TWENTY FOUR HOURS OF PRAYER

24:1 was a great event for the church, and of course a great encouragement for this church community, that our youth not only want to enjoy social time together, but want to invest a whole day to pray and share worship in this way. The youth group asked to arrange this event and wanted to ensure it was in the church diary for this year, and the event was led totally by them and supported brilliantly by church leaders, members and friends. Starting at 9am on the Saturday (although for some it started the day before to set up) we gathered together to work through prayer zones, to find Holy space and just take in the many different ways we could focus in order to pray. Helpful opportunities included making bread, prayer darts, apple bobbing and games, all which were not just enjoyed, but helped us embrace prayer and focus on subjects, many relating to the church community, our new church leaders, and also for the world around us. Bible Studies were also used throughout the day led by Ellie, Clare and Ian, and in the evening were shared in sang worship, also led by Ian. Throughout the day there was real evidence of God's Presence. Discussion on spiritual topics were also helpful throughout the day - as was the food which helped keep many going. Some of those attending went on a prayer walk and trail which took them out of our church community into the wider community. During the later/early hours some laid down before God to pray with their eyes closed and used snooring as a means of uttering prayer to God. However there was always some awake praying and this helped to ensure that the 24:1 aspect of praying together continued. We event concluded by a cooked breakfast but also time to pray for those who do not know Jesus and we uplifted them before God. We must thank Rachel and Ellie for arranging this event - and of course so many of the church that supported at some point throughout this day.