Another Night, Another Party

Thus far, the Hospitality suite has been a hustle of a bustle of energy in the evenings. Older kids come to pray/guard and don't leave once their shift is over. Right now, the party is back at the house and Brian and I are once again enjoying the company of each other's silent typing.

All unseriousness aside, this journey has been fantastic so far. People are leaving calm, blessed, joyful, incredulous at their time spent inside the prayer room.

Unfortunately, lack of sleep and overstimulation of people and God-time actually dims my reflection ability. That, and I'm already thinking about the next project because that's what I tend to do.

Tonight we have every hour covered by kids sleeping over, but it's a school night. The challenge is making them sleep obviously.

Brian has nothing in particular to report. Sorry.

Commentary

A selection from our community sign out journal:

"This experience made me realize I don't set aside enough time for God in my life. Letting God take control of my problems and concerns helped me to relax and relieve stress."

"There is not enough silence in my world..."

"I give thanks to my new family: PCLG."

"'Be still and know that I am God' One of the hardest things to do nowadays but if we're never still, if we never stop, then we'll never know God, will we?"

Bedtime for Bozo

After pulling an all nighter in the prayer room and then having my staff meeting, I am ready for some Zs. Robin so graciously drove back from the North Bay to be a hospitality guru, and people are signed up all day long. Yay. A super long nap is coming my way.

Last night: Awesome.

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place

Almost 24 hours into our weeklong prayer vigil, and themes are beginning to develop. For those unfamiliar with long bouts of silence or at least some quiet time, an easy connection with God in this place leads to the revelation that God really is easy to talk to, and worth spending time with. For those this morning, words and phrases are key touchstones for their hours. Joy, vision and guidance have been those key words so far today. Where are we going? Only the wind of the spirit knows.

I decided we ought to have a common thread each day, a theme of prayer if you will. Acknowledging that if there is are any survivors still buried in rubble, they better be pulled out today, the prayer theme is for the final rescue attempt following the earthquake in Indonesia.

According to the 24/7 website, 16 prayer rooms in six countries are praying right now. We're part of something huge!

In other news, Carlo P and David S.W. will be completing the recording of their first CD today. The pre-production buzz going through the youth group music gliterati is quite positive.

It has begun...

After a month of repeating the message, and after a surprise push by Mark & Kent, the 24-7 prayer week has officially begun. Tony Bayne is just concluding the first hour while the Buffon family are ready to relieve him.

Having discovered this worldwide movement a few years ago, I can't believe we're finally doing it. Tony just walked out...

"I let go of a lot I've been thinking about...it feels like a real relief."

The first commentary from the prayer room. What a cool beginning!

Viral Marketing

Ok, so 24/7 prayer is not like the secret rave that everyone is hearing about through a friend of a friend, but the message is starting to get out there about PCLG's upcoming week of prayer.

I sat in on a presentation for the Women on Wednesday this morning with Mark Stoscher, former Youth Director at PCLG and now Eastern European Missions Director for Alongside Ministries. He alluded to his fancy title, so I include it for you. Mark and his wife, Ruth, run the only Christian camp in Albania and a Bible school for Albanian and International students. Mark is dynamic guy and God's given him a huge vision for the ministry in Albania. Basically, all this to say, what a perfect family and ministry to pray for in general and during 24/7 week. Mark asked for prayers for his wife and her growing ministry to Albania's better half, for himself as he tries to lay the groundwork for a new camp in the mountains, and for continued success in in the already great camp and bible school ministries. Following Mark's presentation, I talked to the WOW ladies myself about getting involved in the 24/7 prayer week and many of them did. Yay!

Just a few hours later, I got to chillax with the ladies of the Coates Covenant group for a few minutes and sell them on the idea of prayer as well. They had a host of ideas, which I must now compile into a long list, and they also signed up for slots o'plenty.

This church is gonna pray.