At 12 noon on Sunday September 16th a safe place was opened for just one week on behalf of the churches of Ryton at the United Reformed Church. The 24/7 prayer room is designed for all who need time out, safe space, and the right sort of setting to think their own thoughts, listen to their own heart, and say "Hey God, this is me; this is what I have on my heart; will you please come alongside and help?"
The room is sensitively laid out, with aids to prayer that sometimes include background music as an aid to contemplation, while at other times there is silence. There is an icon corner, rocks to place at the foot of the cross, and world map on which to stick hearts for loved ones who are far away, and a sheep fold and a healing tree for written prayers from the heart.
Sunday saw the opening of the room with prayer and praise led by the planning group, and each day from Monday to Friday there are periods of organised prayer using resources from Taizé, world music, and contemporary worship songs.
Special events include visits from local schools, a prayer meeting led by Ryton Methodist Church, and a Eucharist hosted by Holy Cross Church.
Everyone is warmly invited to drop in at any time during the day, between 7.00 am and 9.00 pm. Visits outside those hours are by prior arrangement only. Also at the venue are a coffee shop, library of Christian literature, a creativity workshop - which all are welcome to make use of.
The Prayer Room closes at noon on Sunday September 23rd, with an final hour of prayer and thanksgiving led by the planning group.