The Church of England has launched a new resource that incorporates clips from the hit films Four Weddings and a Funeral, Dead Man Walking, and Truly, Madly, Deeply in a bid to boost the nation's prayer life.

The Life Source resource, published yesterday, is aimed at small study groups and the film clips are ideal conversation starters for a number of faith issues, including the ways in which God acts in the world, genuine listening, and the nature of human relationships.

The course is ideal for Lent study groups and will encourage members to "discover a new found joy and delight in prayer" by examining major aspects of a balanced prayer life, founded on the idea of prayer as relationship with God, the Church of England said.

The 90-minute sessions use a Bible study along with a range of interactive activities to introduce and explore different ways of praying, drawn from Christian heritage down the ages.