God outpoured His presence and guests found new ways to connect with Him at the latest Waverley Abbey 24-7 Prayer Week.
Prayer is at the centre of everything at Waverley Abbey. As Mim, a volunteer with the onsite Waverley Abbey Community, describes:
‘The heart of Waverley Abbey is to be a new abbey for a new generation. That means prayer is the heart of everything we do.’
Every day the Community gathers to pray. But four times a year, they dedicate time to pray around the clock with a 24-7 week of prayer.
What is a 24-7 Prayer Week?
Kicking-off the week with a dedicated evening of worship, the Waverley Abbey Prayer Room is then open for 24 hours a day for a week. Anyone can book a prayer slot to use the room, night and day.
‘Often in houses of prayer, we refer to the furnace of prayer. The idea being that praying through the night keeps the embers of prayer glowing,’ explains Mim. ‘Ready to be fanned back into large flames in the day.’
The prayer room is filled with worship, creativity, and time with God around the clock. The impact of these weeks is felt deeply across Waverley Abbey.
‘The house felt drenched in the Spirit of God,’ Mim said. ‘People talk about ‘thin places’. Places where God and heaven feel close – I believe Waverley Abbey is one of them. And during these weeks of prayer, it feels even thinner.’
Workshops that teach you to pray
Throughout the 24-7 Prayer Week the Waverley Abbey Community hosts workshops to help people discover new ways to pray and connect with God. Topics include:
- Learning how to listen to His voice
- Understanding the history of Houses of Prayer
- Exploring gifts like speaking in tongues
One guest shared how she wanted to be able to experience times of contemplative prayer with God while she was alone. Not just in the spaces that Waverley Abbey provides.
‘The fact that she was able to come to a workshop where she could learn how to be in those spaces was amazing. She just lit up. She was so happy,’ shared Mim.
That’s the hope at Waverley Abbey: that everyone who comes to a prayer or worship event would encounter God – and that they would learn how to encounter God in their daily lives too.
Everyone is welcome at a 24-7 Prayer Week
Each week of prayer begins with a powerful evening of worship. These gatherings are open to all, including those who can’t make it to worship and pray during the day. People travel from near and far to join – some driving an hour to be part of it.
Mim described the most recent evening of worship, ‘It felt like the Kingdom of God in the room. Every denomination, every background. All worshipping together.’
Creativity and the presence of God
One of the most moving experiences during the week is something hosted by a group of musicians called Sound Pictures. One person sits down and the musicians begin to play – led by the Holy Spirit. There are also artists in the room painting and people with the gift of prophecy sharing words of encouragement.
‘It felt like being hugged by God,’ said Mim. ‘It was one of the most moving things I’ve ever been part of.’
These moments are so popular that booking slots fill up fast. But the team is looking to offer more opportunities to experience time with Sound Pictures at the next 24-7 Week of Prayer.
When and how to join in with a week of prayer
Waverley Abbey hosts four weeks of prayer each year. The next one will take place 1 –7 September, coinciding with the 24-7 Global Week of Prayer.
Anyone is welcome to come and pray. To take part in specific prayer slots or workshops, you’ll need to book online.
Booking isn’t yet open for the September 24-7 prayer week, but please come and use our Prayer Room at a different time. Or, join in with the next Worship Night at Waverley Abbey.
Get the latest information about upcoming prayer weeks, worship evenings and all other events at Waverley Abbey by signing up to our email newsletter.
PRAY WITH US
Father God, we are so thankful that we can talk to You wherever and whenever.
Thank You that the number of people attending worship and prayer events at Waverley Abbey House is growing. Please help the Waverley Abbey Community to disciple and encourage everyone who wants to learn more about talking to and listening to You.
Amen