In Depth:  Vijay Menon

Kerala is the smallest, most beautiful state in India, yet, in area, it is bigger than Britain.

I was born there in a very devout Hindu family. As far as I can remember, I always loved God, believed in God and was willing to serve him in whatever capacity. I always prayed to him and asked his guidance before any major decision in my life.

In conclusion, there are three golden rules: Be short, be audible and don't worry about your grammar.

If God already knows what we need, why should Christians pray?

Be there

When we go to a cinema or theatre, we make sure that we are there on time. We are much more concerned if we are going to meet an important person. So let me urge you - be at the prayer meeting and on time.

A Christian group that does not bother to meet for prayer has not grasped either the importance of prayer or the urgency of the situation it confronts. No work for God has ever prospered without determined prayer support.

No kind of classroom coaching can teach us to ride a bike or swim unless we do it. So also for praying in groups. Here are a few things I have learned from my own mistakes, so that we can make praying together more effective.

Breaking the ice

Are you frozen at the mouth at prayer meetings? If praying at a prayer meeting strikes terror in your heart, you are not alone. Many are afraid to pray in public and avoid it as much as possible. 'I can't say things as well as someone else. When I open my mouth, nothing wants to come out. What will other people around me think? What if I don't say the right things?'

How should we pray? Where should we begin? In this first part of a series, Vijay Menon, a converted Hindu who works closely with St. Helen's, Bishopsgate, gives some advice for our personal devotions.

First: our daily devotional time with Jesus Christ, spending time with Christ before we spend time for him.