While in Australia my team was learning a powerful lesson about prayer. We started our month going out for prayer walks. Then I got bit by a dog; that stopped our walks. We prayed individually or sometimes as a team. God was calling us to do more. While sitting at the table 24 hour prayer came up.
That night we began our journey learning that when we pray Heaven comes to Earth. It didn’t surprise me that after arriving in the Philippines Jeff, the owner of Kids International Ministries, requested 24/7 prayer. Something resonated within the souls of Arete saying “This is something we have to not only be involved with but in charge of.”
The prayer shack is a place to quiet your mind and meet with God. With all the chaos surrounding this ministry, it is important to make time for God. God doesn’t reside in a building but within us.
When I go there my prayers change. They are no longer about me. My prayers have expanded into “Father I know you can heal. I trust that you are the one who can break bondages and set people free.” My prayers reach outside of myself and into the heart of this community. I’m now praying for this nation. I’m praying for nations. And I’m encouraged when I see other people going there and doing the same thing.
Prayer doesn’t always look like kneeling and bowing your head. The prayer shack is a place where people can dance with God, paint, write love letters to the Lord, write prayers and songs and meditations of the heart. There is freedom to cry out, to sing, to color. There is even a visible map where people can lay their hands on the country and pray.
Some people may think 24/7 prayer is crazy or difficult. Once you start, you will be surprised how God truly is a God who gives strength. It says in the word, “Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” The prayer shack is a place where you wait. God speaks. He moves and He breathes.
