Since September 1999 the idea of temporary tabernacles of 24-7 Prayer has spread through more than 60 nations in 4000 known incarnations. We’ve prayed in schools, universities, police stations, work-places, in planes, at festivals and even in churches. It’s spread virally with the help of some strategic friendships, the story of Red Moon Rising and a lot of the Holy Spirit.
Despite all the cultural and creative diversity, people in prayer rooms all over the world have had similar experiences: intimacy with God, renewal of faith and mission and a break down of fear and intimidation in prayer. We’ve seen this happen especially among young people. Isn’t that incredible?
“Almost everybody says that they have especially felt the Lord’s presence in the [24-7 prayer] room. For some people it’s been really encouraging. They used to feel guilty because they don’t pray enough. This room has been a place for them to meet Jesus, let the cross heal and open up for the new "wave" of praying… this room is a heart to this city and it’s pumping out the Holy Spirit’s presence.”
Topi, Finland
We’ve seen prayer rooms morph into many things: years of prayer across cities, nations and denominations; Boiler Rooms and long-term mission. 24-7 Prayer has resourced almost every Christian denomination, overcoming barriers that would normally exclude such unity. We’ve made friends with people who love Jesus and want to learn to pray by praying. This international community of like minded people we call “24-7 Prayer” isn’t unique. We’re part of a bigger wave of prayer that has been swelling and gathering momentum on an unprecedented scale.
When I recently broke bread and sipped squash with Ian and Pauline Cole from the World Prayer Centre, I was awed by the knowledge that the UK has gone from only a handful of prayer organizations to more than 400 in the last decade. The nation that birthed 24-7 has seen an explosion of prayer in every stream of the Church.
What does this mean? Why is God mobilising so many to pray?
I’d like to suggest that this is more than some Christian fad. It’s more than a trend. It’s growing, spreading and not just in the UK but across the globe.
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