Non-stop prayer week success in Bognor Regis

A specially-decorated and resourced prayer room was set up at the Salvation Army centre in Queensway Road, Bognor Regis.

More than 135 hours worth of prayer slots were filled, either by individuals, families or house groups. Ages ranged from five to 95 and prayers were said through drawing, writing, painting and music, as well as the traditional spoken prayer.

The 24-7 Prayer movement started in Chichester and churches from Bognor Regis used the rota provided on its website to help organise the week.

Displays in the room included a map of Bognor, a map of the world and lots of Bible verses written up on the walls.

There were also prayer walls, which filled up as the week went on with many specific prayer requests for those who are ill, in desperate situations, for children, schools and particular countries or events in the news. A mobile phone number was provided, so prayer requests were texted in, too.

Hands-on activities included a large wooden cross, pebbles from Bognor beach to paint and a tabernacle installation with armchairs and cushions for kneeling or lying on.

Dan Clark, from OpenGate Church, Victoria Drive, had the inspiration for the prayer room and, together with Ben Leney, from King’s Gate Church, organised and promoted the week of prayer.

Mr Leney said: “It couldn’t have happened without the support of lieutenants Jon and Marion Rouffet and their generous provision of a room to pray in, round the clock access and heating, hot drinks and even a side room to sleep in for those on-call at night.

“I never thought that we would fill so many slots and I am blown away by the impact on those who have visited the prayer room.

“A space like this gives those who come a chance to be still, to reflect, to engage with God and to come aside from the normal routine. It felt like we were only just getting going when we stopped.”

The week began with a prayer gathering on Sunday, November 15, with church leaders from at least five different churches, including Our Lady of Sorrows, Grace Church, Big Love and the Salvation Army.

It was brought to a close with a prayer concert at OpenGate Church, at which an offering was taken for the Arun Angels, who spoke about their experiences bringing God’s love to the vulnerable and those in need out on the streets late on a Saturday night.

One visitor said ‘this is a very powerful space you have created’ and went back for more later the same night.

Mr Clarke is hoping to put on a further week of prayer in summer 2017. Visit 24-7prayerbognor.org to see more about the prayer week.

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