Sam Harvey is the New Zealand Director for 24-7 Prayer, a Christian leader with years of experience and a reputation as an honest, engaging communicator when it comes to following Jesus. We're thrilled to welcome Sam—joining us from his home in Napier—as our keynote speaker for this year’s Leadership Camp. Our theme is “Going Deeper with Jesus”, and we caught up with Sam to hear why he’s so passionate about prayer.

Tell us a little about what the 24-7 Prayer movement is all about. How did it start, and what is it trying to do here in New Zealand?

24-7 Prayer is a movement focused on prayer, mission, and justice. It began 25 years ago in the UK, when Pete Greig—who calls himself the "bewildered founder"—realised that their church wasn’t great at praying. He came to the conviction that prayer had to be central. So, they started praying night and day.

Pete says God "sneezed" and it went viral. Twenty-five years later, we’re still praying—and still passionate about seeing the Church revived and culture rewired. In New Zealand, our dream is to strengthen the Church's corporate prayer culture and help it disciple others into a vibrant life of prayer.

Why do you think prayer is so important for bringing new life to the Church and to our personal spiritual journey?

Because it was absolutely central to Jesus' life—and a major priority for the early Church. When you study Jesus’ prayer rhythms, especially in the Gospel of Luke, it’s astonishing. The disciples caught that, and they built a church with prayer at the heart.

You could argue the Book of Acts is essentially a commentary on what happens between prayer meetings—missional fruitfulness, spiritual power, and transformed lives.

Have you ever seen a moment where prayer really changed something—either in a church or someone’s personal life?

So many times. I’ve seen miraculous provision, physical healing, and even entire family legacies turned around. But I’ve also experienced the ache of unanswered prayers. We live in the tension of the “already–not yet” Kingdom. God is at work, but we still wait and long for more.

A lot of people find it hard to pray consistently—or even know what to say. What would you say to someone who feels stuck like that?

First, keep it simple, keep it real, and keep it up. Those are three things I always come back to. I also find that set prayers help me create structure in my devotional rhythms. And remember—consistency beats intensity. Ten minutes a day is far more powerful than the occasional prayer binge.

Are there any biblical stories or people who shape your thinking around prayer and renewal?

2 Chronicles 7 is a foundational passage for me: “If my people humble themselves and pray…” It reminds us that prayer is an act of humility and dependence. God rewards those who seek Him, and the Holy Spirit loves to dwell with a people who are open to His transforming work.

But more broadly, the story of the Bible is that God is making all things new. Prayer aligns us with that redemptive movement.

As you prepare to share with us at Leadership Camp, what’s your biggest hope for what people will take away about prayer and discipleship?

I love what John Mark Comer says: “The best thing about following Jesus—is Jesus.” My biggest hope is that we don’t just talk about going deeper, but actually experience His presence in a way that replenishes us and gives us fresh vision.

It’s a privilege to help others deepen their discipleship, but my prayer is that the Holy Spirit would personally speak to each of us—calling us into deeper trust, renewed “yeses” to Jesus, and a journey that leads to real flourishing.

If you haven’t already, make sure you sign up for Leadership Camp—come be refreshed, inspired, and equipped to go deeper with Jesus alongside others from across the diocese.

https://www.nelsonanglican.nz/events/lc25

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