When Jesus and Justice Kiss

The idea of introducing young people to creative prayer is not a new one. 24/7 Prayer, the movement, began in 1999 in Chichester in England among a group of students, who decided to pray non-stop for a month. The prayer initiative  continued until Christmas. They decorated a room with creative thought-provokers and interactive 'stations' to help them focus their prayers. This concept has spread throughout the world. Now we're just moving into another field: schools.

The idea began, for me, when I was still in school. I've experienced first hand just how horrible school can be, with bullying, exam pressure and isolation. It was God and prayer that got me through that time and it's something I want to share with young people who are still in school. Christian teens often feel isolated in schools where there is little or no Christian support. Prayer Spaces in schools can encourage them that God is with them and they can speak to him even in class. We also pray that it strengthens their ability to communicate with God by opening their eyes to different creative and interactive ways to pray. For people who aren't Christians, it's still good for them to experience a Prayer Room. We try to create a calm, non-threatening environment for them to explore and experiment with prayer. Questions and doubts about God are fully acceptable and this is a time for them to voice them. One prayer station that we always try to include is the 'Big Questions' prayer station, where young people can write their questions and post them up on the wall. This is a simple way of showing them that they're welcome even if they don't agree, and is often the thing that breaks through the dis-interest of the young person when they're in the room.

If you're looking to move forward with this plan, we're willing to help in whatever ways we can. We may be able to provide resources, depending on whether we already have Prayer Rooms running. But we will definitely be willing to meet you and give you as much advice as we can on how to approach a school Prayer Space. If you would like us to be on site at the Prayer Space, let us know and we'll see if we can make it to you at that time. You're fully able to proceed with a Prayer Space on your own, but if you would like the official backing of 24/7 Prayer Ireland, send me an email and I'll give you the contact details you'll need for the leadership in the North. References and sample prayer stations are available on the Prayer Rooms in Schools website.

On a side note, if you are looking for a Prayer Room at your church or at a youth event, please feel free to contact us about those as well. We're willing to help in whatever way suits you best.  Keilah Joyce and Amy McCrea.

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