted to share their faith.

They still wanted others to discover the hope they had found.

What can I do where I am?

Perhaps one booklet passed from one neighbour to another could begin a conversation.

Perhaps someone living just a few doors away is waiting for an invitation.

There is no retirement from sharing hope. 

The trypraying booklets can be ordered through the trypraying website for individuals, prayer groups, churches and communities who would like to share them with others.

Order a few. Pray for the people around you. Give one away and see what happens.