UNCEASING

THE JOURNEY'S END

2011-07-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

he impression the Lord gave Margee for this station “…was a place to BE with Him; to celebrate that my name is written in the Book of Life because of the sacrifice Jesus made to make that possible; to celebrate the marriage supper of the Lamb with Him; and to worship Him.”

When Paula talked with her about the station, Margee says, “The Lord immediately gave me a picture in my mind. The station was to be a garden-like setting with a bench at the entrance (to contemplate the amazing grace of God who included me in His Book of Life.) The throne was to be placed just behind the round, intimate wedding table (a place of parental pride and joy). At the wedding table would be the marriage supper of the Lamb. There also needed to be a comfortable place to recline, listen to worship music, enjoy God’s awesome presence and express gratitude for God’s unspeakable gift.”

One of the challenges to Margee was that she and her husband were leaving town for the summer on the morning right after set up. Because they had a lot of preparation to do for the trip, and they would not be there to take it down the following Saturday, she didn’t think it would even be possible to prepare a station. “BUT GOD made the process so much easier than I could have imagined! There were a few generous people and some dear friends who stepped in and helped provide items, iron panels, type scriptures, and set up and tear down the station. It would have been impossible without them,” she says.

“BUT GOD made the process so much easier than I could have imagined!”

The Lord met Margee early in the preparation and impressed on her heart not to take too much credit or too much responsibility for the station. “When I remembered that, it was a stress free adventure to trust Him to locate needed props or create things that were beyond my skills.” She says, “It’s hard to explain, but it felt like He knew what He wanted for the station, where to get it or how to get it done.” At one particularly hard point, “I sensed Him whisper to my spirit, ‘Don’t you think if I gave you a picture of what should be in the station that I can accomplish it?’ For almost every item in the station, there is a special little story of how God led and provided.” Margee felt privileged and blessed to experience what she calls an “intimate journey with the Holy Spirit.”

“My life has been filled with exhilarating mountains, difficult valleys and peaceful meadows,” Margee says. “I can’t imagine being on this journey without the Holy Spirit’s counsel, comfort, companionship, guidance, correction and healing. When I’m in a time of resting, I try to soak in God’s presence, knowing it is preparation time for the next challenging adventure. I look forward to celebrating with our Bridegroom at the JOURNEY’S END.”

THE STORIES BEHIND SOME OF THIS YEAR'S PRAYER STATIONS

2011-07-18T19:30:00.015-07:00

Finally . . . some of our next entries will be featuring reflections from some of the people who made prayer stations. Lezlie Shortsleeve has been interviewing some of the prayer station creators, and we begin with what was the "last" station, "Journey's End." Check out the following entry. More to come!

for the 24/7 prayer event…more to follow!

TELL US YOUR STORY from our week of 24-7 PRAYER

2011-04-26T07:55:00.002-07:00

Our 2011 week of 24-7 prayer is one for the history books! It was a wonderful time as God once again underscored the deep and beautiful ways He meets with us when we set aside time and space to draw near to Him!
Comment here below this blog entry to share your stories. We so often hear bits and pieces here and there of what God has done, but this year we really want to hear YOUR story so we can praise and glorify God together!

NOTE: This blog is moderated, so there will be a delay before your story shows up. Watch for it!

St. Patrick's Breastplate

2011-03-16T18:29:00.010-07:00

I love the REAL St. Patrick, who interestingly was neither Catholic, nor a leprechaun! He was a godly man who gave his life to serve God and led many to Christ.

I also love being reminded this time of year of his beautiful prayer which he wrote, called "St. Patrick's Breastplate," as well as sometimes being called the Lorica, and Deer's Cry. It has been turned into hymns, and gone through various translations over the years, so it sounds a bit different from time to time, depending on which version one is familiar with. I love it's depth and scope and comforting power, as it keeps our riches in Christ before us in every line and stanza. Every time I read through it (and also when I recall the parts of it I have memorized), I am blessed with the awareness of God's overwhelming Presence and power in, around, and for me.

Here are two videos that each share St. Patrick's Breastplate in different ways. The first video is of a beautiful song based on it. You will see as you watch it through that it has not only lovely idyllic scenery, but a powerful everyday application as well!

(NOTE: before you play the videos, disable the sound on the worship music player to the right by hitting pause)

The second video is a reading of my favorite version of the whole prayer-poem. It's nice because you can see the words as they are read. I have come to love the rhythm and power of reciting this out loud, which is easy enough to do by reading along with the sound on this down. You will recognize parts you may be familiar with, but many of us do not realize the grand whole that they come from. What a rich heritage those who have belonged to Christ and gone before have left us.

Enjoy! And Happy St. Patrick's Day!

(NOTE: remember to disable the worship player to the right by hitting pause)

Our WEEK OF 24-7 PRAYER is coming soon!

2011-03-10T12:41:00.001-07:00

It's coming! In fact, it's almost here -- our annual week of 24-7 non-stop prayer. We clear most of the chairs out of our sanctuary, and set aside a whole week, 24 hours a day, to come and be with Jesus. This year our theme is "Pilgrimage". Check out our 24-7 page here for more info. We will be updating with more about the theme, how you can join our community of prayer-hearted friend to help prepare before, and also help during the week of prayer, and for info on signing up for an hour slot.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for April 15-23!!! One week, one thing -- Jesus!

WEEK of 24-7 PRAYER page

UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE . . . Sacred Space this Friday

2011-03-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

SACRED SPACE this Friday, March 11, 6-10pm

A safe place to seek His face and spend time in His Presence. Simple prayer stations and special worship in a meditative atmosphere. Come and go as you like. We will have a special prayer station and prayer circle focusing on Arizona CityFest.

What does social justice look like in MY TOWN?

2011-03-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

Prayer connects us with God's big heart and the compassion of Christ, as He encourages us to see, pray, and reach beyond ourselves. Because of this, we are exploring together the issue of social justice (more on that in a future post). I got a kick out of, and also really was encouraged and inspired by, this recent post on the 24-7 Prayer blog regarding Alana Wiens’ and how God worked in her heart as He transformed her passion for social justice into a size and shape to make a difference right where she is. Read about her story here: My Town: Justice is local

PRAYING TOGETHER - for physical and spiritual hunger

2011-01-26T16:46:00.001-07:00

This Wednesday, January 26th at 7pm in B1, we will be "Praying Together" for the issue of physical hunger, which is one of the Arizona CityFest's focus points. We will also be learning about how we can pray for friends and family to come to know Christ - and of course actually praying for them! Everyone is invited to come, pray, and also if you are able, bring an item of canned food to support our Open Door Food Bank and bless others.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY - BIGGER

2011-01-20T10:52:00.001-07:00

Lord, I am overwhelmed today with the bigness of so much frailty and need - mine and all around me. Help me to trust You to the point that I am overwhelmed even more by how so much bigger You are.

A New Year - A New Way to Pray?

2011-01-07T21:38:00.002-07:00

Have you ever heard the expression “praying the scriptures” and wondered what that actually means? How do you pray the scriptures? Do you just repeat the verses to God? What does it mean? How do you do it?

Praying the scriptures is not as confusing or intimidating (or, frankly, as tedious) as it might sound. The first step for me is to simply slow down a little as I read through a passage. As the words on the page describe events in someone's life (such as in the Old Testament or Acts), I can think about their responses to God, His responses to them, and what my responses might be in similar circumstances. My circumstances are different but might the same challenges be present? What are my needs and desires regarding the challenge? When I pray for those needs and desires, I am praying the scriptures. When the verses I read are words that reaffirm God's love for me or remind me of the freedom He died to give us, and I linger there awhile, I can imagine how my life would change if I truly believed that in every corner of my heart. It's then that I'm led to pray for that depth of belief to be true of me, and suddenly I'm praying the scriptures.

I could try to explain it some more but sometimes it's just better to see it. When I was at a recent writers' conference, I met a writer who is doing just that for us. Diane Guthmuller is showing us through her blog what it looks like to pray the scriptures. It's her 2011 Prayer Journey where she's reading through the Bible and posting prayers based on what she's read. It's a perfect time to jump on board and subscribe to her prayer posts. She lists the Bible passages from which her prayer comes so we can see how she turns her scripture reading into prayers. I've subscribed to her posts and they arrive in my email every day. I'm enjoying the life, and depth, and personalness that she's bringing to Bible passages for me. It gives me keener eyes to see my own life in the lives, needs, and challenges written about in the Bible. If you've ever wondered about “praying the scriptures” give this blog a look.

Shoeboxes, warm breakfast, and Christmas

2010-12-29T18:35:00.002-07:00

This Christmas our prayer ministry had the opportunity to partner with a local ministry, Prodigal's Home, whose mission is to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the homeless and poor in Phoenix, AZ, specifically in the north Phoenix community of Sunnyslope, which is my "hometown," or at least where I spent most of my growing up years. Each Saturday, Prodigal's Home serves a warm breakfast to all who come, as well as having a time of worship and encouragement.

This year, Christmas fell on Saturday, and so in addition to their usual breakfast, they wanted to bless those who came with some special gifts. I was asked by a friend, Steve, who is part of this ministry, to put the word out to see who might help contribute Christmas gift-wrapped shoeboxes with socks, gloves, toiletries, snacks, and last but not least, a personal note inside. After being told there could be up to 70 folks there, my prayer was we would be able to contribute enough for each one, even though that seemed a lot on short notice, especially at a time of year when we are all being asked to contribute to someone or something. I began to put the word out among our prayer ministry, prayer chain and others who are a part of our community of prayer-hearted friends here at Open Door Fellowship. Folks passed the word along to friends and co-workers, and on the Sunday before Christmas, the drop-off table in our church courtyard piled up and up and up! Final count was over 70 beautifully wrapped, lovingly packed boxes of treats and necessities. Thank you, Lord!

SHOEBOX GIFTS FROM ODF - DO YOU SEE THE ONE YOU PACKED?

Several other churches contributed boxes as well, packed with a different assortment of items than what we had packed, so ultimately most folks got not one but THREE boxes of gifts!
My husband has been helping out at the Saturday morning breakfasts for the past several months, and he asked our family if we would be willing to go serve together on Christmas morning. Some of the other individuals and families who were contributing shoeboxes heard of the opportunity, and wanted to come help serve too, and we ended up with about 25 from our church there helping, most for the first time.

SOME OF OUR ODF FAMILY VISITING WITH FOLKS AT THE BREAKFAST

GIFTS BEGINNING TO BE PASSED OUT

We are in a season when God is opening and stirring our hearts in fresh ways to see, pray, and reach beyond ourselves. What a great privilege it was to be a part of this special effort and event. Many who packed boxes told me how meaningful it was to select and pack the items, and thanked us for offering them the chance to give. Those of us who came to serve were moved and stretched, and ultimately, perhaps even inspired to continue to be a part of local efforts such as this one.

Lord, keep growing Your heart of compassion in us, as You lovingly draw us to see, pray, and reach beyond ourselves.

For more info on the ministry of Prodigal's Home, click here

PRAYING ACROSS THE WORLD

2010-12-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

We are currently praying, via our ODF prayer chain, for a church in Africa. They have been meeting in a large tent and have been trying to finish their permanent building for several years. They have even been asked to move into an actual church building -- quickly -- because their worship is so noisy!!! They need to be out of the tent and into the new building by the end of December, and won't have permission to occupy it until the doors and windows are complete.

Here are some photos of the progress they are making -- check them out and pray for it to be done in time! Wouldn't it be great to be there with them as they worship for the first time in their new home? What a gift to be able to lift up our brothers and sisters in prayer, knowing our prayers can have impact around the globe.

ARIZONA CITY FEST

2010-11-20T18:47:00.003-07:00

Check out more info on this upcoming season by clicking on the Open Door Fellowship and Arizona CityFest link on the left under "Pages."

PRAYING TOGETHER

2010-09-15T22:51:00.008-07:00

Praying Together is our weekly prayer gathering on Wednesdays at 7pm, where we meet to be with God and one another as we share our hearts in worship and prayer.

Each week we have a different topical emphasis, so at times we will pray for:

our church
our world
areas and issues of justice and mercy
and always, for one another.

Praying together is modeled and encouraged throughout the Old and New Testament as one of the main privileges and identifying characteristics of God's people. He loves when we come to Him, and come to Him TOGETHER! Join us!

ALL-CHURCH WORSHIP AND PRAYER NIGHT, Friday, August 13th at 7pm

2010-08-03T20:12:00.001-07:00

Join your Open Door Fellowship brothers and sisters,

as well as Mike Q. and the band,

for a special evening with the Lord and one another!

Friday night, August 13th at 7pm

Kingdom Rest

2010-05-07T11:32:00.001-07:00

THE KING'S ABUNDANCE

2010-05-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

"Step up to the banqueting table

and enjoy the feast of abundance

the King offers us through Himself.

Be blessed by His provision and care!"

"He brings me to His banqueting table,

and His banner over me is love!"

"O taste and see that the Lord is good!"

These (above) were a few of the scriptures and invitations at our banqueting table station. It was a place to rest in Him, where you could choose from a number of scripture cards that each had a verse on it reflecting God's perfect care and provision for us in the many needs and challenges of life. There was also a place to leave prayers, and a journal to write in. What a beautiful place of healing, comfort and rest this was for so many of us!

TRUSTING GOD WITH OUR TOMORROWS

2010-05-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

A place to write our prayers to God, trusting Him with our church family, our land and facility, and our church family, now and in our tomorrows.
By the end of the week, the board was full, and some of the paperwork was removed to make more room.

ALREADY CLEAN

2010-04-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

What are the lies you have believed about yourself?

Put your hand on the ink pad, and then stamp it on the "dirty" figure, as a way to symbolize the ways you have been labeled, the lies you have been told, by yourself, the enemy, and others.

Now, write the truth of who GOD says you are on the other figure.

This station, created by two young sisters, had a "take away" paper full of declarations from God to encourage us to believe His truth about us. It was especially meaningful for our youth.

AT THE HEART OF IT ALL . . .

2010-04-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Communion with Jesus . . .

The communion table is always at the center of deep interactions with God. This year it was also the site of a young boy becoming a Christian, and then taking communion for the first time with his family.

Thank you, Lord, for all the ways you meet with us during our weeks of prayer. Some of the stories, we are privileged to hear; some we do not. But they are all known and orchestrated by You and Your never-ending and wooing love for us.

Speaking of Arizona . . .

2010-04-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

This was our fourth year of non-stop prayer. For the past three of those, we have been part of Lite the Fire's AZPray initiative. Since January, 2008, each and every week the "torch" of 24-7, non-stop prayer has been passed from location to location. Churches, businesses, hospitals, and even homes have hosted prayer round the clock at numerous locations throughout the state. In other words, Arizona has been covered, week by week, and hour by hour, in prayer, since December 31st, 2007.

Each year, as we have hosted the week of prayer, we have received the "torch" (symbolically represented by a camping flash light), as well as a book in which to write how God meets with us throughout the week. At the end of the week, they are passed on to the next prayer location. This station (above) was a place to read and reflect on what folks who had hosted 24/7 prayer during the weeks earlier in the year had written, as well as record our own thoughts and prayers.

PRAY GOD'S BLESSING on ARIZONA!

2010-04-27T17:32:00.003-07:00

Our state is in need of prayer! Can I get an amen???!!!
I love the words that Judi, the artist who created this station, put around the edges of the state to prompt our hearts to focus on pertinent issues. By the end of the week, the state was "covered in prayers!"

ABIDE, or "The God Cube"

2010-04-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

The Abide station, or the "God Cube" as it was affectionately nicknamed, was from our first year of 24/7 prayer in 2007. Robin felt the Lord lay on her heart that it was time for it to be part of our week again this year, so she added a meditation sheet, calling us to a new and further interaction with the Lord. She also created a new element, a round canvas mat, for the floor, so people could write on it, as well as outside and inside the cube.

It is covered with written expressions of worship, praise, love and hope to the Lord. Throughout the week, people entered here to reflect, interact, and pray. Once again it was a holy meeting place.

KINGDOM COMMUNITY

2010-04-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

ABOVE: I loved, during the week of prayer, hearing the rustle of people working in this station. You couldn't always tell visually that someone was in there, but you could hear them, quietly working on, and working out, the issues of "kingdom community" with God.

We all make many choices as to how we will live out our faith in Christ. One of these choices involves whether we will choose to live in isolation, or in community, believing that one of the most significant ways the Lord reveals Himself and ministers to us is through one another.

This large prayer station was a heart-felt collaboration between the leadership teams of both our Home Group and Art Core ministries. The small booth with scripture verses represented the joy of our relationship with the Lord, but ultimately, it was a dead end, because without the support and encouragement of one another, individually, we can only go so far. The large tent, however, represented how, through our common relationship in Christ, we can offer and receive love and support, and was full of creative activities that underscored, through scripture and group art, the significance and benefit of living in mutual trust and relationship. relationship.

The "hand" squares, which were part of the creative prayer process in this station, are being sewn into a quilt. What a great and tangible expression of the truths this station was all about!

"So then you are no longer as those who have no part or plan in the kingdom of God, but you are numbered among the saints, and of the family of God." Ephesians 2:19

PRAYING FOR THE USA based on the 7 MOUNTAINS OF CULTURAL INFLUENCE

2010-04-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

During our weeks of 24-7 prayer, we love to have some of the stations be some sort of corporate expression or group project/prayer. This year we offered scissors, magazines, markers and glue sticks, and invited everyone to post their prayers for the US in the form of a group collage, glued onto a paper mural of 7 mountains, representing 7 areas of significant cultural influence: government, religion, family, media, education, the arts and entertainment, and business. It was amazing and revealing to see people's creativity and hearts come forth in what they posted.

Lord, help us continue to call on You - may Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth, as in heaven!

DO YOU KNOW MY NAME?

2010-04-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

Come, sit for a while and learn the character of your Lord! Many of His names and their meanings are displayed; you can choose from printed versions of some of the names to decorate, embellish or add scripture or your own thoughts or prayers to. You can also create your own freehand version of one of His Names.

We knew this station was impacting people when we began to see numerous references to God's Names in the prayer requests, worship and praises, and journaling entries around the room.

For one another, by one another

2010-04-22T19:04:00.000-07:00

Our week of prayer is a gift we give ourselves - created for one another, by one another. Here are a few photos of some of our stations being installed.

THE KINGDOM, THE KING, ENTER IN!

2010-04-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

Our week of prayer has come and gone! But the theme is continuing to challenge us, in learning to see the Lord as our dear, powerful, benevolent King who meets our needs out of the abundance of Himself; as well as challenging us to see the Kingdom as here and now; and to reach out to others around us. Lord, help us continue to enter in to all you have for us in understanding and living out of these truths.

2010-03-19T21:18:00.002-07:00

Our week of 24-7 non-stop prayer is almost here!!! The theme is "The Kingdom, The King: ENTER IN!" As some of you know, my family has come through a very busy and in many ways challenging season. God has been faithful to continue to remind me, over and over through the theme of our week of prayer, that HE IS KING, He is sovereign and in control, He is the One Who holds all resources in His hands, and bottom line, me, my life, and all I love and hold dear. Which, by the way, includes our dear church family, and our wonderful annual week of prayer.

Preparations are under way, and there too, I see the Lord at work, challenging our teams to trust Him for His vision and provision. Whether they are leading and recruiting for our servant teams, creating prayer stations, or other aspects of our week of prayer prep, I see them love and honor one another in the process of stepping out in faith to trust God. What a joy to serve with these wonderful brothers and sisters, in seeking to invite and facilitate others coming to be with Jesus.

This year, we will have a total of 185 hours of prayer to sign up for. So why sign up for one of them, why not just drop in, which you can do? Because as wonderful as it is to just drop in, it is a very sacred and sweet and powerful thing to be one of the 185 who are going to, together form the unbroken, hour by hour ‘round the clock chain of prayer. It is like an ongoing relay of purposeful communion with God – as one person is leaving after their hour of prayer, the next is arriving, and so on, and so on, right in our sanctuary, for over seven straight days. The wonderful Presence of God, and the atmosphere of prayer – of our hearts opening up in worship, intercession, and just talking with and wrestling through stuff with our Heavenly Father - becomes tangible.

By the way, don’t let the term “week of non-stop prayer” fool you. This is not an event for the super saint. No religious know-how is required or expected. This week and this room becomes a haven for the weary, the washed up, the forgotten, the “faking it but still not making it,” the overwhelmed and overworked, those in doubt of God’s provision, and those in need of God’s salvation. Come needy. Come doubtful. Come purposefully; come reluctantly: just come. You will be welcome, and we pray you will be blessed and find in some measure what you need, which after all, has always been Jesus.

Radical things begin to happen when we get intentional about being with Him.

So how does our week of prayer happen? It is not an event that is put on by any one ministry or group. It is a gift we give ourselves and one another. Come to the prayer room to not only sign up for an hour of prayer, but also sign up to serve. It takes literally a couple hundred of us, each giving an hour or so, during the week of prayer, to help facilitate this special, set-aside time, simply by doing things like providing security for an hour, or bringing snacks, or lighting candles and setting up communion.

Open Door Fellowship’s week of prayer is a corporate invitation to an individual meeting with God, a family pilgrimage back to what’s most important and real – being with Jesus.

Don’t miss it. ENTER IN.

WEEK OF 24-7 NON-STOP PRAYER COMING SOON!

2010-03-04T13:19:00.000-07:00

Our week of 24-7 non-stop prayer is 7pm Friday, April 9th, through noon on Saturday, April 17th. Watch for more info soon!

2010-02-12T10:04:00.004-07:00

Sacred Space Friday Feb. 12th, 6-10 pm
Open Door Fellowship, 8301 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix

IN MY FATHERS HOUSE -
   AN IMPARTATION OF LOVE

       Gods heart for His world family; our ODF family; your family; you personally...
      If you ever doubt that you are loved ,then come spend time with the Lord
     in a quiet environment and safe place - seek His face in an atmosphere of love and grace.
   There are reflective prayer stations, live worship and you can come and go as you like...

GOD ON MUTE: a new "Conversations on Prayer" community

2009-12-29T14:10:00.002-07:00

"conversations on prayer" is a safe community of dialogue and exploration for those who don't like classes . . . and aren't too sure about prayer either.

Join us for our next "conversation" as together we explore the hard stuff and sticky questions about God and prayer — the things we bump up against in the trenches of real life. We'll loosely base our times together on Pete Greig’s excellent book,

GOD ON MUTE: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer

but owning or reading the book is not required to join the conversation, or just sit in and listen.

SUNDAY MORNINGS

January 10th through February and March

3rd Hour in H-1

SACRED SPACE - Human Sex Trafficking

2009-12-29T13:45:00.004-07:00

HUMAN SEX TRAFFICKING: An issue globally; a reality locally. Did you know that in the U.S., there are more "slaves" -- those held against their will for the purposes and/or profit of another -- than there were in the years preceding the civil war? Did you know that Phoenix is called the "kidnapping capital" of the U.S., in some respects due to this very issue of human trafficking in the areas of illegal immigration, and the drug and sex trades? The Lord is placing this issue on our hearts.
This Sacred Space, Fri., Jan. 8, 6-10 pm, through

· Prayer stations

· A group prayer time

· The showing (in another room) of “Branded,” a locally made dvd,we will be focusing on this heartbreaking issue, asking God to raise our awareness, ignite our prayers, and show us how He might be calling us to action. We will also have our usual live worship and contemplative stations and atmosphere. Let's come together to seek the Lord's justice and mercy on behalf of those trapped in bondage in our day.

UNCEASING'S NEW PLAYLIST - COME AND WORSHIP!!!

2009-10-26T23:28:00.021-07:00

We've just added a playlist to the blog - if you scroll down you will see it on the left side. It is a wonderful compilation of songs that will lead you from intimate worship, to personal prayer, to intense intercession, and back again! If you let it play straight through, it will give you about an hour and a half of inspiration for worship and prayer. The playlist is a little tricky to navigate - as you probably have noticed, the first song begins to play right away, and then goes down through the list. However, if you want to scroll down to see or choose another song, you have to click on one of the songs listed, and then use your computer keyboard's down arrow to move lower down on the list. You may have to do this again in order to see all 15 songs.

These are some of the songs I love and which have ministered to me, as well as some we have used in our prayer and worship times as a group. Enjoy! May they draw you close to your Lord. And comment to tell us which ones you like, or to let us know some of your favorites.

SACRED SPACE partners with OPEN DOOR TO THE WORLD

2009-10-08T14:16:00.003-07:00

Join us this Friday for Sacred Space, 6 - 10 pm. We are partnering with Open Door to the World, and will have an emphasis on praying for the world, our missionairies and other cross-cultural expressions, as well as for the 7 major areas of cultural influence in the world. We will have a time during the evening of focused prayer, as well as live worship, but as always, you can come and go as you please and if you like, simply enjoy spending personal time with the Lord.

COMING TO KNOW GOD . . . IN SPITE OF UNANSWERED PRAYER

2009-10-08T14:06:00.002-07:00

I first met John Boring at our first week of 24/7 prayer, about 2 1/2 years ago. He seemed so genuinely touched by the experience. Although he and I have not spent much time together in the "real" world, I have gotten to know his wonderful spirit and heart through a web community we are both part of. I asked him to share some of his journey with the Lord with us here, and this is the first of more posts from this amazing, godly man.

I had given up on church years ago. All that I visited over the years preached a God that was vengeful and disappointed. The messages all seemed to say the same thing; that I was doomed unless I changed my style of life in drastic ways. And, even then, it was suspect that I would ever enjoy God’s Kingdom. I was not a bad man, I did not commit crimes and I tried my best to not be a sinner. But, the message each Sunday was the same thing. Hell’s fire and damnation. I knew, deep in my heart, that was not the God I wanted to worship, and if I could not find him in church, I would look elsewhere. I simply quit going to church altogether, even though my wife was devout and regularly attended and supported her church.

My life began to change on a day in 2000, when our son, Dan, was diagnosed with a serious cancer. He would fight it for five years, losing his right leg below the knee and ending up with a prosthetic shoulder in the process. By the time he died in 2005, he was riddled with cancers and in constant pain. During all of his illness I watched my wife, Suzi, as she coped with the idea that we would eventually lose our only son. While she comforted Dan and kept a brave face, in private she prayed for his recovery and wept at the frustration of seeing our prayers going unanswered. We did all we could do to make Dan comfortable but in the end, all we could do was watch as he slowly slipped away. When that happened, we were all by his bedside, holding his hand and talking to him, preparing him for his journey. The hardest thing Suzi and I ever had to do.

Suzi’s faith did not diminish after losing Dan, as I thought it might. God had not answered her prayers, after all, and surely she resented that. Instead, she joined the choir and steadily supported her church. I decided one day that I needed to help her in that area, so I vowed to start attending church with her, even though I did not like her church or her pastor. So, I went back to church but Jesus was not yet in my heart and I had not yet accepted God.

Knowing how I felt about her church, Suzi looked around for another one for us to attend. A friend recommended Open Door Fellowship and we decided to check it out. The day we arrived at ODF was bright and sunny and hot. As we approached the front door of the auditorium the first two people we saw were the two hospice nurses who had been such angels to Dan. Nancy Nicolls and Beth Parks. Seeing these two angels here was a very good sign.

We walked inside and sat in the middle section, back towards the wall. I looked around the walls and saw the words written there. “All of my sins were washed away.” And, “Here I am to bow down, here I am to say that you’re my God.” Those words suddenly meant so much to me. Emotion started to stir in my heart that was not connected to grief. I watched people enter the room, greeting each other, hugging one another. When men and women sat, they leaned into each other and often the man put his arm around her. I could feel the love in the room. Then, the band began to play and I had never heard music like this at any church before. I was in awe and becoming an emotional wreck. I had no idea what was happening to me.

Then, John Lynch began to speak and it seemed to me his words were directed straight at me and to my heart. I suddenly broke down in body wracking sobs, crying not in grief, but a feeling that I had come home. I, right then, could feel God’s presence around me and I sensed He was comforting me. I sobbed and sobbed, and no one around me paid me the slightest heed. Evidently, people did that quite often in that church. I all of a sudden felt such peace and contentment and I knew then that God was with me and that Jesus Christ had entered my heart. They are both with me now and will be forever. On Easter Sunday, 2006, John Lynch and Jason Ellis baptized me at the church. I was 75 years old at the time. -- John Boring

A PRAYER MEETING FOR THE NEW BOOK

2009-09-18T08:26:00.004-07:00

Something exciting is happening. Some men from our church, including our current teaching pastor, as well as our founding pastor, have written a book. Well, actually, they have written several books, but this one is different, in that it is fiction, and as such, has perhaps the potential to reach a wider and different audience than the others. Those of us from Open Door Fellowship have been eagerly waiting to read it, but even beyond that, we have been eager to share it, because it communicates profound truths that we have been hearing for years, and, in our human imperfection, have been wrestling with, gingerly testing, working out, standing on, and at times even staking our lives on, learning to trust God and others with ourselves.

This blog post today is a challenge to “meet” in prayer here, and call on the Lord together, asking Him to use this book to bless others beyond any of our expectations. To bless many; to bless deeply; to bless permanently, as God woos the hearts of those who read it to connect authentically with Himself and others.

Post your prayer below as a comment:

SACRED SPACE THIS FRIDAY

2009-09-09T15:47:00.003-07:00

"Let God's Presence be Your Provision"

SACRED SPACE, Friday, Sept. 11, 6pm-10pm

Has life been rough or messy, tiring, tragic, hard? Come to Sacred Space, a safe place to be in the presence of His grace. Come and go as you please, and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere of soft lighting, simple prayer stations, and live worship, designed to draw our hearts to Him.

Come Friday, September 11th, 6pm-10pm, and let God’s Presence be your provision.

Bringing It Home

2009-07-23T20:18:00.005-07:00

The ministries of 24/7 and Sacred Space are vital and beautiful. They usher us into God’s presence and inspire in us prayer, meditation, reflection, and worship. The tranquil environment, the beauty and creativity all help us quiet our hearts and enter into a very real experience of God’s presence. These ministries are a gift and I greatly look forward to them. But wouldn’t it also be great if we could learn to find our own "sacred spaces" in our everyday relationship with God? That’s exactly what He wants. This year’s 24/7 theme was "We are a house of prayer."

I have been thinking over the last couple years about how to bring into my personal everyday relationship with God some of the wonderful aspects of these special prayer environments. They so beautifully facilitate sweet times with God that I want more. I began by asking myself what are my favorite things, what are the things that really work for me? Some of my favorite parts of any ODF Sacred Space or 24/7 are the stations that let me write on the wall. Whatever it is that God has pointed out to me, whether glaringly or softly, through the prayer station’s meditation, I love the simple act of writing it down in a public way. I post it as a form of declaration, worthy of being remembered and permanently claimed as mine. As others write their words, the walls become a beautiful collection of private encounters with God, anonymous roof-top declarations, powerful statements. They are the documentation of pivotal moments taken place in listening and yielded hearts.

A few months ago I was excited to have an idea. I went to Aaron Brothers and bought a canvas and some Sharpie markers. I hung it up and began writing down, Sacred Space style, some of the things God was impressing upon my heart through my personal prayer times, Bible reading and scripture meditation. Let me tell you, I am loving it! I pass by the canvas, which is slowly filling up, and read the reminders of what God has spoken to me. Each time there is something new, I post it on the canvas. It has been such a blessing.

We look forward to continuing our monthly Sacred Space evenings and our yearly 24/7 events; they are wonderful and special times. They are also tools to train us how to bring it home into our everyday relationship with our Father who longs to meet with us everyday. Tune in to this blog for future posts that we hope will help you develop your own special ways of being more in His presence daily, resting and quieting your hearts, listening for Him to speak.

-- Judi

Picture your prayers

2009-06-20T21:52:00.002-07:00

It is easy, in the area of prayer, to get hung up on trying to do things the way other people do them, to get tangled up in the "ought to's" and "this ways," instead of allowing God to lead our hearts to Him in the way that best suits the unique creature He has designed us to be! However, there IS profit in hearing "tools" and ideas that have worked for others as we give ourselves permission to simply try and investigate what might work for us.

Here is an idea that Jan Potter sent our way:

"How I changed my picture of prayer" (click on to link with the article)

As you will see, the title of the article is a play on words. I have actually done similar things over the years using photos. You can simply put some snapshots in your Bible, or use the framed photos you have have by your bed or on your wall. What about a prayer collage, where the photos are updated and rotate over time, and as new needs arise? We so often think of prayer as a matter of words, but opening up the other senses, in this case using a visual prompt, can often encourage and enrich our conversations with God.

What types of things have you used as tools or prompts in prayer?

PRAY! and other great quotes

2009-05-02T20:53:00.006-07:00

This wall shows a colorful sign that says, PRAY! It was made by some of the members of our Conversations in Prayer class. It is a fun technique, using a sheet of clear acetate, where you first paint the lettering (or a logo or other outline image) in black on the front; let it dry completely; and then turn it over and paint a colorful image or design, which then shows through as a background. Here it is hung on the wall, but it also looks wonderful when hung freestanding, with natural or indoor light behind it, illuminating the colors and causing the words or outline to stand out.

Around it are quotes on prayer. Here are a few of them:

"True prayer is God the Holy Spirit
talking to God the Father
in the name of God the Son,
and the believer's heart is the prayer-room."
- Samuel M. Zemer

"God does not stand afar off as I struggle to speak. He cares enough to listen with more than casual attention. He translates my scrubby words and hears what is truly inside. He hears my sighs and uncertain gropings as fine prose."
- Timothy Jones

"No great spiritual awakening has begun anywhere in the world apart from united prayer."
- J. Edwin Orr

"Prayer is keeping company with God."
- Clement of Alexandria

"Some people pray just to pray and some people pray to know God."
- Andrew Murray

"Praying is no easy matter. It demands a relationship in which you allow someone other than yourself to enter into the very center of your person, to see there what you would rather leave in darkness, and to touch there what you would rather leave untouched."
- Henri J. M. Nouwen

What is one of your favorite quotes on prayer?

CHOOSING FREEDOM

2009-04-29T21:07:00.007-07:00

Liz shared her story one Sunday morning in church not long ago, and I asked her if I could post it here . . .

My Journey to Know God through Prayer

Priority. That would be a great word to describe my history of praying. But only if you insert the words “lack of” in front of it. Growing up in the church that I did, I was taught about prayer and others led by example on how to pray. Only, my understanding of prayer became something like this: Fold your hands, close your eyes, and begin “Dear Heavenly Father.” And we are supposed to do this mainly at meal times and before going to bed at night. Also, a little tid-bit about my years growing up is that I went to a Lutheran school from Kindergarten through fourth grade. The only prayer we did at that school was the Lord’s Prayer. And not to say that those ways are bad, because I do see significance in it all and have experienced the beauty of the Lord’s Prayer. I recently realized that I did not feel freedom to pray however I wanted to. In fact, I bet there were times that I was praying, such as “Please don’t let me get caught cheating on this test”, or “Please make the yelling stop”. But the problem here, is that I never considered that prayer. I was only “thinking out loud”.

Well, my life continued and I got into high school and heard talks about prayer in youth group. Most times, it consisted of step-by-step instructions to pray. “First, thank God for something goo d in your life. Second, ask God’s forgiveness for the sins you committed. Third, pray for someone you know who needs prayer. And finally, close your prayer by thanking God for his love. Amen.” Again, not that this is bad, but I felt as if I needed to pray in this way, or I wasn’t praying at all. Well, I wasn’t consistent with this way of praying. So, I tried journaling my prayers. But after several days, weeks, and a couple of years of not writing, I realized that journaling maybe wasn’t a priority in my life, and making the time to do that was too hard because I want to go have fun.

It wasn’t until I showed up here (Open Door Fellowship) that I started to hear how other people pray, and hear people talk about prayer, that I realized I have freedom to pray however I want, whenever I want, and as short or as long as I want. I realized that my thoughts can even be prayers. You mean, I don’t always have to say my prayers out loud and in a certain order? What a concept! So through this, I began noticing little moments throughout the day where God has been with me and helped me through a hard conversation, or was laughing with me. And in those moments I acknowledge God’s presence in my life and thank Him for it. I have began to feel a sense of comfort knowing that God is always with me and He does not have any expectations for me when it comes to prayer. He just wants me to know He is there. And He gets excited when I feel free to pray in group settings, as well as privately between He and I.

A major hard part of this journey that I recently realized, is that I have difficulty trusting God. I have been hurt by men in my life that are “supposed” to be trustworthy, have my best interests at heart and be highly influential in my life, to help me develop my own identity. And then I was hurt by others throughout my life journey and lost trust in people. And here is this God, whom we refer to as “Father” in a relational way, but I didn’t know how to trust someone with the deepest intimacies of my heart. So, I have also been on a challenging journey of learning to trust God with who He says He is and that He cares about me and loves me as if I am the only one in the universe. I am continually learning to trust my Abba like I’ve never known, and feeling safe because He adores me wherever I am at in my journey. So now, when I think of a word to describe my prayer journey, I choose Freedom.

Liz

THE WALL

2009-04-28T09:16:00.017-07:00

One of the men's small groups in our church got talking about prayer stations that reflect issues and struggles men can relate to. From that conversation, but even more directly from his own life experiences, one of the men in our fellowship, Jeff, (click here to read Jeff's story) envisioned and created this station, which was not just for men, but for everyone. It consisted of a big plywood wall, painted to look like brick. Next to the wall was a stand with the following printed on it:

THE WALL

Once again, here I am at the wall. Sometimes I feel like I have been shoved into it, at other times I feel like I have run into it full force. Either way, here I am back at the wall. I hope that things will feel different when I am here at the wall. But, it never does.

At times I come to the wall and it brings me some relief. The relief does not last long, but I keep coming back here anyway. I feel trapped and alone. No one could have the thoughts that I do. No one could be suffering in sin and humiliation like me.

To me the wall represents something that I can not get over, through or around. It represents that bondage that keeps me from community, from real relationships and from real relief.

At times the wall is so familiar to me that I find it comforting. The wall finds no comfort in me. It is only there to destroy me. For the strength of this wall is only found in my destruction.

I wish someone would give me a sign that I am not the only one facing this wall.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1st Corinthians 10:13

The same verse was painted in big letters over the whole expanse of the 8' x 8' wall, with other words inserted to amplify the meaning. For instance, near the words "a way out" were lettered "red light," "a door," "phone call," and "rescue."

On the stand near-by were pens, a glue stick, and small slips of paper, on which were printed:

I am tempted by ___________

just like everyone else.

It was an invitation to each of us to fill in the blank with our own personal areas of temptations, and stick it on the wall, identifying ourselves with the rest of humanity in our capacity to be tempted, and in that revelation, also identifying ourselves with the truth of God's faithful provision of release and relief in temptation, as stated in the verse.

I put "fear," and was reminded again this morning of how I can live in anxiety regarding tomorrow, or next week or next month, when I am not trusting God in the moment, today.

Over the week we watched the wall fill up with these small, and yet huge, proclaimations, as words and phrases like, "anger," "selfishness," "pride," "things," "other people's acceptance," "food," and "fear" begin to cover the wall. Many of the areas of temptation of course were repeated, and some were unique; but there was a universality in the sense of struggle and also freedom in "putting it up there," even anonomously. I imagine for some it was perhaps the first time they had taken an opportunity to put their personal areas of temptation into words, even to themselves.

Take a moment to read back over "THE WALL." Imagine you had access to one of those little slips of paper. What would you put? Trust God and someone else today enough to "put it out there," knowing that you are not alone in your temptation, and that the next time you are tempted, He will provide a way out.

The PEACE STATION

2009-04-24T22:25:00.013-07:00

A high-school student, Mia, along with another student, Meghan, and other friends and family, created the peace station, a canopy of "flying" doves overhead, based on an idea the Lord gave her one day. She will tell the story of it in another post, but for now here are some photos, and the text Meghan composed and wrote out based on Mia's ideas, for the hand-lettered board in the peace station:

"The House of Prayer is here to bring us back to the Father. It is a place for us to sit before our Lord and allow Him to shower His grace on our hearts. It is in His presence that we are reminded of our purpose here on Earth. We have a purpose because God made us His beloved children. “And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” Matthew 3:17 These words spoken over Jesus, are a statement of significance that we all bear. We all are given purpose. When we understand and fully believe this testament we are filled with God’s peace, an inner peace absolutely indescribable and overwhelmingly satisfying.

The Dove is a symbol of peace and further, a symbol of our purpose here on earth that God has given each and every one of us. Having received this beautiful truth we are filled with the inner peace necessary to ready our hearts to face the world with heads held high and hearts ready to shine brightly with the unconditional love of God. Jeremiah 29:11 says “ ‘For I know that plans that I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

God promises that if you believe what He says is true about how much He loves you, you will be filled with His glory and His peace and in turn love others as He has loved you.

Remember, God is always working, moving, living in us and He is humbly waiting for us to receive His beautiful peace. He is bigger than any challenge you may ever encounter and He has a plan for your life so intricate and beautiful that only God could build.

If you wish to take home a reminder of God’s love, our purpose, and a peaceful heart please do so. Take a dove and decorate it however you like. You may write what this dove means to you or a verse that rings true to your heart."

DECOMPRESSION CHAMBER

2009-04-07T19:51:00.002-07:00

Our college ministry director, Joel, had an idea for an area where people could kind of quiet themselves before entering the main sanctuary during our week of 24/7 prayer. I loved the basic idea, and I definitely saw the need. I have stood near the entrance in past years of 24/7 and watched as people sometimes rush up to the entry doors, hurry in past the inner black curtains which seperate the foyer from the sanctuary, and then enter all the way in, only to kind of glance around, walk quickly to the left, then to the right, restless, searching, as if they are on a scavenger hunt in a shopping mall, and if they don't see what they want quickly enough, they need to move on. They were no doubt coming off busy days, fitting this time in between other commitments, and it was hard to know where to rest, or how to start.

Joel had the idea this year to transform our little "everyday" prayer room, which is literally not much bigger than if it truly were a prayer closet, into some sort of a calming entry area. I can't remember what he called it, but I kept finding myself referring to it as a "decompression chamber."

Joel was going to enlist some of the students from our college ministry to help with his vision, but he was incredibly busy, and as it turned out, two of the other college ministry leaders, Clark and Suzy, stepped in and took it on, both developing and bringing about the vision, and enlisting a few students along the way.

When I first saw Clark working on it . . . I admit . . . I wasn't sure. I LOVED his vision to take pictures of many of us and hang them to underscore "I am, you are, we are the house of prayer," and how that connected us with each other and with the theme before even entering. But I wasn't sure how this simple idea would create the peaceful transitional area we had talked about. There had to be more.

But that really was it -- less was more -- and it was just perfect! The photos, hung in a grid-like design with soft lighting, and the chairs lining the walls of the room, opening up a feeling of space in the small area, created a soothing, warm and comforting "waiting room" feel -- a place to rest, calm down, focus, center, etc., until one was ready to enter.

Suzy hand lettered some signs, one near a box on a desk, with some blank cards and pens, where people were encouraged to sit and leave their cares, burdens, concerns, behind before entering. Many did, and over the week the box filled up.

On the door next to the entry into the foyer, she had written an encouragment for people to stop and take some time before entering any further. I saw many folks ready to hurry into the foyer, see the sign, stop short, and then turn back into the room to sit for a while. Some for a long while.

It made me think of a quote from "Clinging: The Experience of Prayer" by Emilie Griffin, where she talks about why and how it is so hard to set aside time for prayer, even if it's only five minutes. She goes on to say that perhaps it is not the five minutes for prayer that is hard to set aside, but the twenty minutes beforehand, that we intuitively know we will need before we are even settled enough to enter into the five.

This entry area, this "decompression chamber," helped people enter in not just physically, but mentally and spiritually, by providing a peaceful transition point from the hurry and rush of their busy worlds and lives, into the quiet and peace of an oasis of time with God.

QUIET ZONE

2009-04-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

Just outside the sanctuary -- our 24/7 poster on a sign that says, "QUIET ZONE -- Please keep conversations and noise outside this area." Funny how scarce quiet or even more so, silence, is today . . . even in church, where almost every moment of even the services are programmed with vocal or instrumental music, media with soundtracks, preaching, sharing, announcements, and in case there is a moment of silence here and there . . . cell phones going off! The stillness is almost foreign, because we are not used to the "emptyness" of it, and yet when we can really quiet OURSELVES, and enter in, it is rich and full. It creates space for us to begin to be able to hear our own thoughts, questions, concerns; and to hear the heart of God speaking in between the pauses.
And if we're honest, we'd have to admit that at times we are reluctant to enter into the silence, because deep down we agree with Pink, who says, "the silence scares me because it shouts the truth."
Maybe that is why we need the reminder and encouragement to enter into the quiet zone, risky as it may be.

REFLECTIONS ON THE "LAST DAY" OF A WEEK OF PRAYER

2009-03-28T11:35:00.001-07:00

As I arrived at church today at 9am, I think I expected things to have that “winding down” feeling; we are after all on the final few hours of our week of 24/7 prayer, due to end at 1pm today.

Instead, the sense as I entered the sanctuary was of a serene, welcoming and yet very much alive space, as my eyes adjusted to the soft lighting, and I realized there were several people here and there communing with God. A woman I have never seen before sat at the “Art Expressions” table, obviously moved and weeping as her lips moved in prayer. An unfamiliar man passed me, smiling as he seemed to wander around, taking it all in in delight. The HIV/AIDS ministry team prayed softly in a circle of chairs, pouring their hearts out in compassionate intercession.

I stepped into the alcove, to check the Prayer Link basket. “How many more prayer links were made in the night, “I wondered. “Will there be enough to go all the way around the room?” I looked up onto the wall behind the stage, where the long encircling chain had ended the night before. It was all I could do to keep the silence and not exclaim. The chain was already complete! The paper chain of prayer after prayer after prayer, from individuals for individuals, each link with a name on it, surrounded the whole sanctuary. What an amazing and beautiful visual expression of the connection with God and one another through prayer.

A few hours later, my son Nathaniel arrived to start “dolly-ing” the chairs back to the entryway, in preparation for them being taken in and reset later this afternoon once the stations are all down. The people I had seen earlier were mostly gone, and new “pray-ers” had come in their place. “It still doesn’t feel like it is something that’s ending in there, does it? It feels like something that is going to be here tomorrow, and this week and next month. . . “

Lord, we ARE “ending” our week of prayer – and just the same I know it is true – this work you have done and are doing in us, is not ending. You are revealing to us, and deepening in us the truth, Your truth, that I AM, YOU ARE, WE ARE, THE HOUSE OF PRAYER. You have us on an amazing and progressing journey, a journey deeper into Your heart, and deeper into our identity as your people, your children, through prayer.

It doesn’t end here, Lord, does it? I didn’t think so.

And I am glad.

Jeff shares his 24/7 experience

2009-03-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

A man from our fellowship, Jeff Carlin, shared this last Sunday in church:

When I was twelve I memorized First Thessalonians 5:16 thru 18. It says: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”.
I really took that verse to heart and I asked God that he would prompt me always to prayer. At that time I had an ongoing conversation with God that did not end at any “amen”. I truly felt God was with me always. As I grew older, however, I discovered the pleasures of sin and my time with God in prayer came to an end. Oh, sure there was the occasional “grace” before a meal and a blessing on a gathering at church. But that continual conversation had come to an end.
I was torn by guilt and did not believe that God would want anything to do with me. I had gained the perspective that God was pointing his finger at me and shaking his head in disgust. I believed the lies I was telling myself and thought that God would never want a relationship with someone he could not trust.
I tried to remember what it felt like to be close in conversation with God and tried to rekindle what was lost. I felt that I could never return to that closeness with God.
Flash forward to our first 24/7 prayer event here at ODF: I was drawn to God through prayer and back to my knees. The mental or emotional part of prayer that had been severed was beginning to be healed. This started with the picture that John Lynch draws so well of God standing with his arm around me. Not condemning or chastising me, but, really inviting me into a conversation with him.
During this time I began to see that God’s desire for a relationship with me was not based on how good I could be, but it is based on how much he desires to know me and for me to know him.
God was waiting for me to rely on him, to admit to him that I am powerless over sin and that only he could give me victory over that sin.
As I went from station to station in the prayer venue I was reminded over and over again about the conversations I had with God when I was a child. I could tell him everything and no subject was too hard for him to hear. He showed me again that he really was waiting all along for me to desire a relationship with him. Although it felt like God was hiding his face from me, it was me who was hiding my face from God. The feeling of removing the first mask of hiding from God was awesome. I was free of that weight and free to let God love me and let others speak into my life.
The prayer stations during the week of 24/7 were the reminders that I needed that “prayer without ceasing” is that ongoing conversation and relationship that God wants with me. God used that week of 24/7 prayer to remind me that there were no taboo topics for me to talk about him with.
He already knew about my sin and has convinced me that I am no different than any person in my need for relationship with him. God reassured me with First Corinthians 10:13 that the testing and temptation that kept me from talking with him were no different for me than any other person.
Not all the stations will have meaning for every person, but I can guarantee that there will be something for you in the upcoming week of 24/7 prayer that will draw you in.
Do not be afraid of what God will do with you during this time of prayer and worship. God will not let you down. He has mightily used 24/7 prayer to draw me back to him. God will draw you to himself. So, come prepared to hear what God has to say to you. For me it has been that simple reassurance that God is saying to me: "It’s ok kid, I’ve got your back."

Come down this week for 24/7 prayer, and you will see a prayer station created by Jeff and his son, based on some of this experience. Look for "The Wall."

My First 24/7

2009-03-07T23:35:00.003-07:00

Posted by Judi
When ODF did the first 24/7 Prayer event, I thought, "Sure, I can sign up for an hour, help fill up the calendar." I’d heard there would be creative prayer stations to help facilitate prayer and I also knew I could pray on my own. I figured I could do an hour. The first thing I noticed upon arriving was the black curtains hanging in the doorways. They told me right away that inside was a specialness to be preserved and protected. Once I entered the space, I was met with such a gentle, beautiful, soothing atmosphere I could almost hear the woosh of my soul’s exhale.

I had been in serious need of such tranquility but didn’t really know it until I entered. See, I had been doing a very distant dance with God for a couple years. Not the kind of dance on a dance floor but more like the kind in a boxing ring. Then came 24/7 and as my first evening progressed it seemed like God gently and lovingly took me by the arm, ushered me in, and said, "Shhh, now. Let’s just sit down here awhile where you can take some deep breaths. Relax... Let it all go.... And see how well I know you. Feel how much I love you. "

What my heart was so in need of was rest. The tranquil and creative environment of 24/7 was a conduit for Him to make His presence known and felt to my tired soul. I didn’t know how tired I was until God gave me rest in His presence at 24/7. I came back as many times as I could that week...and the next week as it was extended. I just couldn’t get enough of being there. "There" was God. Just being with Him. I let the prayer stations lead me to prayer on my many visits, but I also spent a lot of time just sort of peacefully blank.

Through 24/7, God had called me to find rest in His presence. And now, I am learning how to find it at home, too. Still, I always look forward to 24/7’s and Sacred Spaces because they are such good tools for shedding the everyday bustle and distractions that batter our souls. I’m really looking forward to this next 24/7.

24/7 - Not Just For Super-Prayers

2009-02-28T07:52:00.010-07:00

Posted by Judi
In the past whenever I heard of an all-night prayer event, I felt intimidated. My mind was filled with thoughts and questions circling around what it would be like and whether I would fit in with the "flavor" of the event. What kind of prayer thing is this? Will I have to pray out loud? What am I supposed to pray about? Will I feel comfortable? Is this just for those few that are so mature that they’ll be praying such beautiful and godly prayers that I, in my tangled up life, won’t even be able to tap in? What if I just want to pray by myself? What will it be like and what’s expected of me?

Let me assure you, the ODF 24/7 Prayer week is not an intimidating event and it’s not just for Super Pray-ers. Among the things I love about 24/7 is the freedom to be who you are and come in whatever spiritual state you’re in. There is no judgement, no right way or wrong way to "do" 24/7. No one is watching you.

Through the curtained doorways of 24/7 will come not just those who appear to have it all together in their relationship with God, not just those who are "super pray-ers", but.....

Some come needing answers. Some come needing quiet.
Some come needing to speak with Him. Some come needing to hear.
Some visit every prayer station. Some visit none.
Some take communion. Some don’t.
Some sing. Some don’t.

Some come not even sure they want to talk to the God who has disappointed them, but they're making an attempt to move toward Him despite their hurt and anger.

Some come with a specific focus, something to discuss with God, seek Him regarding, or hash out with Him.
Some come with no "plan" and instead wait and see where the prayer stations lead them.

Some come to confess.
Some come to repent.
Some come to lay down an idol.
Some come to seek guidance.
Some come to continue their journey of healing.

Some come with Bible in hand. Some don’t.
Some write in a journal. Some don’t.

Some come to worship in the center of the room with others.
Some come to find the most hidden nook in which to plant themselves.
Some come needing just to soak up the tranquility, gently knowing God is there, accepting them as they are.

Everyone is different. We all have different personalities, different needs, different ways of learning, seeing, and relating. God is working in each of us according to who and how He made us. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 59:10b which says, "My God, in His lovingkindness, will meet me." God will meet you where you are and He'll meet you how you are - because He made, knows and loves specifically who you are. He just invites you to come and meet with Him.

Knowing that God has made us all different, that He "meets" us in differing ways according to how He made us, the 24/7 designers have thoughtfully and prayerfully included a variety of prayer stations and prayer spaces for you. The goal is for you to be with God in whatever way that takes shape for you and from whatever starting point you find yourself in.

Come. Be with Him. Your God, in His lovingkindness, will meet you.

Stewart weighs in on the House of Prayer

2009-02-26T13:55:00.001-07:00

Stewart Black, whom we at Open Door lovingly and admiringly call our official Bible Answer Man, weighs in on the theme of our week of prayer, the house of prayer:

In Ephesians 2:19-22, Paul says, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit." If we, as the church of God, are "being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit," then it stands to reason that the things that characterize the place where God dwells should characterize us -- including, among other things, that we should be a house of prayer!

THOUGHTS ON THE HOUSE OF PRAYER and THE WEEK OF PRAYER

2009-02-23T19:00:00.002-07:00

This is a post on some of my own journey with the house of prayer and things the Lord has laid on my heart regarding it. I hope you will take time to read it.

The theme for this year's week of prayer is "I am . . . you are . . . we are . . . the house of prayer." The term "house of prayer" has really morphed and grown for me over the last number of years. I think, quite honestly, that at first it didn't have much meaning for me. I was hearing it everywhere, at all the prayer events, etc., and even though I am passionate about prayer, it had about as much heart connection for me as, "smile, Jesus loves you," or something along those lines. But over the space of several years, God began to draw me into the scriptural references to it, and it became more real: to take shape, to woo me to Jesus, to stir my heart for spiritual community, to make me passionate for us to know the beautiful reality of another truth that is very real and precious to me . . . that Jesus actually resides in me.

As I studied the Bible passages on the house of prayer,* I found such a sense of welcome, unity, joy, purpose. In Isaiah 56:7 God resoundingly declares the nature of His house, of where He chooses to dwell -- "My house shall be called a house of prayer." It is characterized by and identified with prayer. The very nature of it is prayer. But it goes beyond that. It talks about a welcome for and acceptance of "foreigners," which means me, and you, and everyone else, unless you are Jewish, and already part of the "in" crowd. It feels like God is saying, "I set things up a certain way, with My chosen people, to make a point. Now, I am shifting the paradigm, not because I have changed, but because it is time to reveal new things about Myself to you." This passage talks about these welcomed ones finding joy in the house of prayer, which immediately brings to mind the Lord's Presence, the source of joy (Ps. 16:11, 21:6). It also talks about this house of prayer being for ALL peoples. Again, a place of welcome and acceptance.

Let me jump ahead to the Acts and Epistles. Did you know there is no mention of the phrase "house of prayer" there? God does call us His building (I Cor. 3:9), His house (Hebrews 3:6), and in I Peter 2:4-5, which provides an interesting parallel to the Isaiah passage, He says, "you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." Anda even though it doesn't say, "house of prayer," we see the early church so explicitly and powerfully living it out together in all they are and do -- they ARE being built together as a synergistic, Holy Spirit-indwelt community of prayer, with that lifestyle of vibrant trust and interactive communion with God being their modus operandi.

In the Gospels, Jesus emphatically re-declares what God has already stated in the Old Testament, and He does it very personally -- "My Father's house shall be called a house of prayer . . ." It is interesting that He does this in the court of the Gentiles -- the place reserved for and associated, again, with "outsiders." The thing that has so deeply captured my heart in this passage is, first of all, Jesus' passion regarding the nature of the temple. It is as if He is saying, "this place is My Father's, and it has a designated purpose, which is being polluted, violated. Anything that is incongruent with that purpose must be cleansed and cast aside; THEN the true nature of what is to happen here is free to happen." And it does; read Matthew 21:12-14. This is the second thing that captures my heart: as soon as the temple's true purpose is declared and cleansed of distractions, Jesus' ministry of compassion pours forth: "And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he he healed them."

As I have prayed and pondered this passage, the Lord keeps drawing the eyes of my heart to that central point in the scene. To me it is epically pivotal. And as I "see" it, it is as if I am watching special effects in a martial arts movie! I am an onlooker, standing in the temple court. At first, I am seeing the temple being cleansed -- tables being turned, money-changers recoiling, Jesus' hair and robes swinging with the motion of His body, the birds being sold for sacrifices flying up out of broken cages, the money boxes spilling open and coins rolling every which way. All of a sudden the motion becomes that high-tech movie slow-motion freeze frame -- coins, birds, people freeze -- all except Jesus, who continues to move in real time. From the center of the scene, He turns to me and looks right into my eyes from across the courtyard: "Are you getting this?" He kindly and pointedly asks. And then, wham, the action resumes -- the blind and lame move forward and He turns from me towards them and begins to minister and heal.

If the passage in Isaiah is God's way of declaring a paradigm shift, then this passage in Matthew seems like a paradigm tsunami. Something radical is happening, all because of this Jesus, this Son of God and Son of Man; because He is at the center of it all; and pretty quickly past this scene in the Gospels, it will be revealed that He is at the core and spiritual center of those who belong to Him . . . meaning you, and me. The narrative of history rushes toward the book of Acts, towards His indwelling of us as believers and as the church, and nothing will ever be the same.

What does this all mean? What is Jesus wanting to say to me, to us? I am not sure, not totally sure I AM "getting it," at least not all of it. I know it is about Him; and about me; and about us; about His passion to see His Father's purpose and design of us, individually and corporately, be fulfilled, that we understand and live out of His indwelling, that the living, right-now ministry of Christ might flow powerfully in and through us. He is wooing and calling us to draw nearer, and to understand deep things about "His Father's house," and about prayer, and about ourselves as His dwelling place, and about Himself, Jesus, alive, passionate and compassionate, at the very center of it all.

The house of prayer is not a physical place or an initiative; it is not a movement or a catch phrase. It is a "spiritual place" of welcome and acceptance and joy and purpose and unity. It is a vibrant realm manifested by the indwelling Spririt of God as He inhabits us individually and in community; as we earnestly and authentically seek and fellowship with Him; and as we live out of the posture of heart of trusting we are who He has truly already designed and called and equipped us to be -- a house of prayer.

* Isaiah 56:6-7; Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:45-48; I Corinthians 3:9; Hebrews 3:6; 1 Peter 2:4; as well as verses about the Lord abiding and dwelling in us; and verses from Acts and the Epistles on the NT church's lifestyle of community in prayer.

24/7/2009 - THE HOUSE OF PRAYER

2009-01-31T09:11:00.004-07:00

From the flame on the altar in the temple, representing the prayers of the saints; to Joshua lingering in the Lord’s Presence in the tent of meeting; to Jesus’ 40 days of prayer and fasting in the wilderness, and His nights spent in prayer; to the 100-year prayer meeting of the Moravians in the 18th century; to the modern day 24/7 prayer movement spreading among youth across the world; and back to the book of Acts, where the early church began in a prayer meeting, God’s people have repeatedly been drawn together for extended times in His Presence, alone and with others. 24/7 prayer sets aside a day, a week, or more, during which individuals and groups commit to a time slot to come to the same, set-aside location to be with the Lord.

We are aware of our need of Him, and so we too are setting aside time to be with Him. This year's week of prayer at Open Door will be March 20th-28th, and the theme is The House of Prayer.

The Real Deal

2009-01-31T09:01:00.003-07:00

2007 was when we had our first week of non-stop prayer, although we actually started praying for and planning for it in 2006. A young man in our fellowship, Christopher Sugata, was very instrumental in bringing the passion behind it to our body. He had heard Pete Greig speak in person at a conference and also been deeply touched by his book, Red Moon Rising. Christopher said, “I have read better written books on prayer, but I’ve never read one that touched me so deeply.” We met with the elders and proposed a week of non-stop prayer, and much to our surprise they not only agreed, but suggested that while we were at it, we might as well do it right and use the sanctuary to have it in!

It was an awesome season of preparation and the week of prayer exceeded all our expectations, as God met with us so powerfully and sweetly. His Presence was so tangible, and it was as if He exposed our dryness and need of Him and opened up a spring in our midst, to minister the Living Water to us. At the end of the first week, we felt Him moving us to extend it another week, and He continued to bless and minister to us and touch our hearts. Many of us said “our lives were changed” during that time, as He revealed Himself to us in personal and intimate ways like never before.

If you go all the way back to the very first blog entries on this site, you will see they are from that time, and describe the making of many of the “prayer stations” that were created for that first year’s week(s) of prayer.

Baby Steps to Non-Stop Prayer

2009-01-31T08:58:00.000-07:00

Over the years, God had led me to incorporate a number of prayer initiatives into the life of our fellowship, for various times and various reasons. Looking back, although at the time we would have never felt ourselves ready for a week of non-stop prayer, God was actually nonetheless preparing us, little by little, baby step by baby step, for just that.

We encouraged our body to pray for our elders when they went on retreat, and one particularly critical year, I asked our body to sign up for round-the-clock prayer for that two-and-half days that the elders were together. People could pray at their own homes or wherever they were, and the time slots were only 15 minutes long. Our body responded; we prayed; and God worked!

Another time, the elders impressed the body with the need to pray for two critical issues: the purchase of a piece of property for our new church location (we were meeting in a school – and tired of it!), and the recruitment of a new “senior leader”. I asked the body to consider committing to one day of prayer and fasting regarding these issues during that time. Day after day that whole season of several months was filled with people making that commitment.

Over the years, we also had several overnight times of worship and prayer in our church sanctuary. In 2006, we stretched it out a little further, and had a three day special event over Easter weekend, starting on Good Friday with the traditional service, and then an additional service after, followed by a worship time around a bonfire out on our property. The sanctuary was open from then through Sunday am, Easter morning, and people were able to come and go during this time for prayer and meditation, as well as some additional times of worship, followed by a wonderful Easter morning service and baptisms. The theme of the weekend was, “To Be With Him,” and even that name was designed to encourage our body to begin to see prayer as more than just the “saying of prayers” but as being with Jesus.

There were a number of times when I asked God about us doing a longer, even week-long, round-the-clock prayer event; I remember in particular several conversations Ryan Thurman and I had about it; but it never seemed like the right time . . . yet.

Everything you wanted to know about 24/7 prayer at Open Door, but were afraid to . . . oh, you get the idea!

2009-01-28T13:36:00.007-07:00

Pictured above - Count Zinzendorf

Our week of non-stop prayer for 2009, or “24/7” as we call it, is coming up soon! It has been such an amazing and beautiful time for our body the last two years, and yet there are many at Open Door who have never been, and probably are not really sure what it even is or entails. And, there are probably others of us, who although we have participated, still have some questions. The next few posts will give some background as we move forward towards this years’ week of prayer.

The idea of God’s people praying together, one after another, hour by hour, is nothing new. Here is a link to a brief historical overview – it’s worth taking a quick look at, especially the info on Count Zinzendorf and the Moravians: http://www.ihop.org/Publisher/Article.aspx?ID=1000013642 This link is from the website of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, MO, where there has been non-stop worship and prayer, yes, NON-STOP, 24/7/365, ever since September 19th, 1999.

Ironically, during the same month that year, God was doing something very similar and yet unique in England, where, as the http://www.24-7prayer.com/ website tells it, for them, “24-7 prayer started by accident in September 1999, with a bunch of young people in England who got the crazy idea of trying to pray non-stop for a month. God turned up and they couldn't stop til Christmas!” It goes on to say: “From there the prayer meeting has spread into many nations, denominations and age-groups. Hundreds of non-stop prayer meetings now link up here on the web to form a unique chain of prayer. “ The story of this modern day movements’ origins is told in founder Pete Greig’s compelling book, Red Moon Rising. It is well worth reading; also check out the 24-7prayer.com website for a broader view of the global 24/7 movement among youth around the world in our day.

So how did it get to Open Door? Read the next post above . . .

Thank you Lord for meeting with us!

2009-01-27T20:34:00.007-07:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in our day of prayer, and Sacred Space for January. It was a neat time to be with the Lord in the peace of the sanctuary. I loved the quiet, holy, familiar feeling during the late night hours, the stillness and the Presence of the Lord. We also had a wonderful time of live worship Friday night. Thanks to Betty and Lori, both from other valley churches, who signed up for an hour during our day/night of prayer. It was also a sweet time of preparation for our team as we look ahead to our WEEK of 24/7 prayer in March! More info on that coming . . .

CONVERSATIONS IN PRAYER

2009-01-04T09:45:00.001-07:00

Join us for our new Sunday morning "non-class," 9:45 during second hour in F1.
Each month we will open up a new exchange of ideas, questions, hopes and truths regarding our own journeys of seeking to know God through prayer.

january -- honesty
february -- relationship
march -- community

It's the prayer class for those of us who don't like classes . . . and aren't too sure about prayer either.

24-hour Prayer this week at Open Door

2009-01-03T23:45:00.002-07:00

24 hours of non-stop prayer at the start of the new year – at Open Door Fellowship -- Thursday, Jan. 8th, 7 pm, through Friday, Jan. 9th at 7pm.

Please join us as we begin the year by coming to the Lord on behalf of our own lives and loved ones, our churches, cities, state, nation and world. By His grace, He is revealing our need of Him, and the only response is to come into His Presence, call on Him and rest in His love and power.

This is also part of AZPray’s http://www.litethefire.org/Welcome 24/7 prayer initiative again this year throughout the state of Arizona. They are desiring to start 2009's year of prayer by having a different church from a different area in AZ take one day each of the first full week of the year, January 2nd through January 9th. Open Door has been asked to take one of the 24-hour slots, representing Phoenix.

We will be hosting non-stop prayer for 24 hours, from Thursday night, Jan. 8th at 7pm, until the next night, Friday, Jan. 9th at 7pm, at Open Door Fellowship.

Please sign up for an hour time slot to come to ODF and pray by commenting below. This is such a wonderful opportunity for our own fellowship to be in prayer, and also to welcome and partner with others from around our city as well by opening our doors to this 24-hours of prayer.

ALSO: Overlapping the end of our 24 hours of prayer will be the start of our January Sacred Space, which will be Friday the 9th from 6pm to 10pm. Our theme will be JESUS - THE SAME, yesterday, today and forever! Join us for a contemplative atmosphere of soft lighting, simple prayer stations, and live worship, where you can come and go as you please for a time of personal worship, prayer and interaction with the Lord.

PRAYER FIRST

2008-11-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

Prayer First, our Sunday morning prayer group/meeting, has been birthed out of a desire to have a weekly opportunity to pray together for our fellowship -- our vision, leaders, ministries, services and events.
The name, Prayer First, speaks to:

the priority of prayer - as foundational to all we are and do
the first day of the week - we meet on Sunday
the time of day - we meet fairly early in the morning! - 8am
and the service during which we meet - 1st service

Join us each Sunday at 8am in B1 to cover our fellowship in prayer. We will also have times when we may prayer-walk the property, the neighborhood or elsewhere, or pray for current topics in addition to our fellowship. Everyone is welcome -- just show up to join your hearts and prayers with others who love our Open Door family and want to see God's will done in and through us.

THAT'S IRONIC

2008-05-04T23:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, here’s the irony: the name of this blog is Unceasing. And we haven’t ceased to pray, but, well, you guessed it, we have had a bit of cessation from blogging! I want to remedy that, even though it is a bit intimidating, since so much time has gone by, and so much has happened!

We want to continue to use this blog as a place to share:
stories of how God is working in us
our passion for Christ, and our love of being with Him
the ways He is maturing us in relationship and partnership with Him through prayer
our belief (and experiences) that the creative arts can be a form of prayer
thoughts, quotes and resources that have encouraged us, that may bless and encourage you as well

But first, we need to catch up . . .

Last year, after our one week of 24/7 prayer, which extended into two weeks, we were stunned, overwhelmed, and grateful at what God had done. But we were also somewhat stumped as to . . . what next? Except of course, for the need for more prayer . . .

Lite the Fire

2008-05-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

In 2008 we were part of an initiative to encourage 24/7 prayer throughout the state of Arizona. Check out our week on the Lite the Fire website.

COMMUNITY IN THE HOUSE OF PRAYER

2007-06-26T23:36:00.000-07:00

During our time of 24/14, it was amazing, the community that was created in a room of people who, although not necessarily interacting with one another, were able to feel and experience connection with one another as we individually fellowshiped with the Lord. Becky wrote me an e-mail during those weeks, and beautifully put her impressions of this sense of community into words:

"Tonight as I was sitting in the center area of the sanctuary journaling a prayer to God (in the form of a story--very fun) I found myself comforted by the presence of ODF "family" members moving quietly around me. You, and others at ODF, have probably noticed this connection quietly being formed at ODF in the last week. I feel as though I am sitting in a giant house with a vast support system of extended family when I am at church. There is a kitchen where we can go to eat, places to lay down and rest and a wonderful "living/diningroom" where we are living out life in the form of converations and communion with our closest family member in the room---our Father. It is a beautiful thing to watch. I feel a strong sense of safety and belonging there.

It makes profound sense to me why this is called the House of the Lord. I am praying about how this experience will change the way I relate to my brothers and sisters at ODF, particularly after experiencing so much loss in my family this year. I don't think I have realized what I have in my ODF family and how it is significant that I learn to give of myself to them and love them, believing that they really are a family to me instead of focusing so heavily on what I do not have. "-- Becky

(The photo at the top of this post is of some of our youth worshipping together one evening. When it was time for them to leave and continue their youth group activity, many of them were reluctant to go. As one of them, Josiah, said later, "I thought that the experience was so spectacular. I felt like we finally had God on our minds at all times.")

SEEKING THE GLORY OF GOD TO SHINE FORTH

2007-06-25T23:22:00.000-07:00

Robin wraps up her stories on the stations she was involved with with these thoughts:

It is indescribable being able to be used of God to accomplish His will. This time of prayer dedicated to seeking the heart of God has fulfilled in me ideas that God has placed in my heart for many years, but it wasn’t until now that I was commissioned by God to bring those ideas to fruition in this season. The main idea is doing creative things solely for the purpose of drawing others to the love of God. I feel like I can die now that I have done something my spirit has yearned to do for so long.

Along the path I learned many things personally about listening, about seeking, about asking, about humility, about obedience, about networking, about discipline, about purity of heart, about God, about waiting on Him, about spiritual warfare. One of the main lessons I have learned is that it is all about God and His glory. When I focus on Him, He takes care of all that He desires. When I focus on Him being the highest power in the universe, He wins the battles, He removes obstacles, He changes hearts, He will do what brings glory to His Holy name. I just need to join in with His Holy agenda. I just need to step into His glorious plan. He will do it. He is so good to use us in the process.

On a purely practical note, it is obvious the sheer amount of hours that went into all the stations and the hours that went into maintaining the stations. The few stations I worked with took hours to maintain in making copies, folding, stapling, keeping water in the fountain daily, water and bread in the “God cube” for partaking of, fabric for weavings, papers refilled, making more prayer soldiers, figuring out lighting and such. It was a real delight to be a doorkeeper at the house of our God. The prayer focus basically took over my life for two straight months. I was living, breathing, completely focused on the prayer stations. It was a joy for my children as well. As a home school mom, I made a choice to let some school go as we relished this season of prayer.

Each station truly had a sense of the divine hand of God upon it. Each station has a story to tell and people to glow in the sharing of God putting it together. Each station was a work of God through simple servants just seeking the glory of God to shine forth.

A TREE OF LIFE FOR OUR YOUTH

2007-06-25T23:13:00.000-07:00

Robin tells the story of the youth station, which consisted of a board covered with dozens of black and white snapshots of our youth group, and then the tree which had many though-provoking and in some cases very touching prayer requests:

My daughter Mia was involved with the youth station. Nicole Hunter and Mia gathered and printed out pictures and prayer requests from the youth group. Mia and Nicole cut and glued the collage together. They had in mind a tree theme. The afternoon of set-up they were seeking God for a tree. As they were driving about, they came across a family who was trimming their front yard. Nicole asked if they could have a tree (that was dead). They said it was fine. Praise God, He provided this really wonderfully shaped tree. They cut the prayer requests into leaf shapes and strung them up on the tree for people to take. An extra table and chair set got placed with the tree and collage making for a really wonderful place to linger and interceed for the young people. It was amazing to see God orchestrate the little details of this seemingly last minute thrown together station.

God works with weeks and months of planning and preparing and even in the last hours of the set-up afternoon to provide a perfect tree. He is the One to do it all for His glory and to shower us with His love.

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

2007-06-25T22:56:00.000-07:00

Robin tells us of the last station she helped create:

The final station I was involved with was the military station. Jan Potter is really the point person in our Pray for our Troops military ministry, but her father passed away in January and then her stepmother passed away on the weekend of setup. I know what it is like to lose a parent, so I jumped in to help make Jan’s ideas come to reality. We brought in a tree using yellow ribbons to tie on paper ornaments that had the names of soldiers on them. Jan made a wonderful picture collage. Natalie Clark and I made name tags with the soldiers’ names and tied the names to plastic toy soldiers. Those toy soldiers were flying off the table. Praise God! In total, the toy soldiers and ornaments that are in people’s homes being prayed for are in the 400-500 range. Donna Caudle and others really made the table come together with all the little details being displayed so nicely. -- Robin

We heard a number of stories of people who were very touched by this station. One was a husband and wife who visited the prayer room at different times. They each came home with a soldier, and when they compared them, they realized that they had ended up with a husband and wife who were both in the military -- she got the wife, and he got the husband.

Dona, mentioned above, was so blessed to recognize on the tree the name of a young soldier who was the son of someone who had blessed her greatly years ago when she was a young believer.

This station was, as one can imagine, a great and meaningful favorite with the kids. Many members of our military have been showered in prayer as a result of it.

GOD'S REDEMPTIVE LOVE IN OUR SUFFERING

2007-06-17T21:55:00.000-07:00

Robin continues (see June 15th post) to tell us about the prayer stations she created for our weeks of prayer. She says:

Another station the Lord laid on my heart was a suffering station. I did not have any particular ideas in mind, but I knew the Lord had commissioned me to do this. So I set about to talk with people about it. One of the first people I talked with was Trish Wiesling. In our conversation she mentioned something about a weaving; immediately that reminded me of a weaving idea I had seen at a children’s historical museum. Next I talked with several people who had been through some very poignant suffering and took notes about their experience. It seemed fitting to use "speak bubbles" (like in cartoons) to communicate about the feelings and process of dealing with suffering. Angie Warren offered the book “Streams in the Desert” to be used at the station. Frederick Moor built the wooden frame for the station. Several people offered fabric scraps. Judi Clark helped me wire and bead the speak bubbles to the frame. Angie Platten offered a frame and paint. Bit by bit it came together. Collectively three beautiful weavings were completed over the two weeks. It is a testimony of God’s love and redemption to use this station for His glory in our lives. -- Robin

I thought it would be helpful to explain how the station "worked," in terms of the weavings. Below the frames, or looms, there were baskets of strips of cloth. Each basket had strips of the same color, and each basket was labeled with a different type of suffering, for instance, "abuse," "death," or "persecution." The idea was to come before the Lord and allow Him to speak to and reveal to and minister to you, and then weave a strip or strips into the corporate weavings that represented your own suffering experiences. Another one of my deeply moving "snapshot" moments was seeing a young person who had recently gone through incredible loss come in and spend time in front of the suffering station. I know this was just one of many who came through the doors and were ministered to by the profound "meeting-place" this station created between ourselves, our pain and loss, and our Comforter. -- Paula

(The photos above show the sign on the station, the empty looms and station on the first day, the baskets of cloth stips, and the full and finished corporate weavings as they currently hang in our sanctuary foyer)

THE GOD STATION

2007-06-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

One of the artists who became deeply involved in the preparations for our week(s) of 24/7 prayer was Robin. She was also a member of our Thursday night prayer group "family", where much of the dreaming, brainstorming, planning and interceding took place during the 9 months leading up to our house of prayer. Robin was involved in several of our stations and I've asked her to share her story and how these stations came about:

Robin says, "What a joy it has been to serve the Lord through the 24/7 prayer focus!

When the prayer focus began in the summer of 2006, I knew that it was the one thing I could commit to at Open Door Fellowship because it was simply focused on seeking the Lord. This rag tag group met together with the pure hearted agenda of seeking God as to what we could do to make a place for prayer, a place for people to draw near to the heart of God.

Step by step, the Lord worked and moved providing the whole auditorium at just the right time of the year and for 6 weeks of messages focused on prayer during our Sunday morning worship services.

Each week at our Thursday night prayer time, we simply worshiped the Lord and asked Him for what He wanted. Each week the Lord would answer with guidance and direction for the next step.

For me personally, early on the Lord gave me an idea to do canvas panels that would be interactive about who God is. As I talked with people about it, people gave input. Susie Folz offered to involve the Fifth grade Sunday School class in sharing the names of God. Frederick Moor suggested I use PVC tubing and to wrap the canvas around the tubing, as the tubing would be somewhat unsightly. At first it was just three panels, then the Lord showed me a cube with each wall being 7’x7’. A prayer partner suggested I use the “I am’s” in John to express the panel about Jesus. An email that I received had a scripture on the Spirit (Isaiah 11:3). From December on I had tasks to do each week whether it was to buy fabric with a 50% off coupon or if it was painting on the primer. The Lord also brought together several bistro tables, a fountain, lighting, an interactive art piece by Angie Platten and several paper handouts with scripture.

People called this “the tent” or “the cube.” I called it “the God station” or “the Abide station.” This place that was created was an expression about God, for His glory, done in response to His instruction and guidance. The night before I did the final painting, the Lord led me to simply minister to Him in prayer for quite some time in the middle of the night. When I woke up to paint in the morning it was as if the Lord was full in me and I was simply doing what He wanted. For me this is the fullest and best expression of art and creativity, me just doing what He wants to be done to draw others into a fuller revelation of who He is." - Robin

One of the beautiful "snapshots" in my memory from those weeks was seeing a group of young adults, friends, sitting in a circle on the floor of the God station together, arms draped around each other, no one speaking, but you could just see them soaking together in the Lord's Presence, sharing that special time with each other. It was beautiful.

In the next post (above), Robin will share about one of the other stations she created.

(In the photos above, the young woman is writing her prayer or praise on the outside, and in the second photo, the man is sitting inside the cube. See the post from March 3rd for a poem written by a dear brother at our church, inspired by the God station)

DISPOSABLE ART FOR NON-DISPOSABLE PEOPLE

2007-05-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in that last post about Steve's website, www.outcastpress.org. Steve has had a ministry for many years to thousands of those who "dwell in the shadows" -- especially youth: the street punks, the cutters, the goths, the addicts. This website is just one expression of that ministry. It is not created for "church folk;" it is created for the very ones Jesus would have walked the highways and byways and back streets to find.

Steve is always looking for ways to reach out, minister, create an opportunity or a connection. He's been a great catalyst in our group in this way. One of the latest vehicles he is using to do this is through what he calls "disposable art." He is inviting/challenging our group to do what he has done -- take simple rectangles of cardboard, maybe 6 x 10 inches or so, and paint them with . . . well, with whatever the Lord gives you. Maybe something uplifting like rainbows or butterflies is your style. Maybe you would feel led to create something more somber that might reflect the pain of the hurting person who may find this. Artistic talent is NOT a requirement; but what is helpful is tuning in to the Lord, and asking for His guidance and compassion as you work.

On the other side of the cardboard, Steve encouraged us to put a verse or some words of encouragement or comfort. These will be taken to downtown spots where the homeless and hurting are known to frequent, and either handed out or left, in the hopes that the Lord by His Spirit will speak through them, and that the prayers that have been prayed as we create them will be answered. A finishing touch is a piece of wire attached to the top so the "art" can be hung somewhere.

Steve and Amber and Rusi and Ali have already handed some out. The photos above are of the front and back of one of Amber's. Making these and handing them out -- it's a simple thing. But it's something. The Lord encouraged us in scripture with a simple thing -- a cup of cool water. These pieces of disposable art in their own way may be just the refreshment and hope that a thirsty, hurting soul might need.

Steve is also a writer. Here's what he had to say about today, The Global Day of Prayer:
"I think it's cool that as the American church has lost it's focus on the real issues (prayer, outreach, seeking Christ with passion) that there is a remnant, a vibrant strand across the country and globally that is not contained by church walls. The prayer movement has many diverse expressions. It bridges the body, seems to be rising up from ground level, not top/down. Prayer is much deeper than postmodern, emerging church, seeker sensitive techiques designed to 'grow'churches. I love the fact that people are seeking the most fundamental element of the faith...to pray, to sit in God's presence."

I guess the best line to sum up this post, and maybe Steve himself, is the old bumper sticker:

Think globally; act locally.

A HEART FOR THE CITY

2007-05-25T22:54:00.000-07:00

Over a year before our weeks of non-stop prayer, I visited the prayer room at Pure Heart several times during their week of 24/7. The Lord met me each time. One of the days I was in there alone, just worshipping, listening, allowing God to speak to me through the things they had around the room, as well as the prayers, words, and pictures others had brought during the week.

They had a large cross set up, and at one point I was just kneeling in front of it, thinking of the Lord. In that moment, He gave me something I hadn't expected: a heart for the city.

I have had a heart for those who don't know Him; for the hurting; for the least and the lowest, but I can't honestly say that I had ever before had "a heart for the city" - for this city, for Phoenix, where I was born, and where my church is located.

I can't really describe what He gave me or how He gave it, it just felt like all of a sudden something became much more tangible and clearer and specific.

You never know HOW God will touch you when you come into His Presence and consciously allow Him to speak to you and minister to you. The prayer room at Pure Heart didn't have a "city station," and yet that is what God most impacted me with, His heart for this city. He used the space they had set apart, and the things they had added, to draw my heart to Him, and then spoke to me beyond what was even in front of me.

He's good like that.

Fast forward to our preparations for the week of prayer at our church. I knew all along we "had" to have a station on God's heart for the city. I had several ideas, and as time got closer I kept expecting someone, or maybe several "someones'' to come alongside me and make this station happen, as I didn't feel I would have time to on my own. So many of the other pieces I had hoped and prayed to see as part of the prayer room were coming along; but time continued to go by and this one just wasn't coming together, no matter how much I felt that it was "supposed" to or prayed that it would. I think part of me, finally, that last week of preparation, began to resign myself to the fact that it just perhaps was not going to happen.

BUT . . . at the last minute, almost literally, it came together. I had asked KT, a young woman from our church, to take some photographs for this station, months ago. And she had. I still needed some type of a structure to put them on, and a unifying theme. The structure came together in my minds eye and my husband and 16 year old son constructed it the day before the week of prayer began. It was a tall, black, two-sided free-standing board that I had them paint with black magnetic paint, which could also be written on like a chalk board.

I realized the theme had been there inside me all along -- God's heart for the lost, the hurting, the marginalized, God's love and light reaching to dark places where it was needed most. I printed off verses, as well as poems and quotes from my friend Steve's website (www.outcastpress.org - more on this later). Nathaniel, my son who helped construct the station, felt that the words, "The city is sleeping - awaken it with prayer" should be on the board. I gathered all the papers and magnets to go on it, and arranged for KT to meet me the next day with her photos, and I would arrange them and assemble the station.

It turned out that I was busy overseeing and helping the other artists and contributors as they set up their stations in the sanctuary after Sunday service, so KT pitched right in, along with my niece and some others, and after hearing my vision, totally put it all together. KT's photos were amazing, and she added other touches, like hand-lettering the saying about the city in chalk, as well as the Phoenix skyline. We also had more chalk available, as well as slips of paper and magnets, so people could add their own thoughts and prayers alongside the verses, poems, and photos.

I loved how the Lord brought it all together at the last minute, and it ended up being, as all the stations were, something that deeply impacted people, and drew their hearts to pray for others.

By the end of the two weeks the station was covered in chalk writing, and other prayers and heart-cries written on slips of paper and stuck on with magnets. One man shared how touched he was to see the words of compassion that his own young son had written in chalk on the city scape. Another young girl added her own chalk drawings of Jesus in the midst of the poems and photos reflecting pain and isolation. A woman shared the story in Sunday service of how she had spent time in the prayer room, praying for our city in front of that station. Later, as she was driving, she saw the very part of our skyline that KT had depicted in chalk on the board. The woman was so moved, she turned her car around and drove back to the church sanctuary to pray some more.

The addicted. The abused. The abusers. The lonely. The children. The elderly. The mentally ill. The bitter. The poor. The isolated. The frantic. The hopeless. The lost.

The city is sleeping. Awaken it with prayer.

Wrapped in Prayer

2007-05-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

Angie (see previous posts) writes about a unique way we prayed for someone dear to her at a recent prayer night:

"I recently read a book entitled FABRIC OF FAITH about a prayer ministry of quilting. The concept is fascinating to me. I love the idea of someone hurting receiving a special lap quilt made just for them that was made with prayers “stitched” in as well as prayers “tied” in with the ties of the quilt. I decided to take this concept and make a small quilt for my 6 year old cousin, Kayla, who has a rare form of brain cancer and does not have a good prognosis. She just went through her first week of radiation, which is a total experiment since the doctors have little faith it will do anything but it’s ‘something’ to try. So, I made this quilt and prayed for Kayla and her family as I sewed it together. I then took it to our Thursday night prayer meeting and had everyone ‘tie’ their own prayers in as they helped tie the quilt with me. I will send it to this coming week so she will know that she is literally being covered in prayer just as the quilt will cover her tiny, sick body while she goes through cancer treatment. It is something tangible that she can keep with her. I pray it brings her incredible comfort and peace as well as encouragement. My greatest prayer is that she and her family feel God’s love and presence wrapped around them every minute of every day as they walk a journey of suffering they never would have chosen. May they know that God’s peace and strength in their weakness.
Angie"

The photos above show the quilt, and then a close-up of one of the ties which was tied on with prayer by one of the members in our group. It was a special experience to touch this fabric work of art that Angie had lovingly pieced, as we prayed aloud and each tied several ties, knowing it was going to dear little Kayla. What a sweet hands-on expression of the compassionate heart of Jesus. May she feel wrapped in His love.

Highest Adoration

2007-05-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

Years ago, Kit Danley spoke at a women's retreat and highly recommended "Disciplines for the Inner Life" by Bob Benson Sr. and Michael Benson. I searched high and low (the edition I have is out of print), and finally found a copy of it, but it was years until I really began to use and enjoy it. It is both a daily, as well as topical devotional, full of many wonderful and thought-provoking quotes and passages from a wealth of Christian writers and thinkers; it is also, in another sense, a prayer book.

As I mentioned earlier, I shared with our Thursday night group not long ago some thoughts on worship, and here is the quote from page 81 that I shared with them:

". . . the highest adoration is not occupied with the recollection of favors received and mercies extended, though they do help one be aware of the true nature of God. There is still, in all such recollection, a remnant of that self-centeredness which it should be the purpose of prayer to escape. In it, we are still thinking of God in terms of something done to "me" and for "me." We never really adore Him, until we arrive at the moment when we worship Him for what He is in Himself, apart from any consideration of the impact of His Divine Selfhood upon our desires and our welfare. Then we love Him for Himself alone." -- From An Autobiography of Prayer by Albert E. Day, quoted in Disciplines for the Inner Life

How do we ever arrive at such pure adoration? I notice so often in our prayer meetings, our times set aside for worship turn quickly into thanksgiving for blessings, or even supplication or petition or intercession. Our private prayer times are not immune from this either. It is easy to say what we want, or even to thank for what we have received; why is it sometimes hard to just focus, and worship HIM, apart from my interests?

On our own, we can't even muster the faith or sight to truly engage in worship this pure. It takes His grace, a vision of the One we love, and the cultivation of a heart that leans towards and longs for Him.

Lord, give us eyes to see YOU - Your beauty, Your power, Your glory, apart from the me-centered context we so often put You in, and therefore see You in. Help me see You for Who You are -- and not just for what You do, or for what You have done, for me.

Day's quote goes on: ". . . it is not what He has done for us or what we expect Him to do for us, but what He has been from eternity before we existed, and what He will be forever whether that "forever" includes us or not -- it is that which captivates us and evokes from us the selfless offering of self in worship. That is pure adoration."

A Prayer Quilt for our Nation

2007-05-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

We had a great National Day of Prayer service. One of the ways we "prayed" together was to write our prayers for our nation on pieces of patriotic colored and themed scrapbook paper, which were then assembled into a prayer "quilt" and hung on the wall. Thanks, Robin, for the creative idea, and all the work cutting and assembling. Dona, who helped put our evening together, said it was so wonderful watching people, including children, come and write such heartfelt expressions for this creative corporate prayer.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

2007-04-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, May 3rd is the National Day of Prayer. Join us in the Open Door Sanctuary for an evening prayer service. The sanctuary will open at 6 pm for personal prayer and reflection, and the service will begin at 7 pm. Come join us as we worship, and pray for America's government, families, education system, media, the church in America, and our military.

The photos above are from our weeks of prayer. We asked Cheryl to put together a prayer station focusing on praying for our nation. She came up with the unique approach of using the prayers of our Presidents as the focal point and encouragement for our prayers. Some of these prayers were printed up and posted on the board for all to read; shorter excerpts from the prayers of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and others, were printed on small slips of paper and put in a bowl for us to draw from and take. During the weeks of prayer, the bowl had to be refilled several times. It was powerful not only to read, but also to pray along with, these leaders of our nation. Click here to read some other prayers of our nation's Presidents.

The Written Expression of Prayer

2007-04-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

Sheri shares how her personal experience was the catalyst for one of the prayer stations (one photo shows the station itself, and the other shows a woman sitting right next to it, journaling). Sheri says:

"Many have asked about the origin of the stations.....I wanted to share the background for the station, "The Written Expression of Prayer".

I went through a long dark time when my life was pain, exhaustion, disappointment, bills to pay, health problems, and inadequacy for the needs of 2 high capacity kids. I don't remember when, but I discovered journaling. I found verses in Philipians 4 that talked about "in everything", "anxious thoughts", "petitions", "thanksgiving", "requests"....along with the promise..... "and the peace of God which passes all understanding, shall guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus".

I began pouring those things into my journal. It was a physical release for emotions, petitions and praises. And...it never failed that after I was poured out, the next sentence was something of the Lord that I could never have imagined for myself. It became my tool for clearing distraction, pouring out my heart, and becoming available to hear God's voice.

I prayed that just one person would discover that "release and revelation" through the journaling station the Lord encouraged me to create. I have been soooo blessed to hear of many more than one.....children, teenagers, men, and women. Sharing it has made me realize what a deep blessing it has been in my life.

And now, I can one day leave those 2 kids of mine a mountain of written prayers... and of God's faithful answers."

"THE OFFERING"

2007-04-14T14:46:00.000-07:00

Here's Angie's story on how one of the prayer stations, "The Offering," was created. To learn a little bit more about Angie's creative process and prayer journey, see the previous post.

A few weeks before our 24/7 week of prayer, I had the privilege to be invited out to my friend Michelle’s house. She is a gourd artist and I’ve wanted to learn some basic skills for carving and how to use the various tools so she volunteered to teach me and let me play! The day before, however, I had no clue what I was going to make. As often happens to me when God wants to talk to me about art, He woke me in the middle of the night. I told him of my excitement but that I had no idea what I was going to make and asked Him what He would have me do. God gave me an immediate clear picture of a carved gourd with reaching hands. The inside was to be collaged with various reds and golds representing fire. God instructed me to have His names written on the side in Hebrew, and to title the piece “The Offering”.

I went to Michelle’s the following morning and was able to get the entire gourd carved but brought it home to finish cleaning it out and creating the remaining artwork on it. When it got to the Hebrew writing, I began getting very nervous since I’ve never even tried to write Hebrew! I began a mild argument with God trying to persuade him to let me do something different on the gourd but He does not change his mind. And He always provides help! My best friend Fran, is Jewish and her mother-in-law is a Hebrew teacher so I was pointed to some internet links for Hebrew names of God and Fran gave me a few pointers in the writing.

By the time the piece was finished, it was clear that it should be part of the 24/7 week of prayer. It gave the body an opportunity to give their own “offerings” to God by writing them on strips of red paper and putting them in the center of the gourd. This represented the fire for burnt offerings as they were offered to God.

Blessed be the name of the Lord, the One True God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Angie

It was awesome to see, day by day, the gourd fill to overflowing with people's "offerings," the red slips of paper. The creative process, the result, and what it inspired in others, truly were all offerings to the Lord.

Could this be prayer?

2007-04-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

One of the things we want to do on this blog is share some of our stories of how God sometimes invites us to hear His heart in a way that we may not identify as prayer, but is prayer, just the same. Angie is one of the artists who is part of our Thursday night group, and our 24/7 team. A few years ago, she lived on my street, and we would have conversations about prayer and our relationships with God. "I don't have much of a prayer life," she would tell me. Ten minutes later she would be sharing a story about God waking her up in the middle of the night to give her ideas for her next piece of artwork, down to the details of color, and subject matter, and who she was to present it to when she was done. It was a dialogue that would take place over time, sometimes weeks or even months, as she would inquire of Him and He would continue to speak to her heart about what she was creating. It took her a while to realize . . . hey, maybe, just maybe, THIS is prayer. Since then she has grown to purposefully seek God and to partner with Him in many more creative endeavors.
In the next post she will share how God led her to create one of the art pieces that was used as one of the prayer stations during our weeks of prayer.

Center on Christ / Love One Another / Pray Big Prayers

2007-04-07T23:44:00.000-07:00

Center on Christ

Love One Another

Pray Big Prayers

I am thinking that these three statements could make a wonderful mission statement/outline/progression/philosophy/modus operandi for our Thursday night prayer group. We are a group of ragamuffins (ala Brennan Manning's RAGAMUFFIN GOSPEL) who have met together weekly since last June, praying, dreaming, planning and creating for the weeks of prayer in February and March. We have grown from mutually interested attendees to a community of heart-connected friends with shared hopes and dreams.
I'm not trying to come up with a vision of purpose statement, or define us, but I thought of those three statements (above) as I sat here at the computer and reflected on our meeting this past week, and I think that pretty much says it all, and is the essence of our most precious and powerful times together.
Like Thursday night. We focused on scripture about Christ, and then responded to what we read through worship prayers. Then we shifted gears into petition/intercession, asking God to make Jesus, and prayer -- our vehicle of connection with Him -- more truly central in our lives and in our church. I talked about corporate prayer being more effective when we all are attentive to the conductor (Holy Spirit); are sensitive to the unique contribution each of us "orchestra members" had to make; and following the same "melody," played in harmony with one another, rather than simply playing - praying - a series of solos.
We also welcomed a friend of Jan's, Juanita, who was there for the first time, affirmed and prayed for Lyle and Margee, who are leaving next week and will be gone until December, and then sang "Happy Birthday" to dear Deb.

It was a simple time but rich and sweet.

Center on Christ.
Love One Another.
Pray Big Prayers.

I like that.

Sanctuary open on Good Friday

2007-03-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

GOOD FRIDAY, April 6th, 2007

Our Open Door Sanctuary will be open from 10 am to 7 pm for prayer and reflection

Followed by the Good Friday service at 7 pm

Come reflect on the gift of the Father

and the sacrifice of the Son

STEP INTO THE NAME OF GOD

2007-03-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

A dear brother in our fellowship wrote this after spending time in the "Abide" prayer station
(see photo to the right - click to enlarge):

STEP INTO THE NAME OF GOD

Take a step into the Name of God,
Into His power and into His beauty,
Witness the passion of His kindness and majesty
As you step into the Names of God!

The presence of the Lord is all about His own
Whether seen or unseen, known or unknown.
His Name is shrouded in Awe and in Mystery,
He has placed upon us His Name and His Glory!
The covenant of the Lord is an Everlasting one,
Sealed forever by the Blood of the Risen Son!
All who belong to Him are never alone or cutoff,
He stands guard continuously, always near, never aloft.
REJOICE for your names are written in Heaven above!
BE GLAD for the Lord unto you has declared His undying love!
His unmerited favor is always always always with you!
HE CANNOT FAIL, He can only be Faithful and True!
We are so blessed oh sons and daughters of the King,
Now enter into His courts and let our hearts sing –

As we step into the Names of God,
Into His power and into His beauty,
Witness the passion of His kindness and majesty,
Step now into the Name of God!
Amazing is the Lord!!!

2/27/07 Bill Folz Jr.

Our prayer as we began . . .

2007-02-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

In January, we began a teaching series on prayer, knowing that it would lead into this time of 24/7. This season has been preceded by months of planning and praying for the teaching series and week(s) of prayer, and many more years of prayer that God would touch our hearts with His and draw us to Himself through prayer.

At the beginning of our teaching series, this was our desire:

Lord,
break us out of the box we have put prayer in.
Break us out of the box we have put YOU in.
Replace our faulty theology, bad past experiences, disinterested complacency, insecurities and inhibiting misbeliefs with Your freeing truth, so we may not only understand and experience prayer anew, but may understand and experience YOU in new and deeper ways as well.

We want to know You.
Lord, teach us to pray.

He has been answering our prayer . . .

interacting...

2007-02-27T06:32:00.001-07:00

Below are some photos of people engaged in the prayer stations last week. It's an amazing thing to feel the love of God and the love of those who invested their time, gifts, talents, heart and soul into preparation of the various stations for this week. It's immediately evident the minute you walk through the door. Click on the photo to see greater detail, and feel free to leave a comment. (Thanks Nancy for the photos)

prayer stations

2007-02-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of the prayer stations that were set up for our 24/7. There are some really awesome projects where people from our church invested a great amount of time, energy and love, like the tree below that has dozens of leaves with items to pray about for our teenagers. Click on the image to see an enlarged version and feel free to leave a comment about the prayer stations or your experiences there. (Thank you Nancy for the photos).

Life Stories: Feeling God's Presence

2007-02-26T05:18:00.000-07:00

I came into the building today hurried and distracted, but when I entered the room something was different. The presence of God was so thick and so real--I felt completely enveloped in peace. As I sat there, still.... just absorbing Him, listening to Him, He moved in a beautifully intimate way, and answered one of my deepest heart-cries.

Thank you for being a community of people who is so hungry for the presence of God.

24-hour prayer continues....

2007-02-26T05:14:00.000-07:00

Open Door Fellowship is continuing another week of 24-hour prayer (Feb 26-Mar 3). We will remain open 24 hours a day to anyone who would like to come and pray. There are 'Prayer Stations' inside the auditorium which are designed to enlighten, challenge, and draw us to prayer and a deeper understanding of the power and privilege of prayer. There will be worship each night led by artists and worship leaders from throughout the Valley. Come and join us to pray and worship. Stay for an hour, a day or the whole week. It is our hope that in making the sacrifice of prayer we will be drawn to a deeper intimacy with God and experience His power and heart of love for the people of this city, the nation and the world.