Reflection from Stephanie on the Prayer Hearing

Some of us went to a Prayer Hearing on Wednesday 21 November, organised by the Bishop of Barking at a local secondary school.

Sister Stephanie Cardis reports;

"The venue of the school and the context as given by Faith Spinlove gave powerful focus.

The presence of the young people and their willingness to speak brought a new dimension, much valued, to the Prayer Hearings.

And it was great that after their "conversation" they wanted to go on contributing during the plenum."

We then shared our different experiences and practices of prayer together.

The young people shared what they thought God would like to say to us. Some said that they thought God would be pleased with the good things that happen in Colchester. One young man said that he thought God would want us to seek Him wholeheartedly.

We also reflected on what we'd heard from the Prinicipal teacher, prayed for the school and shared our heartfelt desire in prayer.

Highwoods Prayer Room

Big Thanks to the Highwoods youth club crew for hosting our prayer room on Friday night.

It was a "Prayer Room Express" ;) Just open for one and half hours during the youth club. (And we set new records for setting up and taking down a prayer room.)

The prayer room was themed on the five senses; smell, taste, touch, sight and sound. And included a prayer jukebox, and a tent filled with the fragrance of Frankincense.

The young people were keen to have a look around. And all respected the prayer room by removing their shoes to come in.

I am praying this experience will encourage them and their friends to engage with a 24/2 prayer room happening on at Ark Methodist on Highwoods 18-20 January 2008.

love Richard

First fruits...in Colchester!

This morning, I had the privilege of praying with some friends of mine at the Out 4 Good Project house in Colchester.

This is a house for young men who are recently out of prison, who want to live a life free of drugs and crime.

There is a growing support network of people from the church in Colchester who will support these young men in their brave walk.

And the house has just opened this week!

It's so exciting to see how God is providing through His servants and through us, the church!

We read from James and prayed together.

I was touched by this passage from James 1: 16 - 17;

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows.
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

It's wonderful to see the firstfruits that God produces in our obedient lives.

Out 4 Good is a pilot project that will be rolled out to other towns in the UK, if it's successful here. What other first fruits can you see in Colchester?

Richard

A moment in school...

Here's a report from a friend of ours who teaches in a school in Colchester.

My least favourite time in school of the week is Wednesday break when I am on duty in the social areas.

These rooms are part of the only building left standing from when we held holiday clubs in the school. Added to that, of course this week we have the GSUS live bus parked just behind the building.

This morning I went on duty and for the first time it was fairly calm. So, I (probably to be honest for the first time outside my classroom) foundtime to pray. Praying for peace on the place.

I found myself start singing a Godfrey Birtill song I'm not that familiar with - so unfamiliarI couldn't remember any of the words!!! It was this from "O God, O God, O God";

I have loved you, I have held you
Though you weren't aware of it
Taught you how to walk and talk
and Abba your first word.

My heart breaks, as I wait
And I see you lost and cold
My heart breaks, as I wait
To see you coming home.

I have touched you, I have kissed you
Though you weren't aware of it
Taught you how to laugh and cry and
Watched you walk away.

There is more prophetic words on the CD than just these words of the song, about running to the father and faith rising.

Shortly after that I had to deal with an issue outside - but until then it was a very special moment.

Steph

Street Pastors prayer

This is an extra prayer update for Street Pastors to invite you to pray for us in the run up to the launch (14th December 2007) and as the initiative develops.

My hope is that every trained Street Pastor will be 'praying with their eyes open' as they walk the streets representing Jesus each Friday night in the town centre. Alongside this we would like to the prayer-support developed further.

I see this happening in a number of ways:

For people to commit to pray in a small group for Street Pastors during the night shift at a base in the town centre (venue TBC) – and to pray for Street Pastors when they come back to the base for breaks during their shifts.

For people to commit to pray individually for Street Pastors during the night shift at home.
For people to pray ongoingly for the work of Street Pastors – but not during the night.
Ideally we would like to have at least 3 people praying each Friday of the month – This would mean 12 committed Street-Pastor-Pray-ers altogether.

It may help you to get to know one Street Pastor, and to commit to praying for them. This way you will be praying for a person, not just a project! Ask God to show you if there is someone specific for you to support in prayer.

If you'd like to help, e-mail kt_anywhere@hotmail.com)

Thank you so much for your persevering prayer and faithfulness for our town

Love and prayers
Katy

What is your soul like?

I read this in Celtic Daily Prayer from the Northumbria Community and was inspired.

My soul is dry dust,
choking worldly ambition.

My soul is wet earth,
bearing rich fruits of grace,

My soul is a flame of fire,
blazing with passionate love.

News from Anne about the Clacton Prayer Room

The prayer room was open from 10am to 11pm on Friday 8am to 11pm on Saturday and 8am to 10am and an hour after evening worship on Sunday.

The theme was the body, focussing on the 5 senses:- taste, touch, sight, hearing and smell. This included a Poustinia where people were able to sit in complete darkness, things were available to smell and taste, meditations about hearing and a “touch pilgrimage”

Although not many signed up for an hour time slot the room was well occupied with people who came when they could and went when they had to.

There were over 70 different people attended in all (not including those who returned several times) including about 10 Boy’s brigade lads who demolished most of the food on the tasting table!! Their experience of the room was not quiet and meditative like many others but was an experience non the less!

Love Anne

More news from the JiW prayer room

Here's a report from a friend who visited the prayer room;

"I did get to the prayer room, and I was glad I went. I'd got a very busy weekend ahead of me and it provided a lovely oasis. I met with Audrey Castle who I haven't seen for years and we prayed together until others arrived. I love the way christians go to so much effort to provide such a space and also it feels like we 'unite' together for a purpose."

Thanks for the appreciation and the love! Here some more pics.

Richard

Clacton Prayer Room

Dear Boiler Room supporters,

Our friend in Clacton, Ann Scott, is organising a 24/2 prayer room at Trinity Methodist Church, Pier Avenue, Clacton. This prayer room will be running from 10am Friday 19 October to 10am Sunday 21 October.

If you would like to support this prayer room by booking a slot please contact Ann on zzzannies@btinternet.com Please note, this prayer room may not be open overnight unless the slots are filled.

love
Richard Smith

Journey into Wholeness Prayer Room report

Katy and I really enjoyed hosting the Journey into Wholeness prayer room at the St Pauls Centre from 28 - 30 September.

We were blessed with good help setting up the prayer room and with creative ideas and with generous support from pray-ers. Thanks especially to Ann, Trish, Nicky, Jason, Joan, Paul and Chris. And big thanks to Katy - what a star!

My favourite prayer area was the poustinia created by Nicky. a very black tent for experiencing darkness and calm and closeness to God.

I especially enjoyed the evening meals. It was fab to see friends from different places and different church congregations getting together and sharing and praying.

Also, it was great to support Journey into Wholeness http://www.journeyintowholeness.net/ who had a stall at the Mind Body Soul exhibition. They had good opportunities to talk to people about Jesus, inspired by a painting of Jesus being completed on the stall. They also had a chance to pray with some people.

Back into Colchester...looking forward to a Journey into Wholeness

Hi friends,

Katy and I are back from a holiday to Turkey. See some pics above. It was a great holiday. And also great to meet friends in the church there, and make new friends.

We met Turkish brothers and sisters who have suffered persecution from their family and the authorities for choosing to follow Jesus. I was humbled by the courage that they've shown. And I really want to support them in prayer and in other ways as my brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.

Also I've been reading a book called "The Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Claiborne. It's stories from a man follows Jesus by living in community and sharing everything with the poor and needy. In this book Shane challenges us, where will we be when Jesus divides the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25)? Will we have fed the hungry? Clothed the needy? Invited in the homeless? Or will we just be hoping that by giving some money to charity that's all been covered?

The Journey into Wholeness prayer room is happening from 7pm Friday 28 September - 7pm Sunday 30 September at the St Paul's Centre, Belle Vue Road, Colchester. Book a 1 hour prayer slot leaving a comment using the link below.

love Richard

Sacred Space - Sunday evenings

I've been going to Sacred Space for the last couple of months. These are pics from inside St Martin's Church, where we meet for Sacred Space.

We start by doing 45 minutes of silent prayer. Inspiration is provided by Simon, Catherine and Nicky in the form of Scripture passages, and sometimes poetry and prose.

Then we finish with a spoken prayer together, often a Celtic compline prayer.

I find this Sacred Space time is a great time for reflecting on the week, and listening to our Father God.

Sacred Space is every Sunday, 7pm to 8pm, at St Martin's Church, West Stockwell Street, Colchester.

Richard

Journey into Wholeness prayer room 28 - 30 September

Dear Boiler Room supporters,

There will be a 24/2 prayer room at the St Pauls Centre, St Pauls Road,Colchester from 7pm Friday 28 September to 7pm Sunday 30 September.

This prayer room will provide creative prayer activities, and prayer support for the Journey into Wholeness Christian stall at the Mind, Body, Soul exhibition that weekend.

We had a productive planning meeting this week. The theme for the prayer room is "the body".

If you'd like to book an hour slot or longer at the prayer room, please contact us at mail@colchesterboilerroom.org.uk

We will also need help setting up the prayer room on Friday 28 September and packing up the prayer room on Sunday 30 September. Also some sleep over slots will be available in the prayer room.

Richard Smith

Reflection on the daily prayer

Here's a reflection from Marie on her experience of joining in with the Colchester Boiler Room Community daily prayer.

"I find I am challenged on different aspects.

Sometimes I am reminded about being true to Jesus, when it would be easy to go for comfort!

At other times being kind to others is my challenge, when it would be my first instinct to go for justice.

I think there are many opportunities in Colchester to touch the nations with the gospel. The daily prayer is one way for me that community and spirituality can be linked together and so avoid compartmentalisation. This link leads to greater integrity and so helps us to be more true to Jesus...and so we begin again!"

A week at Abbotswick House of Prayer

Here's an entry from Jason, a friend of Colchester Boiler Room Community. He recently spent some time at Abbotswick House of Prayer in Brentwood.

"From the moment I stepped out of the taxi on the Tuesday afternoon, to the moment I stepped out of the sisters little run around car on the Sunday to go home my confidence in the Lord was pushed to new levels of highness.

Prayers every morning, afternoon and evening in either the Chapel, Church or Cathedral a time for reflection this week most certainly was.

The Chapel was quaint with a little tabernacle for holding the blessed sacrament (body of Christ) and the altar was neatly arranged with candles and clothe.

After going to an evangelical church for so many years it was different to be amongst Catholic brothers and sisters, lots of Hail Mary’s and Our Fathers kind of washed away any negativity from my soul and the receiving of holy communion felt almost higher than flying, very uplifting.
Mass in the Cathedral was angelic and sacred, the choir sung as if straight from heaven and the one drop of wine I drank from the silver cup (blood of Christ) almost sent me a bit drunk on the spirit.

On the Friday there was a massive barbeque and a great conversation about the differences in denominations in the Christian church. A group of evangelicals came on the Saturday and were vehemently speaking out loud in tongues to our maker, I hope they got what they asked for because the passion was high.

Walks in the garden were very enjoyable with willow trees, butterfly’s and statues to gaze upon, the place is well maintained by volunteers and looked immaculate (apart from the mole hills).

Places like Abbotswick only exist because Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ lived and died so our sins may be forgiven and it is on this note I close with a thank you to Sister Camilla and Sister Gaby for their lovely cooking and hospitality and spiritual guidance."

Update from Lakes Ministry prayer

I had an encouraging time praying for the Lakes Ministry in the hospital chapel on Sunday.

I was led to pray into the theme Jesus giving living water to those who are thirsty. John 4: 13-14. Also Revelation 1 :15.

I also prayed into the Scriptures that were given from the last Lakes Ministry prayer session.

I prayed for Mark's ministry that afternoon, the team and the patients.

love Richard

News from Clacton 24/2 prayer room

Dorothy Smith from Clacton reported from the 24/2 prayer room held at the Clacton Healing Rooms at the beginning of June.

People who took part enjoyed the prayer room and creative prayer activities. Some people received pictures and prophecies.

Dorothy said the prayer room encouraged the Healing Room team, and grew the number of people involved in the Healing Room.

Also one person was able to share the prayer room with a work colleague. This work colleague had an experience of the Holy Spirit in the prayer room and made a commitment to Jesus.

Daily Prayer with Colchester Boiler Room Community

A few of us have started to pray a daily prayer at 12 noon every day.



Here's the prayer (it's based on vow of the Honourable Order of the Mustard Seed as prayed by Count Zinzendorf)

"My Lord Jesus,

Help me to be true to you,

to be kind to people,

and to take the Gospel to the nations.

Amen"

We're sharing this with other friends in Colchester Boiler Room Community.

If you'd like to join us in praying this prayer every day please let us know.

love Richard



PS for more information on The Order of the Mustard Seed see "The Vision and the Vow" book by Pete Greig. Or check http://www.mustardseedorder.com/

News from Liverpool

Mike, Nicky and I visited Liverpool last week...

We had a great time visiting the docks in the sunshine and enjoying the Liverpool Tate gallery...

We were there as part of the UK 24-7 prayer network day. This was a gathering of people who have been making 24-7 prayer rooms and communities happen around the UK...and beyond.

We heard about God working through prayer in;

• a skate and surfboard shop in Devon
• rural Scotland
• a camper van travelling to Macedonia and now based in Germany
• a prayer room in bar in Nottingham
• rhythms of prayer being practiced in Guildford
• a prayer community in Earls Court, London

We stayed in Liverpool Boiler Room, and participated in prayer through the night. (Although I missed my prayer slot through bleariness ;)

It was great to hear of how God is growing the Liverpool Boiler Room Community, which is a Salvation Army congregation, and also a place of prayer and hospitality for many church congregations in Liverpool - from Pentecostal to Catholic. And is a base for YWAM and Pure youthwork in Liverpool.

The message that I brought back was how God has been working through Boiler Room Communities in many different ways. Different Boiler Room Communities have different shapes and places within the church. Praise God for His creativity, and the freedom of serving Him.

I also saw that the Boiler Room Communities, and prayer rooms, that have seen most growth and life are those that are committed and compassionate.

love Richard

News from Joe and Walk Cumbria

Thanks to everyone who supported me in prayer whilst on WalkCumbria last week with Through Faith Missions.

It was an awesomeweek and Satan was injured. Many came to Christ and a lot more have been told that they are loved by God. Unity was growing between the churches and they have a fire in their belly now for evangilism.

Colchester could really do with inviting Through Faith Missions tocome and help out with mission here - its inspiring. Check out thelinks for what happened in Walk Cumbria and what Through FaithMissions is about:http://www.walkcumbria.org.uk/http://www.through-faith-missions.org/

They only work and get involved when local churches invite them along.

Going on the Walk was excellent and you really learn firsthand about bold but gentle evangelism. Next big mission is Walk Swansea Valley in September 2008 but there are shorter/smaller missions in the meantime.

God Bless,Joe