Prayer Support for the Lakes Ministry

Sunday 1 April - 4pm - 5pm.

Colchester General Hospital chapel (1st floor next to Wivenhoe Ward). Prayer support for the Lakes Ministry.

Please join in because Richard may be on his own! For further info please contact Richard Smith 01206 522781

Prettygate 24-7 Prayer Room 22 April - 29 April 2007

"A girl came into the prayer room at 5am in the morning. She told me she'd heard a voice telling her to go for a walk, and then she came across the prayer room. She didn't know the prayer room was there and she wasn't a church goer."

Sounds like a story from the Book of Acts? This is a story from the West Mersea 24-7 prayer shop that happened earlier this month.

24-7 prayer is coming to Prettygate. 22 April - 29 April at the Jesus Centre, King Harold Road, Colchester we'll aim to run a prayer room 24 hours a day for a week.

You can be a part of it. We need help with planning the prayer room, setting up the prayer room and taking one hour slots in the prayer room. The prayer could even be base for mission or provision for the community...

There will be a planning meeting on Thursday 5 April at 7.30pm - 9pm at the Jesus Centre. All who who are interested in the 24-7 prayer room are invited.

Please spread the word to interested people that you know. Please do contact me if you have any questions.

with love
Richard Smith

Friday Night Street Prayer feedback

Here's some feedback from Isabelle, from the Friday Night Street Prayer

22nd Feb 07

Rev5:8b-9
Is:61v1

We are fore-runners piercing the darkness.

Saw Jesus weeping for the young people.

We would be given new songs to sing – Songs of victory and songs of deliverance.

Encouraging Word for Colchester from Is 46v10
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please and purpose

9th March 2007

Come out of this world. Come away with the Lord We need to be different and people need to see that we are.

Is 58:12 – And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt, you shall raise up the foundations of buildings that have laid waste for many generations; and you shall be called the Repairers of the Breach.
Restorer of Streets to Dwell in.

When we declared this word the Holy Spirit moved in increased power and led us in fervent prayer some of which from Michael - rebuild Celtic ancient worship.

We prayer walked the circuit around the High Street.

The anointing left at 1.30am - so obviously we did too.

Request for help from the West Mersea prayer room

The West Mersea 24/7 Stop the Traffik Prayer Room is going well. Many unchurched young people are visiting the prayer room. It's great to see the handprints filling the Freedom Wall there...it makes me feel like I am not alone in my prayers and in Stop the Traffik.

Joe Haward requests help from anyone willing to be a duty supervisor at the prayer room. This would mean being on call for a set period of time. There is a bed at the prayer room, so this could be a "sleeping duty". He needs help early Friday morning, Saturday day time and early Sunday morning. He also needs help with people filling slots at these times...

If you want to sign up to help then let Joe Haward know by phone 01206 383067 or 07708948802.

24-7 Prayer Shop opens at West Mersea

We can now confirm that the 24/7 Stop the Traffik Prayer Room Will be Held in a shop at 2 Kingsway, Barfield Road (the shop was called Lots For Tots), West Mersea, opposite the Chemist and next door to the Essex Air Ambulance Charity Shop! We will be there from Sunday 18th March until Sunday 25 March!

Free parking is available at the library on the High Street, West Mersea. This is 5 minutes walk from the prayer shop.

There are regular bus services between Colchester town and West Mersea. http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/southeast/essex/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=2&service=67/67A/67C/67D/67E/67B&routeid=1071908&operator=8&source=sp

Check the tide tables to ensure that you arrive for your booked slot on time...otherwise you may be delayed by up to an hour by the tide...
http://www.west-mersea.co.uk/West_Mersea_Tide_Table_Mar2007.htm

There will be a launch service held at West Mersea Free Church, Mill Road, Sunday 18th March @ 6.30pm from this we will then walk to the shop in Barfield Road! Look Forward to seeing you there.

If you want to sign up to help for that week then let Joe Haward know either via email evangelist@wmfc.org.uk , by phone 01206 383067 or visiting www.supportstopthetraffic.infoThe shop will be open from 18th -25th March, day and night!

Please feel free to visit whenever you like. We can all help end human trafficking.Thank God for this significant breakthrough opportunity. Please support us if you can.

with love
Joe Haward and Richard

Prayer for the persecuted church Sunday 4 March 2007

We have a chance to join with the Shockwave prayer for the persecuted church.
( http://www.odshockwave.org/data/shockwave/ for inspiration)

Come to the University of Essex Chaplaincy on Sunday 4 March 8pm - 10pm to join in.

love Richard

Upcoming prayer rooms

There will be a 24/7 prayer room supporting the Stop the Traffick campaign. http://www.stopthetraffik.org/default.aspx This prayer room will be at West Mersea 18 - 25 March and is being hosted by West Mersea Free Church. For more information contact Joe Haward on 01206 383067 evangelist@wmfc.org.uk .
Also, there will be some action happening in Colchester Town Centre on Saturday 24 March to publicise the campaign. To get involved contact Katy Smith kt_anywhere@hotmail.comFuture prayer room dates....

22 - 29 April at the Jesus Centre, King Harold Road.

13 - 15 July at St Marys Arts Centre as part of the Be Xalted festival http://www.xalt.org.uk/

(also from Richard!)

Bad news and good news

First the bad news....

The proposed Shockwave prayer room, to inspire prayer for the persecuted church, has been cancelled. This is due to two proposed venues falling through, and a lack of interest in supporting that prayer room.
I feel a personal sense of failure about this, and I acknowledge I have more to learn about communication and getting other parts of the church involved.
I also think this shows a failing in the church of Colchester...that despite our spoken unity we didn't manage to support this prayer for the persecuted church...not very good considering the tens of different congregations, the dozens of buildings, the thousands of believers in Colchester...it leaves the question...what do we need to do better?

Then the good news....

A regular Friday night prayer gathering has started. This is called Street Prayer and happens between 11pm and 3am on Friday nights, based at Colchester Baptist Church, Eld Lane. We prayer walk, we pray for God's blessing on the people out on Friday nights, we keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities to pray with people, and we invite people back to the prayer room if we sense they would benefit. For more information contact Katy Smith on kt_anywhere@hotmail.com

A regular prayer time to support the Lakes Ministry has started. This Ministry aims to bring Christian worhip and prayer into the Lakes Mental Health unit. There will be prayer to support this work in the Colchester General Hospital chapel on Sunday 4 March, Sunday 1st April, and Sunday 29 April at 4pm - 5pm. For more information contact Richard Smith r_g_smith@hotmail.com

with love from Richard.

Down, but not out. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Friday Night Prayer starting soon

When: Every Fri from 23-02-07

Time: 11pm-3am

Venue: Colchester baptist Church, Eld lane Colchester (downstairs lounge)

Aim: To pray for peace on the streets To pray and chat with people on the streets and in the prayer room

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE NEWS

Prayer requests from Journey into Wholeness

Here's a prayer update from our friends at Journey into Wholeness, who aim to make Jesus known to spiritual seekers....


Prayer Points

# for more committee members
# that our budget target will be met
# for revelation to know the theme for the 2007 stall
# for wisdom regarding follow-up events after the MBS Exhibition
# for a wider vision for the work, and involvement on new people in it
# for contacts made last year,
# for new opportunities open to us in the Brentwood/Southend area
# for the continuing involvement of the Boiler Room Community and the Colchester PrayerNet

Prayer Support

Last September, we wondered whether we should continue these monthly prayer meetings, so planned just the one, on 22 January this year. It was well attended, and it was felt extremely valuable to meet face to face – with each other and with God – to pray for the work, for those touched by the work, and for the future needs of JIW.
Subject to confirmation, therefore, we will be holding monthly prayer meetings at Mount Zion Salvation Army Centre on the fourth Monday of each month, except for August, i.e. 26 Feb, 26 March, 23 April, 28 May, 25 June, 23 July, 24 Sept, 29 Oct and 26 Nov.
If you would like more information about these meetings, please contact our Prayer Co-ordinator, Paul Jonas, on Colchester 520021.

More prayer and action being planned

We're currently setting up planning groups for a Shockwave prayer room on the weekend of 2-4 March. Also a planning group for the Stop the Traffick prayer room at West Mersea on 18-25 March.

Would you like to be involved in making these prayer rooms happen? Contact Richard Smith on r_g_smith@hotmail.com

Let's see more real prayer happen in Colchester area. love Richard

PS the St Stephen's 24-7 finished on Sunday 4 February. They'd had a great 24-7 week, but didn't feel led to do it for another week. Fair play, and well done.

PPS to send an email requesting fair European trade laws for developing countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific

visit http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what_you_can_do/campaign/mtf/actions/merkel.htm

Creative prayers from St Stephen's prayer room

Something traditional found in the St Stephen's prayer room:

The Nunc Dimittis (Now be sent away)

Alleluia. Christ the light of the world, alleluia, has manifested his glory. Alleluia, Alleluia.

Now, Lord, let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled.

My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people.

A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now and shall be forever. Amen.

Alleluia. Christ the light of the world, alleluia, has manifested his glory. Alleluia, Alleluia.


Something original found in the St Stephen's prayer room;

Workers Required

Everyone can apply.

Strong or weak, tall or small, thin or fat, rich or poor, talented or not, old or young...

No one rejected.

Workwear provided. God's armour.

Your own personal trainer. The Holy Spirit.

And more than you can think or imagine.

Apply TODAY.

Help needed at St Stephens prayer room

St Stephens prayer room has been running continuously since 11am on Sunday 28 January.
Well done St Stephens church congregation, and those from other places who have supported it, too.

It's been an inspiring place, with stories of not-yet-believers using the prayer room, and also many prayers being released from New Town and the Hythe.

There are still slots to fill on Saturday morning and afternoon, and early Sunday morning. Please consider if you could take a one hour slot. Book your slot by popping into St Stephens, Canterbury Road.Or phone Chris Liddamore on 01206 560822.

The prayer room is open to all visitors 9am - 5pm until Sunday 4February.

Some of us are praying about continuing this prayer room...watch this space.

love Richard

ps this morning a spring of fresh water appeared at the top of HytheHill...it was a broken water main...was it a sign?

St Luke's Prayer Room, Highwoods 21 - 28 January

It looked like an ordinary garage....

So much so that when Katy and I turned up we went to the wrong house! (Oh well, at least they know there was a prayer room happening now...)

Inside was a light and friendly space, where Gillian and Sarah welcomed us. And there was a list of suggested prayer activities, as suggested by the St Lukes young people. These included hand washing for repentance, and a breathing meditation....

In fact, the whole prayer room had been set up by young people. Nice one, guys!

It was exciting to see more God inspired prayer. And a prayer room that had just sprung up out people's desire to see God's kingdom come. Also, this prayer room meant that were 3 weeks of prayer rooms in the Colchester area in January 2007....great preparation for the St Stephen's prayer room starting on Sunday.

love Richard

A poem prayer from Christmas 24-7 prayer room

Here I am, not much.

Here you are, everything.

Here I am, in you - safe!

Here I am, in me - dangerous!

Here we are.

Infintessimal and infinite.
Sinner and sacrifice.
Saved and saviour.

Christ in me and I in Christ.
I in Christ and Christ in me.

The hope of glory.
Just like you said.

(John 17:22)

24-7 prayer at Stephen's

Dear Boiler Room supporters,

A 24-7 prayer room is starting at 11am on Sunday 28 Jan and running to noon on Sunday 4 Feb at St Stephen's Church, Canterbury Road, Colchester.

Get involved by booking a slot by contacting Chris on 01206 560822 or popping into the church. Some boiler room folk will be praying there from 6am to 8am on Monday 29 January.

There is a need to fill time slots in the small hours most days. And on Saturday 3 Feb afternoon.

with excitement, Richard

Up and coming prayer projects

Hi all Boiler Room Bloggers!

Trust you are all enjoying 2007 so far and you have sense of anticipation of what God is going to do through His church this year. I know I am!

Some dates for your diary and possible 'projects' to think about....

Shockwave: 2nd-4th March
Persecution of the Christian Church is increasing all over the world. Jesus warned us that this would happen - people hated Him so He foreknew that the Church would suffer also. We need to pray and continue to depend on God for strength and wisdom.
We would like to host a prayer vigil over the weekend (2nd-4th March). If you have a particular passion for this theme, and would like to take part in planning and organisation or have a venue in mind, please contact us with e-mail or phone number below.
Click for more: http://www.odshockwave.org/

Stop The Traffik - 18th-25th March
24-7 Prayer are involved in partnership with a movement called Stop The Traffik (STT). As you may know this year 2007 is 200th aniversery of abolition of slave trade and human trafficking. Christians are involved in a campaign all over the world to end the illegal injustice and abuse of human freedom still happening today. This is a high profile national campaign. MTV (the youth music tv station) say it's a "no-brainer" to get involved. ie it's obviously good!
We would like to take part with a week of round-the-clock prayer between 18th and 25th March 2007. The official day of STT campaign is on 25th March. Please contact us if you would like to help in planning of this prayer room, providing a venue, time or other resources.
We are also interested in other creative ideas of promoting the justice campaign. So far we are thinking....

• A Confession Booth - in which followers of Jesus Christ would sit inside and invite people for confessions. Not for them to confess, oh no! The Jesus followers would confess to unbelievers, apologising for acts of cruelty and unkindness, for war and 'The Crusades', for making slaves.... The booth could be set up in the town centre?

Click for more: http://stopthetraffik.org/default.aspx

March will be fast approaching so if we are going to do anything we need to get moving!! Please e-mail Michael Holden: hichael_molden80@hotmail.co.uk or Tel: (01206) 523923

Thanks for your support, much love Michael and Richard

Prayer on the streets at Christmas

As I came out of the 24/7 Prayer Room at Colchester Baptist Church, Eld Lane a stocky man came running across the forecourt. I did not recognise him at all and thought he was either going to hit me or ask to come in. As he came closer, he seemed distressed and was pressing his head.

The man cried, "You must let me in, I need help".

"How can we help you," I replied. He showed me his forehead with a deep cut just above his left brow. Blood was pouring out. Immediately I helped him put pressure on it and pushed the buzzer for someone to come down from upstairs. Before someone could get down and you could say 'Christmas pudding', two Police Officers arrived, taking over the situation and questioning the man. Jamie McCallister was with me, talking to the military officers. Just as we were leaving the prayer room, Katy Smith arrived to take part in the adventures on that starry Friday night. In the next few minutes there was much activity, giving the injured man a warm and comfortable place to stay a while with coffee and medical attention.

So after we worshipped and prayed to Jesus Christ, the opening opening moments of praying for town centre revellers and party-goers were very busy. God continued to give us opprtunities to serve people of the town and pray for them on the streets between the twighlight hours of 11pm and 3am.

Jamie and I found the experience a little daunting at first, praying around the town on a busy night, starting conversations with people. We most definitely looked a little odd to some revellers in 4 layers of clothes wrapped up like very warm snowmen with scarves, hats and gloves. I still felt a little cold under all that yet people were charging and dancing around, singing under influence of alcohol just wearing thin shirts and skinny skirts.

Doormen became a captive audience for Jamie. He started chatting with them, asking questions, soaking up their stories of incidents that would make you either chuckle, cry or scream out to God. Outside a bar at the bottom of the High Street, I shared with a doorman (or ‘bouncer’ as some may call him) about serving God. I encouraged him that God loves it when people give up their time and energy to do good things for people. This conversation was inspired by Psalm 84, where David wrote he ‘would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than dwell in tents of wicked’.

We gained much information from these chats. It was as though we were spying out the land getting inspiration for talking to God. I reckoned that to be the role of a priest. They hear people’s requests and troubles then take them to God on behalf of them.

While we were on ‘walkabout’ round Colchester town centre, Jamie and I had no clue as to what was happening back at the prayer room. Upon arriving back at 12 a.m. we discovered more activity. A kind man named Dave, on his way home, stopped to help an 18 year old recover from his long night out. Dave brought both him and his friends into the prayer room. They all had coffee and something to eat in a warm place while waiting for a parent to come pick them up. Fascinated by our decorated prayer room with lights, drapes as well as angels and sheep on the wall, they all kept asking questions. We chatted with the party-goers about Jesus, church, God and the universe, praying with them and for them. There were some really significant moments and conversations.

Katy seemed to build a good rapport with one girl. Katy shared stories of Jesus, stories of how she knows the King of kings. Our new-found friend opened up with her ambitions and dreams to be a writer. Dave turned out to be a writer too and a follower of Jesus, with a new-signed 5 book contract. He gave her advice and prayed for her dreams to come true.

These chats and prayers with walking carried on through the night til 3 a.m. It really felt like God had come and walked and talked with us on these adventures of Friday night. Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit and God the Father all joined the party! We want to do it again so if you love talking to God about people and love talking to people for God, sharing His love with miracles then please contact us. We are looking for a venue in town centre to use as a base for regular prayer walks on Friday nights.

Please contact Katy Smith for more details….
Tel: (01206) 522781 or e-mail kt_anywhere@hotmail.com

Much love from Michael Holden

24/7 Prayer Rooms in January

Arlesford 24/7 update

Marguerite reports that the 24/7 prayer room at St Andrews church in Arlesford has been going well, with most of the slots filled. The prayer room is running until Sunday 7 January.

There are still some slots vacant on Saturday 6 January day time. However, even if you haven't booked a slot you can visit the prayer room.

Call Marguerite or Alex McCann on 01206 826896 for more information.


St Stephen's prayer room

And don't forget there's a 24/7 prayer room at St Stephen's Church between 28 January and 4 February. Contact Chris Liddamore to book a slot on 01206 512845 or email st.stephens@xalt.co.uk

Christmas prayer room report

Town Centre Prayer room report

In the week before Christmas 2006, more than 50 people from more than 14 different congregations prayed in the 24/7 prayer room at Colchester Baptist Church, Eld Lane.

Thank you to all those who gave time at this busy time of year to support the prayer room. A big thanks to Lyndsey and Rod, and all the church at Eld Lane who gave us a home when we had “no room at the inn”.

There were some significant times of prayer for both individuals and groups. Also, the prayer room was a base for mission and action with present wrapping for shoppers during late night shopping. Also 6 people from 5 different congregations prayer walked and gave hospitality to late night revellers on Friday night/Saturday morning. Look out for a more detailed report on that eventful night!

A message that I felt through the people's prayers and time in the prayer room was “perseverance”. Several people spoke of coming against the barrier of delay. I feel called on to persevere and breakthrough in the new things of God in 2007.

We were not able to run the prayer room continuously during the whole week. This was because there were not enough people offering to take on time slots, especially the late night/early morning slots.

I felt frustrated that a town centre shop front prayer room was not available, despite many empty shop units in the town centre. I will be praying for an opportunity and a way to do a shop front prayer room this year, because I think it will give many unchurched people the chance to pray to and meet with Jesus. And because I think that we can do it, given the unity in the church in Colchester, and the desire to pray.

love Richard