USA: Church in Pittsburgh goes 24-7, 365

Published: November 13th, 2006

In January of this year, this website featured a story on a church in Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania called Allison Park Church (APC). At that point, they had just finished a week of 24-7 prayer, and Chris Griffin, who is on staff at APC, wrote this to us then:

"There definitely is a growing hunger among our pastoral staff and among the people who've signed up for prayer slots - as well as the people who have randomly stopped by - 'LET'S DO THIS AGAIN'...even, 'LET'S DO THIS ALL THE TIME!' "

Well, guess what? Allison Park Church just began their third month of a year of 24-7 prayer!  What we have seen of their story from January until now is an adventure in the faithfulness of God as he dreams over his people and what might happen if we say "YES!" to Him.  APC is one of the only churches in the United States who is doing something crazy like an entire year of prayer and we want to share with you - the wider 24-7 community - about our friends out in Pittsburgh.

In September '05 they attempted their first 24-7 prayer room. Only about half of the slots were filled and it seemed like this would just be another activity in another week in the life of the church.  But a hunger for more of God was planted in the hearts of some during that season of prayer.  They start crying out to God for more of Him, for a passion for Him, for yearning and desire to ask for Him.  Surprisingly (or not!) He showed up!  In January '06 they did a second prayer room and it just exploded.  Everyone wanted to be involved to experience the wonder of being in God's presence.  From this time of prayer came the desire to care for the poor, the needy and the sick.  They begin to pray in faith that they would see God start bringing real healing to their community.

In the following months, they continued with seasons of 24-7 prayer, but each time focusing on different things.  They prayed for a festival going on in Ethiopia where they had sent a team.  They also focused specifically on praying for their city as they went out in the streets to show the love of Jesus to the poor.  In June, they took the plunge and did a whole month of 24-7 prayer!  It was during this time that they began to realize who God was calling them to be.  They are to be a people called to prayer, a people who sit at God's feet to intercede for the broken, the lonely and the weak.  God wants a people who care in practical ways and who take action.

And then (drumroll, please!) after this year long journey of engagement with prayer, APC have now launched a year of unbroken prayer starting on September 1, 2006! They have been trusting God in this adventure every step of the way. He is moving in their midst, leading them, directing them, helping them with the hard questions and pouring out His presence on them in powerful ways. Many people come through this prayer room and many hearts are being touched. There is excitement in the air as the church comes together to seek His face and give Him the glory. Keep watching for stories from Allison Park Church as this year unfolds.

"THIS IS THE LIFE I'VE ALWAYS LONGED FOR!"

Chris wrote this to us in early 2006, and I'm sure that at this point, he would say the very same thing again.
 

Hanmarie Malherbe is a 21-year old South African who joined the 24-7 Prayer USA team in August 2006. She came to America two years ago to do 24-7 Transit - a 9-month discipleship and leadership school - and stayed a second year to intern with Transit. She is part of the Kansas City Boiler Room leadership team and is specifically involved with resourcing prayer and justice.

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