Prayer Room
My intention was to create a space set apart, a peaceful place where individuals and small groups could gather for quiet prayer and reflection.
'For now we see in a glass, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known' 1 Corinthians 13:12
Within the prayer room I have used glass as a symbol of the truth and mystery we seek and celebrate. It is an element through which we see. It can distort or enhance, clarify or obscure, or simply reflect back a familiar image. The decorative glazing, an irregular series of glass rods, partially obscures the view, whilst retaining a sense of lightness and openness. Acting like lenses the rods cast light patterns and shadows within the room.
I sourced and commissioned a range of craftsmen to assist me to realize my ideas.
Mindful of the genorsity of those who funded the previous chapel the beautiful teak timber of the original pews has been given new life. The altar and seating were constructed by the Oxfordshire based cabinet maker Alasdair MacVarish
A member of the CMS team selected a rug from Angkoi in the north of Maimana in Faryab province of Afghanistan. I complemented this with velvet kneeler cushions in five jewel-like colours.
A narrow shelf along one wall acts as a rest for pictures and icons, and there is a railing for hanging banners on the altar wall. Images and hangings from mission partners across the globe can be displayed. I produced the first banner, in leather and woven fabric, it carries the message 'As you go, make disciples of all peoples'. This has been described as the core, a kind of 'missional dna' that unites CMS and its partners.
A bowl and jug remind us of the humility and service in Jesus' actions.
these items, like the decorative glazing are made of glass that speaks with mystery. To my specification, they were designed and made by Brodie Nairn and Nicola Burns of Glasstorm in Tain, Ross-shire, Scotland. They are complimented by the beautiful painted ceramic candle sticks by the potters James and Tilla Waters who live and work in Llanwrda, Camarthanshire
This project was completed in June 2007.
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