Community invited to two week prayer event at Salvation Army

Banbury Salvation Army is teaming up with other churches in town to host two weeks of non-stop, day and night prayer in a specially designed multi-sensory creative prayer space.

Banbury Salvation Army on George Street has been open around the clock from Sunday 25th June and will continue to be open until 5pm Sunday 9th July for people to come in and pray.

A series of ‘prayer stations’ are available to help inspire people – local residents are invited to light a candle, reflect on a passage from the Bible, or express  prayer artistically - and stewards will be on hand throughout the event to welcome and assist guests if needed, and offer a friendly cup of tea or coffee.

Church leader, Captain Xander Coleman said:

“God’s always listening to us when we talk to him, but sometimes we all need some help to pray in new and different ways - for ourselves and for our community. 

We’d love to see you – you may want someone to pray with you, or perhaps you just need a chat.  Everyone is welcome.”

Over the past nine years, The Salvation Army has played an active role within the Banbury, ‘Christians Together’ network by helping facilitate partnerships between churches in prayer, and has been hosting 24/7 prayer events regularly since 2012.

In addition to church services every Sunday, Banbury Salvation Army provides emergency food parcels for individuals and families in need, supports people experiencing homelessness and serves a hot lunch four days a week. Last year The Salvation Army in Banbury served more than 2000 bowls of soup to members of the community. 

“The Salvation Army is dedicated to caring for local community” Captain Xander added, “but that care is motivated by a deep love for God. 

We love Banbury, so it’s natural for us to express that love through both prayer and practical social action.”

In 2015, The Salvation Army celebrated 150 years of Christian service. The Salvation Army was founded in London’s East End in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth. Today this Christian church and registered charity is active in 128 countries worldwide.

The Salvation Army opened in Banbury in 1885 and moved into its current premises in George Street five years later.

Since its early days, social action has been central to The Salvation Army’s Christian faith. In 1885 Salvationists successfully campaigned for the age of consent to be raised from 13 to 16 and in 1890 the church and charity opened the UK’s first labour exchange.

In UK and Republic of Ireland The Salvation Army’s work includes more than 800 community churches and social centres offering compassionate support, a listening ear and practical help.

For more information email xander.coleman@salvationarmy.org.uk, visit their facebook page here or telephone 01295 262 449. 

Donations to Banbury Salvation Army can be made by texting SALV66 £ [amount] to 70070 or online here