From Derby Church Network, Mid November 2009

House of Prayer

Empty Vicarage is put to use as Christians join for Week of Prayer

What do you do with an empty vicarage, when your church is between ministers? One church in Sinfin, on the south edge of Derby, has put it to use, turning it into a prayer house for a week. The idea was based around the international 24-7 Prayer movement.

During the last week of October, around 70 local Christians from eight different congregations booked up for an hour or longer during the week, to take time out and meet with God. Some even prayed through the night!

Almost every room was put to use, with the minister's study being turned into a youth focus room, with music, a wailing wall and plenty of cushions. In the lounge, the front half was a labyrinth based on the Lydia Fellowship ‘Steps to the Throne’ way of entering God's presence. The back half was world prayer, with plenty of maps to put post-its on. The hall wasn't wasted - as well as a welcome point, there were posters reminding visitors of their identity in Christ.

The dining room was a kid's zone with a Noah theme. The kitchen was for arts & crafts. Drinks were in the utility room. And upstairs, the four bedrooms became chill-out zones where people could get on their own with God, especially if the house was busy. The only parts of the house not used were the bathroom, loft and a few cupboards!

Some who came didn’t know what to expect, but all the feedback was positive, and often comments were received that an hour (or two) wasn’t long enough! And a number came back again and again during the week.

Not all were Christians who came to the house. A group of teens from a local estate that Christians in the area have been reaching out to came along. They were followed by a group of Beaver Scouts. The week ran through Halloween, so any callers were given a small present that would hopefully make them think about the faith rather than things of darkness.

Whilst not every hour during the week was filled, people have prayed much more than they would have otherwise, and moved on in their relationship with God. And who knows what else might come from the many prayers that were offered during the week? The vicarage is set to be prepared again for residential use soon, but the prayer goes on in the hearts of the people of Sinfin.

 
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