I had the privilege to be part of this, facilitating and giving guidance to their SU, as they planned and then made reality their prayer room. What an honour to know these young people, and see them grow in character and courage, with a desperate longing to see their SU pray. One of these amazing young people is Grace Coughlan. She has worked so hard this last while, striving and persevering through challenges and barriers to make all this happen. In response to these last two days, she writes…

“Five weeks ago, but what seems like days, the planning of the prayer room had just begun. Our Scripture Union, with the help of Ben Connolly, decided to create a prayer space within school that would take place on the 22nd and 23rd of February on the stage in the Assembly Hall. We had high hopes from the beginning and our main aims included reaching out into the school and creating a comfortable space in which prayer would be the focus. We invited four people to join me as a core team in designing and planning the room. Only through God’s provision and grace, our vision become reality.

Although the time spent organising was hectic and stressful, the prayer room was a complete success which fulfilled every hope of the committee. Our eight stations, which included Thanksgiving, big questions, prayer for friends, churches of Antrim, identity, a graffiti wall, encouragement letters and repentance at the Cross, were used effectively and openly. The team and wider S.U group were inspired by the willingness of all pupils to demonstrate their faith openly. Personally, I was and am encouraged to see the younger pupils demonstrate their faith boldly and unhindered by the fear of persecution.

Through speaking to many of the people who used the prayer room, all feedback was positive. The general feeling was that the prayer space was a peaceful, relaxing environment in which students felt comfortable expressing their Christianity in a creative way. Pure joy was evident and smiling faces were a countless expression within the room.

On the first day, before the Prayer room had officially opened Phil Togwell, the head of all prayer spaces in schools within the UK, along with two colleagues made a visit. They encouraged, took pictures and prayed with some members of the S.U. It was incredible to speak with them and accept encouragement which was greatly needed. Although their visit was short, it was very much appreciated and a positive experience that will be cherished within the S.U.

On the last day, after school had finished, we claimed what was normally our weekly S.U club meeting and organised a closing gathering which would officially end the time of prayer. This gathering included praise, group prayer and individual experiences, shared by those who had used the prayer room. It was encouraging to see a massive turn out and it would be safe to say, the stage was packed. I think I speak for everyone when I say that those two hours were God-filled and the atmosphere reflected this.

I would like to thank everyone who helped, prayed and made the prayer space possible. Without the willingness of Mr Black and the many other teachers who helped with supervision, it would not have been possible and the two amazing days couldn’t have been achieved.”

Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use. 1 Tim 4:11-14 MSG.

Jonny Alexander, First Antrim Presbyterian Church

“Finding a place devoted solely to prayer is a real blessing. The word ‘blessing’ just about sums up my brief experience of the prayer room. The atmosphere was special – the sense that this place was set apart for prayer and worship was tangible and became more so as the time went on – that was a blessing. The opportunity to spend an hour in the presence of God offering praise and petitions to Him, undistracted and uninhibited has been a blessing to me and God willing my prayers will have been a blessing to others. The comments and thoughts found all over the room, whether they had been prepared by the 24/7 team or written by people who had just visited where inspiring and encouraging, particularly the heartfelt prayers of those who longed for Christ and the revival of our town – what a blessing!”

Mikey Arthurs, High Street Presbyterian Church

“I feel really happy with hoe Church in Antrim can come united, as one body in Christ, over the past three days. I was really encouraged by this great sign of hope for our town. My favourite and most special time was having the opportunity to pray with my best mate, Steve. In the darkness, the Light remains!”

Susie Alexander, Hydepark Presbyterian Church

“At a new chapter in my life, flooded with old problems and new questions, I had so many cries to bring to God this week I wasn’t sure where to start. Sometimes it’s difficult to hear His voice in the madness of life but He whispered his secrets to me in the silence faithfully. Standing at a crossroads awaiting a decision, my life has been asking where my priorities lie and where exactly my heart is for the future.

I read Psalm 27 v13 as I lay on a deck chair, ” I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” God was telling me I needed to forget the past and look ahead to the future; that my story today wasn’t about things that had effected my life before, my flawed history, but of what God was to do in me next. He was telling me to dream dreams and chase after them because, “where there’s no vision people perish”.

I need to seek a new vision with the passion I know is on my heart without looking back and being defined by previous troubles. Although still unsure I’m excited to see what God’s next chapter for me contains and thankful for the Life’s a Beach prayer room facilitating the rest, reflection and yet more redemption. “

Carrie Ingram, First Antrim Presbyterian Church

“As someone who grew up in a Presbyterian Church, the concept of Prayer Rooms has completely transformed what prayer means to me. The four Prayer Rooms, which 24|7 Antrim have run between August 2010 and August 2011, have challenged me to remove a closed eye and bended knee as the constants of prayer and restore it to its original purpose of communicating with God.

I, like many others, expected a Prayer Room to constantly be filled with devout believers who would have their heads bowed for hours at a time, but I came to realise that the Prayer Room in itself was a challenge to these misconceptions. The challenge, for me, was the reminder that God was everywhere; he shouldn’t be confined to one of these rooms and that I shouldn’t become something I’m not when it’s in one of these rooms that I meet with him.

For a Christian, their whole life can be a Prayer Room; moving throughout the stations of life and finding both challenge and encouragement which bring them humbly to the feet of God. The beauty of 24|7 established Prayer Rooms, however, has been the opportunity to humbly remember that God is in control of all situations and that He cares about and listens to every thought if you’re willing to present it to him. For me, the biggest and most beautiful truth revealed by 24|7 Prayer Rooms is that God is 24|7 everywhere, but in the chaos of life, we sometimes need that beautiful truth compacted into one room to remind us.”

Rhianna Brown, CFC Antrim

“24/7 prayer in Antrim this year had a big impact on  my prayer life because it allowed me to take time out in the day and focus on my relationship with God. The theme ‘Life’s a Beach’ helped me focus on aspects of my prayer life and reflect on how I can spend more time talking to God. One of the best things about the prayer room was that it was a chance for anyone to come and pray, especially people from different denominations around the town.  The last couple of hours of the prayer room we gathered together to worship and pray for Antrim. This was an amazing spirit lead night that allowed everyone to worship together and to encourage each other through prayer.”

Andy Blackstock, CFC Antrim

“What I believe that will help this town is persistent prayer and worship to our God that saves! Having this prayer room running in our town sees great blessing and peace prayed over our town and the actions to follow! As soon as you walk up those stairs you can feel the tangible presence of God and this brings us in to an attitude of worship that we long for in all churches over this town!

P.U.S.H… pray until something happens! I pray that the prayer spreads across the lands and that this is an inspiration to all who experienced it and want change in their land! Keep praying and asking God for change in your towns so that He will be glorified and that more and more will come to know Him as their Lord and Savior!”

How encouraging?! And how amazing is that? Here’s a short video of some more stories about Life’s a Beach:

But at our summer prayer room ‘Life’s a Beach’, we’re asking you to give. It’s very easy to come, pray, read, be encouraged, have a tea and leave; and it’s all free. It’s very easy for our one hour slot to become about us… What can I get? What can God tell me? What will I learn? This time, we want to be more than just that. We want to give.

Prayer Rooms are just glorified Church buildings. They are meant to be an environment to be challenged, encouraged and inspired for the benefit of God’s Kingdom in Antrim. We want to be missional and intentional; and with so many people, from so many churches coming every time we think we’ve missed an opportunity.

So, this time, we’re teaming up with Simon Community and StoreHouse-Antrim to make this space more than just ‘a space’. When you come to your hour slot, our if you’re just popping it, we are asking you to bring items which will help the homeless and those in need. For Simon Community we would love you to bring new towels, new socks and new underwear. And for StoreHouse we would love for you to bring tinned food, biscuits, toothpaste, coffee, soap, shampoo, shower gel and more (visit fbook for list).

There will be a table at the entrance to the prayer room and we would love for it to be full and over-flowing with the kindness of Kingdom sons and daughters, who not only want to come and receive, but come and give for the benefit of Christ’s fame in Antrim. Thank you in advance for your genrosity.

To sign up for a slot contact Ben 07843661481, or visit our facebook page.

At the end of a Summer of work, camping, teams, playing with your kids, graduating, cooking BBQ’s… the thought of beginning the school, Uni, work season in September can be a bit of a downer.

Fear not. For three days in the last week of August we are holding our Summer prayer room. Regardless of sun or rain, this room will be filled with everything you need to remember Summer memories and thank God for them. It will also be a time to prepare for the next season of 2011 and whatever that may hold for you.

So bring your bathing suits, snorkle, rubber rings and whatever else to our humble Antrim YMCA, where we bring the beach to Antrim.

To sign up for an hour slot contact us through facebook, email or by texting Ben 07843661481.

Lately we’ve felt a buzz and an excitement surrounding 24|7Antrim. With the unexpected, yet so perfectly planned wedding story of during the ‘He’s Surely Alive’ Easter period of two prayer rooms in Antrim Methodist and High Street, God has been speaking to us so clearly, as a team and individuals.

Last week, out of curiosity, we wondered when this years Global Day of Prayer was. We were so happy that it was close, yet still give us time to prepare, reflect and pray about the possibility of a 24hour Prayer Rom (YMCA) encouraging Antrim to join with millions around the world.

This weekend I travelled to Edinburgh with my good friend, David Caldwell, who was running the Edinburgh Marathon. We also met up with my friend studying in Edinburgh University who put us up for the night. Over a coffee I shared with her the 24/7 movement in Antrim, which not excited her, but filled me up with joy, anticipation and passion for what God is doing through us. On the flight home, as I began to worry about slots not being filled and other practicalities of this event, God spoke whilst reading Velvet Elvis:

“People who are starting churches, or want to someday, often ask me when I knew it was time to do it. And I actually have a coherent answer: I knew it was time when I no longer cared if it was ‘successful’. I’m serious, I had this moment when I realised that if thirteen people joined up with us, and that was all it ever was, that would be okay.“

Wow! I was reminded of my simpler more rawer state, outside of planning, leading and trying; when I knew God wanted something to happen, and if one person showed up that was enough. Satisfied and thankful with such a clear and obvious word from God, I read on to the next paragraph:

“This thing inside of me was so strong that I had to act on it. Can you relate to this feeling? [YES!]… That sense that there is something deep in the fiber of your being that you have to do, and if you don’t do it, you’ll be violating something… or somebody? Better to try and fail because at least you are being true to yourself.”

These words so perfectly summed up how I was, and am feeling about 24|7Antrim, God’s movement and the exciting future. The next part blew my mind, and I’ve been sharing this with everyone I’ve met today. Keep in mind the slogan of this year’s prayer initiative of 24-7Ireland:

“And the worst thing would be to live wondering, What if?”

We look forward to a two day prayer room (YMCA, 12 -13 June) over the Global Day of Prayer, with the theme ‘Life is a Journey’. This theme and the plans for the room, is a quality story, again God working and speaking so clearly. For more information visit the page above or click here.

In the Summer we look forward to another Prayer Room in YMCA, 24 – 28 August, which we are equally anticipating with much enthusiasm.

While Steve and Mel set off to tour ‘our wee country’, we got busy with plans!  Shirley and Leslie were going to the official witnesses, aka ‘the bridesmaids’!  So Shirley set about cleaning her silver mini and putting ribbons on it, while Leslie sorted the flowers. Shirley’s daughter Katie was tasked with getting confetti and Ben had the role of photographer. The five of us were so excited to be a part of a wedding for two strangers, who suddenly felt like friends…

Then came the highlight of the story – the Wedding Day!! The bride and groom arrived in the mini and Ben snapped away with his camera. They looked lovely and the ceremony was beautiful. Steve’s poem brought a tear to the eye of all the girls who were there and we celebrated together as the Registrar announced them as man and wife. Then outside for more photos and confetti. Everyone was filled with joy; such a sunny day and such a joyful occasion.

The seven of us then went to a nearby hotel to toast the happy couple and find out a little bit more about them. It was hard to believe that four days ago we had never met. They told us how they met while Steve taught Mel advanced motor-cycling and how they shared a McDonalds coffee after each lesson. From this their relationship grew.

As we sat in the hotel the manager came over and wished Steve and Mel well. He asked them if they had come to Antrim to get married to be with us – their family and friends. He was shocked when we told him that  five days ago we had never met. I think he thought we were joking…

This story fills me with hope.

taken from Tell It In Colour article.

So the movement moves in ways we probably never thought would happen, but we trust God has a map and is steering us towards himself in all this. This whole thing of Churches ‘doing it for themselves’ is something we want to encourage, and support in any way possible. With this desire, we are writing letters to some Churches in Antrim, telling them what 24/7 is, who we are and how we’d love to help them in creating prayer spaces for their Church community. So feel free to ask your prayer co-ordinator or pastor how he/she thinks about it all; and make sure they carefully consider it!

Also, we are possibly thinking of hosting another prayer room in Antrim YMCA. This location has been home for us, and the staff there have been so welcoming and generous to allow us to host here anytime we feel led. They are proper gentlemen. Antrim YMCA are struggling to continue their work, with lack of volunteers to work with young people and be on a management board. So, on a sidepoint, please help (get in contact with us for more info).

This prayer room will hopefully be in the later stages of Summer and could hopefully last 4 days, but we are still considering the need and whether there is enough people committed to pray (give us feedback of what you think!).

We’d ask you to pray through all this, and continue to support your own Churches prayer initiatives. God has been good; and despite our failings, and skepticism God is changing Antrim, and is here as he always has.

“Last year, a group of co-workers and myself at High Street felt compelled to organise a prayer room over Easter time. Our heart was to create an open space, a safe place where folks could come together and reflect on the glories of the Easter story, and simultaneously immerse our community, church and churches in the area in prayer. God really blessed us. Over 45 different people from our church and others from local churches signed up for their one hour slots. The prayer room had helped awaken and re-awaken in all of us the need for persistent prayer, to cry out for a community that cries out in need.

This year, we’ve decided to have the prayer room again. Last year, we had a 24/2 prayer room and this year we have stepped out in faith and went for a 24/3 prayer room. Our hope again is that the prayer room will be a place of solitude, and where young and old, newborn babies in the faith and maturing oak trees can come and be enriched. It is a space where God blessed so many abundantly last year, and we are yearning for him to do the same. A place where God came and spoke  and brought forth fruit, a people more desperate for Himself. A place where lives and hearts where changed, not due to a denomination or a group or a room, but because of God’s goodness and faithfulness.”

Romans 11:35-36,

“Everything comes from him; Everything happens through him; Everything ends up in him. Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes.” MSG.

You can visit the facebook event page here. Or contact David Caldwell 07545841046 or email antrim247@mail.com

“Following the 24/3 prayer room in Antrim in January, Antrim Methodist Church embarked on their own journey of 24/7 prayer. The journey began with a prayer room that lasted for 12 hours to allow us an opportunity to experience God in a completely new and fascinating way. Taking on what William Van Home said about prayer and how “prayer is the voice of faith”, we are stepping out once again in God’s name to hold a 48 hour prayer weekend around palm Sunday to allow members of the congregation to meet with God in a fresh way. Mainly, we hope and pray, that this will allow us to reflect on the Easter story and to submerge the needs of our community in prayer and watch God impact Antrim in new and exciting ways, in a way that only our Saviour can.”

To book a slot or for more information contact Kattie 07515161750 or email antrim247@mail.com.

24/7 Ireland are holding a year of prayer for 2011. Different areas across the island will be passing the baton on from place to place hoping to inspire and encourage, whilst crying out to God. Newtownabbey and Antrim have the great responsibility of kicking off the 2011 movement during the month of January. And closer to home we have the last two weeks packed full of exciting opportunities to build on last August’s amazing prayer week in Antrim YMCA!

We are hoping to see Prayer Rooms held in a number of Churches (see home page) around the borough and many people from all ages and backgrounds enjoy their time within these.

I (Ben) am heading up to YMCA Prayer Room and thought it was time to share where we are at with that and hopefully get you excited about what will be the fourth prayer room is this fantastic space! It will be run from 8pm on Thurs 20th to Sun 8pm on 23rd, so that’s 72 hours of continuous prayer, day and night. That also means that there could be a potential 72 people praying! Last year we were really excited about what God did in a humble upstairs room, and we are even more excited that we have another opportunity to pray in this way so close after our last!

So that’s a very (very) brief word on what’s happening this month, and in particular in Antrim YMCA.

You can sign up to slots NOW by contacting me (call or text):

07843661481

bengooner@hotmail.com

or our team email:

antrim247@mail.com

Start sharing and spreading!

Ben