Next Saturday, 23rd May, the day before Pentecost Sunday, beginning at 11am we embark together on 24 Hours of Prayer across the Stroud team of churches.
Like last year, there is a sign-up sheet where people can book a half-hour slot and commit simply to pray for thirty minutes — to pause in the midst of the day or night, draw close to God, and bring before him the needs of the world, the Church, our communities, and the concerns that rest heavily or tenderly on our hearts.
There is something powerful, too, in seeing the names gradually fill the sheet — knowing that prayer is rising across this region through the day and through the night. Even at 3am in the morning someone had signed up last year! It became a quiet witness to faithfulness and longing for God.
You do not need to make it complicated. Find a quiet spot, sit and be still, and simply speak to the One who knows you more fully than you could imagine.
Last year many people found the experience deeply helpful, peaceful, and even transformative. This is intentionally very light touch. There is no pressure and no performance. No one is watching you. It is simply between you and God. Yet something incredible happens when God’s people choose to pray.
I have some simple resources available to help guide prayer if needed, and I am also sharing a short reflection I gave during last year’s 24 Hours of Prayer which I hope may help set the scene and encourage you to engage.
Sign up to pray here:
Prayer Resources Here:
A short Reflection Here
If, during or after the day, anyone would like to share a story, reflection, or answered prayer with me or the wider team, please do. You never know who may need that encouragement right now — who may need to hear about the quiet power of prayer, or who perhaps simply cannot pray for themselves at this moment and needs others to carry them.
Thank you for considering being part of this shared act of prayer across the Stroud Team.
Every blessing
James