Welcome to Matines House of Prayer

Matines is a tiny hamlet in the Lot, a department in SW France. We have been inspired by the beauty and tranquillity of this place since we first saw it in the Autumn of 1993. It was barely habitable on that first visit! We have brought our family here throughout their childhood and they love it as much as we do. The house has been slowly renovated throughout, and the grounds have been tamed from their neglected state.  We are retired teachers, French speakers and semi-permanent residents here with our black Labrador, Tarka. We are committed Christians and we believe in God's goodness and providence in our lives.

We recently joined an international group, the Maisons Locales de Priere (MLP), who follow the Way of Blessing, a practice started at Ffald-y-brenin (Wales). We have committed to praying for our local community, individuals and groups, and for the land. We have a vision for hospitality and sharing our home with those who are on a journey of faith, those who earnestly seek God and who might simply need refreshment and blessing. It is our belief that God will bring people to Matines, and we are preparing part of our home to receive visitors. We have built a labyrinth to help us walk and pray, part of a Psalm 23 garden with quiet pools and green pasture. In the meantime, this website is providing a space for personal reflection, both on words from the Bible, and on every day insights which seem God-given. May all those who visit this house and this site know God's blessing in their lives.

Mark and Julia Broughton