Twenty-four hours a day for an entire week in April, prayers filled the Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital chapel. Doctors prayed for patients, hospital staff prayed for colleagues, and patients' family members prayed for loved ones. Each connected with God in a continuous chain that lasted seven days, part of a global movement called 24/7 Prayer.

Elisa Brown, assistant chief financial officer at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, had participated in several other 24/7 prayer events and wanted to bring one to the hospital.

"The experience can be a little more freeing than a traditional church or chapel setting," Elisa said.

The chapel was turned into an interactive space to encourage all hospital visitors to stop in for a moment of reflection. Participants were asked to remove their shoes before entering the sacred space. The piano, chairs and podium were removed to create a more peaceful atmosphere. Bibles and pillows were scattered about the room, which featured low lights and soothing instrumental music. Different stations provided various prayerful activities.

"Using all of your senses to pray—by drawing, writing or nailing your prayer request or confession to the cross—really creates a personal connection to God," Elisa said.

One activity invited people to confess their sins, record the act on paper and then nail that paper to a large cross in the back of the room. This activity symbolized confession and forgiveness of sins.

Visitors were invited to write their prayer requests on a paper-covered wall. The wall also featured drawings, including one of a rainbow to symbolize God's covenant with His people.

"Father, please fill this room with your presence," one prayer warrior wrote on the wall. "We dedicate this sacred space to you. May your people be blessed. Amen."

The experience moved many to tears, including Vicky Syren, the hospital's manager of pastoral care.

"The Bible tells us that even one person's prayers are powerful, but when two or three are gathered to pray together, the power of prayer becomes exponentially stronger," Vicky said.

Yong Kim, a physician, prayed for his family, colleagues and patients.

"When patients are sick, they're looking for help," Yong said. "They want healing, comfort. They may not accept Jesus Christ right away, but they say, 'I need help.' We treat the whole person: body, mind and spirit. This is an institution that believes in God, which is very important to me as a Christian."

Kathy Mitchell, the hospital's chief nursing officer, said the week of continuous prayer strongly relates to the hospital's mission as a faith-based institution.

"I'd like our chapel to look like this year-round," Kathy said.

Lisa Parro is a public relations specialist at Adventist Midwest Health.