What is 24-7 prayer?
Simple really... 24-7 is a worldwide, non-stop prayer movement.
It’s a network of prayer rooms determined to live as if it all depends on us and pray as if it all depends on God until the tide turns in our generation.
How do the prayer rooms work?
Groups pledge to pray 24 hours a day for a week or more in a dedicated prayer room. They then 'carry the baton of prayer' for that period. The prayer passes from location to location in a never-ending flow linked up by the worldwide web. They are a virtual community praying in real locations. Right now someone, somewhere is praying 24-7.
Setting up a 24-7 prayer room needn't be hard, but it's got to be real!
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Ask
It might sound really simple but when the vicar is banging down your door asking why his church is covered in drapes, you'll wish you had! Sharing the idea with lots of people in your church will really help them get on board. It's a good idea to get a little group who take responsibility for being on call during the week.
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Find the right stuff
An empty room with a couple of plastic chairs is not always the best place for people to find God. Some bean bags, a few drapes, fairy lights and maybe a lava lamp will make the world of difference. Try to create sections in your room so that people can have private space.
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Themes
Think about what you want people to pray about when they come into the room. Put up some maps of the local area or of the world, some news stories, maybe even some pictures (slides/acetates can work well here too). Have some space for people to write or draw their prayers.
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Publicise
You won't be able to pray for a week non stop, it just doesn't work! So get out there and get asking people.
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Find the right room
We generally say that the room needs to be cosy. It should be easily accessed, have toilets and a sink nearby and be able to cope with being decorated for the whole week.
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Tidy Up
There's nothing worse than a prayer room that's been stagnant for a long time. Make sure you take down the room after your week of prayer. But do keep some photos as a record.
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To find out more visit www.24-7prayer.com