Until recently, I would describe my prayer time as hurried and distracted which is similar to the rest of my life. I rushed through words of praise to God, thanked him for my family, gave a blanket confession of my sins and then started down a list of concerns I wanted Him to take care of for me. And most were centered on me, my family & my closest friends. My prayer time with God was really all about what I needed from God. My mind was split between God and my schedule for the day. It was just a matter of time before the phone rang or I would have some other distraction and my prayer time would end with an abrupt “Amen”.

The first time I entered the prayer room I was struck by how peaceful it was. It was dimly lit with music playing softly in the background. It was nothing like the environment I was used to at home. Even though there were activities going on in the church the prayer room was a quiet sanctuary. I felt for the first time in a long time that it was just God and me.

New Summit 24/7 Prayer Room

I went into the prayer room with a list of personal concerns that I wanted to pray about but after reading the prayers of others that were hanging on the wall I felt overwhelmed. I knelt at the alter and was at a loss as to where to start. So I was still, but I could feel Gods presence and I could feel Him begin to lead me as I prayed. He brought to my mind things on my list, concerns from the wall and things that I didn’t even realize I needed to pray about. The hour flew by and I left that day feeling blessed and grateful and looking forward to my next hour there.

I have spent several more hours in the Prayer Room since then and each time is equally as wonderful. I feel God has been teaching me during our times spent in the Prayer Room. One thing He has shown me is that this Prayer room is bigger than me. While I have some serious concerns going on with my family now that I need God’s guidance on they should not consume me or my prayer time. Reading the walls reminds me that we all have burdens to bear and the Answered Prayer journal reminds me that God hears us when we cry out and will answer us, but in His perfect timing not ours. Another big thing that God has taught me is that I need to slow down and be still. When I slow down and really talk to Him and listen for His voice it is easier for me to give things over to Him and trust Him for the outcome.

The prayer room has definitely changed the way I look at prayer. It has made it exciting and fulfilling instead of something that I felt guilty about. I would encourage anyone who hasn’t spent time in the Prayer room to do so.