24-7 Prayer in ProgressRachel Wegner - 4 May 2011

Windows down and the freedom of the open road rushing through our hair.

The morning sun had just begun its ascent and a long journey stretched out ahead of us. The day began with a flurry of packing every available inch of my Honda Accord and navigating our way through several highway interchanges. But soon enough, the pace evened out and the four of us settled into a rhythm.

We traversed many miles of truck stops, middle-of-nowhere towns with funny names and glorified games of tag with the other cars in our caravan. By late evening, we were warmly welcomed into the living room of the Stockbridge Boiler Room in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The hodgepodge of us from the Tulsa Boiler Room and Kansas City Boiler Room had come on a pilgrimage to visit our friends there over spring break.

We spent the greater part of our time together tucked into the comings and goings of the Stockbridge crew, who are a very bright light in the derelict west side of Grand Rapids. We walked, prayed, talked, ate, laughed, worshiped and rested together. They had just begun 40 days of prayer for the Lenten season, joining their efforts with a local house of prayer. One night as we sat together at the coffee shop adjoined to the tabernacle at the house of prayer, I caught a glimpse of a sign on the door.

24-7 Prayer in progress.

And in that moment, I was struck at what a widespread, diverse and vibrant family we have. No matter what plans our little national team in Kansas City sets out to accomplish, we are constantly reminded that this is God’s movement, through and through. He speaks. It comes into being. He breathes. It thrives. He moves. His people respond.

What a mystery.

It makes me think of the myriad of places where I have spent time around the country in my role as a storyteller in the 24-7 Prayer movement. Brothers and sisters befriending and breaking bread with the homeless in downtown Tulsa. A community house full of good neighbors who aren’t afraid to engage brokenness and poverty in the urban core of Kansas City. Thousands of college students crying out day and night for their campuses all the way from California to Nebraska to Alabama.

24-7 Prayer in progress.

And then I think of the people around the globe who have united in prayer these last 10 and 11 years. Humble hearts walking and praying and lending a hand on the streets full of unruly holidaymakers in Ibiza. Boldly faithful believers in Iraq who routinely suffer massive violence. The ever-growing cry of intercession from the Japanese people that are caught up in desperate times.

24-7 Prayer in progress.

His Kingdom coming. His will being done. And He is so gracious as to invite us into the story. He even goes so far as to make us the living, breathing expression of our underground prayers as we go out onto the streets and into our daily lives. Simple acts of kindness and friendships forged. Seeds planted for His Kingdom and hearts drawn to Him. Communities sprouting up and spiritual families being knit together. And all the while, we are following His lead with each step of this sacred journey.

24-7 Prayer in progress.

Yes. And amen.

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Weeping, they make it a spring. The rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength. Each one appears before God in Zion. (Psalm 84:5-7, NKJV)