24-7 Prayer: Prayer, Mission and Justice

One of the things that often takes people by surprise when they start 24-7 can be an explosion of creativity. Many people choose to paint, draw, dance and even sculpt their prayers. When one church launched their week, someone brought in a pile of rocks (can't remember why!). A sign that said 'danger' appeared one morning. Prophetic symbols abounded.

We feel that such creativity is really important to encourage. So provide materials and plenty of wall space. Practically you may need to protect the floor! It's well worth buying a big roll of lining paper and a bulk load of blu tak.

You may become concerned that the art stuff is becoming a distraction from prayer for some people rather than an expression of it. However it is important not to be judgmental. You could put a gentle notice up to encourage people to engage with God through words as well as art and the problem normally sorts itself out.

In his letter to the Corinthians Paul describes a similar tension between praying with the mind / with words / with rational thought on one hand and on the other hand praying non-verbally through his spirit:

"For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind." (1 Cor. 14-15)

Occasionally inappropriate things may appear on the wall. If this happens just quietly removed these! However wherever possible leave artwork up - not wanting to censor people's prayers.

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