There are still thin places.

There are still thin places, so it seems. Places where the distance between heaven and earth is short and at times non-existent. This idea came as an explanation for feeling the presence of God in specific places around the world and I first read about them in George Hunter III’s The Celtic Way Of Evangelism, and later found them scattered everywhere amongst Celtic Christian history. It’s an incredible thing to be in a place or a moment that feels as if you are in the manifest presence of God Himself.

Another place that I read about such moments was when I was handed the book Red Moon Rising by Pete Grieg that documented and shared about the ministry and moments of the 24/7 Prayer movement happening around the world. I was immediately captured by what God was doing through prayer around the globe and embarked on a journey to discover more about it. In truth, God has been speaking to my heart for the last few years about prayer and this movement was specifically standing out to me. I read all I could get my hands on and listened to whatever was available as well, but more importantly than that, I began to pray more frequently and with much more expectation and faith.

This quest to experience Christ in a deeper way through prayer gave me the wonderful privilege of attending a 24/7 Prayer Gathering in Belfast, Ireland. I was finally going to be able to get my chance to meet some people involved in the movement and tell someone about my story and the story in Grenoble, France. In Grenoble, a community of prayer warriors from around the city and different churches have already begun having 24/7 prayer gatherings where we are but I still felt like we weren’t connected to the overall family. I knew I wanted someone to know there are people in France praying.

It only took the first few moments of the gathering to realize I was home. I truly felt like I found my tribe. After all these years in ministry, I came into a place that yearned for what my heart yearned for, prayed for what I wanted to pray for but didn’t know how, and spoke what seemed to be my heart language. It was incredible. God’s timing is beyond my understanding. I couldn’t help but reflect on the times God had spoken to me in the last few years of my life and I could see now how God was molding me, shaping me, and pruning me so that I would be able to step into what He has for me now in the area of prayer. I cannot fathom is patience.

The conference had a lot going on but it was clear why we were there; we were there for Jesus. We were there because of Jesus. We were there in hopes of Jesus; We were there in awe of Jesus. There was no other agenda accept to be with Jesus and to grow into people who are more like Jesus. And not just for ourselves, but for the world. The 24/7 Prayer movement actually believes that prayer can change the world; I do believe it too.

Whether it’s the world that many Christians are living in near and in the conflict of the middle east. Whether it’s the Ukrainian church who are saying amen underneath the sound of explosions. Or whether it’s the church in France, believing for the seeds of the martyrs to sprout new life. There are people around the world praying that Jesus would bring His kingdom here.

Lord send revival into our cities, and may it be ushered in by the prayers of your people. Lord, may there be more thin places around the planet, places forged by prayer in the hearts of those with faith. Thank you Jesus.

If you’re reading this and are in Grenoble and ready to pray. Join us here.

I highly recommend checking out what God is doing in the world through 24/7 Prayer and find out how you can be apart. And if you think of me or my family, please pray for France. We are believing that Grenoble, the cradle of the revolution, will become a birthing place of a move of God through prayer.

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.

St. Patrick