Prayerworks: Spiritual Practice in Action
BY ERIN BURKETT ’20
2 MIN. READ
Jesus, the savior of the world, God himself, was a master of prayer. Throughout the gospels there is account after account of Jesus praying for individuals, for groups, leaving his friends and followers to pray privately to his father in heaven. He prays so fervently before being handed over for crucifixion that the Bible says his sweat was like drops of blood. Jesus understood the significance, the importance of prayer, more than we ever could.
“Therefore, you should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.” – Matthew 6:9-13 (CSB)
Why did Jesus instruct and model for us how to pray? Because prayer works.
In Fort Wayne, Ind., 80 miles northeast of Anderson University’s campus, dwells a place where prayer is utilized every single day. PrayerWorks, a 24/7 prayer room, was created as a space for prayer to be abundant and a safe place for all who wish to use it. It is a space dedicated specifically to prayer and allows users to enter into a physical and spiritual space to focus solely on communicating with God.
The idea for PrayerWorks arose from groups of Christians in the Fort Wayne area who were dedicated to praying for the city, the state, and the world, and had a vision for a prayer movement. They had faith in how prayer works. Church leaders, as well as business leaders, were moved to action, prompted to join the efforts of prayer, discipleship, and evangelism that had been taking place for decades.
Following months of prayer, planning, generous donations, and divine intervention, PrayerWorks had a home, a proper gathering place. The prayer room itself is housed in Electric Works, the same impressive, revitalized complex as Do It Best headquarters. Dan Starr ’90, CEO of the hardware cooperative, played an instrumental role in making this possible, as he aided with planning, his foundation, and Do It Best by faithfully supporting PrayerWorks financially.
“It is a great place for people to come together,” said Starr. “All are welcome.”
Do It Best moved into the restored, former General Electric plant, in 2022. PrayerWorks followed shortly and opened its doors in early 2023. The prayer room is uniquely situated among many organizations in Electric Works and serves as what Starr described as a “quiet place” and a “getaway.”
Starr, among the countless other donors, leaders, volunteers, and supporters, believes in the mission of the community coming together for a common purpose. While serving as president and CEO of Do It Best keeps him plenty occupied, Starr remains devoted to serving his community. Just like his endorsement and work with the prayer room, his family and foundation is committed to improving the lives of others through health and wellness, education, youth enrichment, and so much more.
Starr humbly asks with open hands, “how can I help?” Service is at the heart of all he does.
PrayerWorks and Do It Best are important pieces in a dynamic ecosystem and movement that is taking place in Fort Waynes, with rippling effects around the world. Why? Because people like Dan Starr are committed to seeing how prayer works and obediently taking action when God calls them to move on his behalf.
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.