A former Muslim was dramatically healed last week in the 24-7 Prayer Room in Guildford, UK. “My friend from a Muslim country became a Christian last year,” explains Dan Jones who co-ordinates the citywide prayer initiative. “She’s had a serious Repetitive Strain Injury in her left arm for 3 years and her doctor said she would need surgery. But on Thursday evening she was prayed for twice in the Prayer Room and both times she said she didn't feel anything. However after the second time, when she felt her arm, all the numbness had gone. She no longer had any pain, and found that she was able to lift heavy objects again. She has been completely healed. At first she couldn't believe it, because she thought it must take some time to get healed, but the healing was instantaneous. Praise to God!"



Dan, who is one of the leaders of the Guildford Boiler Room, also reports the encouraging testimony of a lady who came to the 24-7 Prayer Room a little unsure of what to expect. “She had a preconception that it would be very intense and legalistic,” he says. “But when she arrived she realised this was not true and found freedom to pray in different ways through the various creative options available. She was so inspired, that she returned later in the week with her children and they painted and danced the hour away with Jesus.
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Both of these stories excite me as they show that we can find life in the presence of Jesus. It is not about the room, nor the location, but about His presence and the joy, peace and love that can be found there. That’s what makes 24-7 Prayer such a priority: the presence of God. As Moses said to God in Exodus 33: “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" 

It is God's presence that distinguishes us as believers. It is not our good works, our moral views, our fashion nor our musical tastes. It is His presence. Without Him we are just another business, club or religious organisation. But when God’s people truly learn how to live in God’s presence the world will respond the way they once responded to Peter and John: “they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13). May the world be astonished once again!