Your answers

Extempore prayer in C of E services is often ill thought-out. Why has it been encouraged? Is it too late for the floodgates to be closed, and liturgical principles reasserted? [ Answers, 19 October]

It is often assumed that liturgy and tradition are an intrinsic part of church worship. This may be so in the Anglican Church, but let us not forget that a great many Christian denominations outside the C of E have a distinctly different style of worship, especially interactive. Many of these denominations attract many young people and families, and are more open to embracing new ideas to further the Kingdom of God.

In my own town, Sudbury, we have a very active Churches Together, which undertakes many forms of outreach and mission collaboratively, bringing the gospel to others. This outreach would not be possible if we were not to meet each Saturday for breakfast, followed by an hour in worship and extempore prayer, the bedrock on which our Churches Together, and the blessings that result in our Kingdom work, rely.

Peter Sebbage
Sudbury

I agree that extempore prayers do sometimes seem ill thought-out, but we must be able to express our feelings prayerfully about such matters as the shooting of Malala by the Taliban, or the killing of three Afghan children by our drone aircraft. "Thy kingdom come, O God. . ."

R. H. Stansfield
Burton Fleming, Driffield

Your questions

How should I minister to the enthused Christian whose misinterpretation of biblical texts results in in-your-face and inappropriate demands to know "Are you saved?"

D. G. H.

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