24-7 People Profile - Steve WoodsRebecca Swarbrick - 10 Nov 2011

In this months People Profile we hear from Steve Woods a pastor from Whyalla in South Australia who has been involved with 24-7 Prayer for several years.

1. How and when did you first get involved with 24-7 Prayer?
   
   "Our church family first started praying 24-7 in January 2008 after some of our young adults had experienced other prayer gatherings in YWAM bases.  We all soon got copies of Red Moon Rising and we were away!

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2. What attracted you to the movement?
   
   
I have always believed churches and Christians should be praying more, but never quite had a handle on a model that worked for those of us who weren’t good at praying.  24-7 gave us a fresh model that made prayer achievable and also linked prayer to mission and justice.  I also love the creative aspects of prayer that we have opened up to.


    
3. Do you have a particular memory that is significant to you?
   
   The most recent memory is of the amazing time Vicki and I had travelling to the Eurogathering.  Something significant happens when we gather with 300 other people all who are passionate about prayer.  It was a long flight, but it was worth it. We met with Jesus in a fresh way.
   
    
4. Do you have a favourite place to go to pray?
   
   There is a beach about 30 minutes drive from home, where I can look back over the water at our town and dream with God about his plans and purposes.  Its a spot where I have had many life-changing conversations with God.  I also like the small couch in my study at home – with a coffee or a glass of wine, some music playing and just sitting in God’s presence!


    
5. How do you find rest and refreshment amongst the hustle and bustle of life?
   
   I have been exploring personal and corporate rhythms of life and of prayer for a few years now.  Worship is important – I like nothing more than picking up my guitar and just seeing what happens.  But liturgy and daily office is becoming more important too. I am finding refreshment in the structure – which is a new thing for me.  On top of that, getting outside with the kids and a GPS and going geocaching is our favourite past-time.
    
6. Are there any particular prayer communities that you would love to visit?
   
   We made so many connections at Eurogathering, that it seems the options are limitless.  I would love to visit the Kansas City Boiler Room – I believe God is up to something significant there.  Vicki and I also spent an afternoon with Susanna Rychiger and the community in Thun, Switzerland.  We’d love to go back and spend more time there and share life between a nightclub and an injecting room!  Its a great spot!
    
7. Any final words of wisdom?
   
   Don’t give up.  Prayer can be hard work, but the benefits and blessings are awesome.  Ordinary people can (and  do) change the world through passionate prayer that moves us to mission and justice!  Its such a privilege to know some of them!

So good to hear from Steve Woods. If you would like to nominate someone for a 24-7 People Profile please get in touch.

1. Steve is married to Vicki and has three really cool kids.  They live in Whyalla, South Australia, where Steve is the Lead Pastor at Whyalla Baptist Church.  He is passionate about the local church engaging in mission in their own backyard, and champions prayer wherever and whenever he gets a chance.  Steve also blogs and tweets in a manner his family call "excessive".