What to expect
What happens in a prayer room.
A prayer room is simple. You come as you are. We open the Bible, we listen, and we pray. Here's what that looks like, and the questions people usually ask first.
How the time goes
Every prayer room is different, because every person is. Most go something like this:
- We start with prayer. We ask the Lord to search our hearts and lead the time.
- You share what's on your heart. As much or as little as you want. Nobody will push you to say more than you're ready to.
- We open the Word. We look at what God says about the things you've shared: His forgiveness, His love for you, and the truth that answers the lies you've believed.
- We pray it through. There may be sin to confess, people to forgive, a lie to renounce or a hurt to hand over to the Lord. We'll pray through each one with you.
- We pray over you. We close by praying for you by name, and we keep praying after you leave.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:9
How to get ready
- Pray ahead of time. Ask the Lord to show you what He wants to deal with. Psalm 139:23–24 is a good prayer to borrow.
- Fill out the questionnaire. Once your time is booked, we'll email you a confidential questionnaire. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes and helps us know how to pray with you.
- Write a few things down. What's weighing on you, what you keep coming back to, anyone you've struggled to forgive. A short list is plenty.
- Clear the calendar. Give yourself time before and after. If you're joining by video, find a private spot.
- Come expecting the Lord to meet you. You don't have to have the right words. He knows what you need before you ask.
How we keep it private
What you share stays with the people praying with you. We don't pass it along, and we don't use it as an illustration in a sermon or a post. The notes from your request are seen only by the team setting up and leading your prayer room.
The law does require us to report two kinds of things: an intent to harm yourself or someone else, and abuse or neglect of a child or an elderly person. If it ever looks like we need to report something, we'll tell you first. We'd rather say that now than surprise you later.
What a prayer room isn't
It isn't professional counseling, medical care or emergency help, and we won't tell you to stop any treatment you're getting. If you see a doctor or counselor, keep going. We'll pray for that too. If you're in danger right now, call or text 988, or call 911.
Questions people ask
Who will I meet with?
A small team from TheWay, a church in Big Rapids, Michigan: believers who love the Lord, know their Bibles and know how to keep a confidence.
Will a woman be in the room?
Yes, when you're a woman. Any prayer room with a woman always has a woman from TheWay in the meeting too. A woman will never meet alone with a man, or with no other woman present.
How long does a prayer room last?
There's no clock. Plan on a couple of unhurried hours, and try not to schedule anything right after.
Does it cost anything?
No. There's no cost, and no one will ask you for money.
Do I have to go to TheWay or already be a Christian?
No. Anyone can request a prayer room. If you've never trusted Jesus as your Savior, we'd be glad to show you from the Bible how.
Is it confidential?
Yes. What you share stays with the people praying with you. The only exceptions are what the law requires us to report: an intent to harm yourself or someone else, and abuse or neglect of a child or an elderly person. If it ever comes to that, we'll tell you first.
Is this counseling?
No. A prayer room is prayer and the Word of God. It isn't professional counseling, medical care or emergency help. If you see a doctor or counselor, keep going. We'll pray for that too.
Can I do it by video call?
Yes. We'll send you a private link, and you can join from anywhere. Find a quiet spot where you won't be overheard.