The Well at Emmanuel: A space for encounter and restoration

The Well at Emmanuel: A space for encounter, restoration and mission

Over fifty people recently stepped into The Well, a prayer space inspired by Jesus’ meeting with the Samaritan woman in John 4. It was designed as a place to pause, breathe and meet the One who gives living water. The week finished with four hours of worship that carried us right up to midnight.

The room included a simple well, a short film, space for confession and thanksgiving, creative prayer activities and moments of stillness. Everything was shaped to help people meet Jesus and to be sent out again with his hope for our city.

People encountered peace. Some found fresh joy. Others experienced healing or a renewed desire to share Jesus with friends and neighbours. Below are some of the reflections written by those who came.

The Well will open again next year. Whether you’ve been following Jesus for decades or are simply curious, you are warmly invited to come and see.

Trust him for everything because he is faithful.

Release of emotions, letting go of past trauma. So much to take away.

An oasis of peace, a wonderful hour with Christ.

A wonderful time of allowing the Lord to speak to my heart. Would have loved to stay longer.

A real feeling of renewing an acquaintance. A chance to let my burdens go. Great feeling of lightness now.

Time with him. Went too quickly.

Nothing in us is hidden to the Lord. Let your Spirit come. May we have the joy of the woman at the well to share you with others.

It is such a blessing to be with Jesus.

What a joy to be with the Lord and experience the peace and joy of his presence. 

Please saturate me with your Holy Spirit. May I sprinkle your living water on everyone I meet.

Challenged to be hungry to do what God wants, to be thirsty for more of him. To spend more time with Jesus like this, not just fitting him into my life as and when.

May I be filled deeply with joy and streams of living water and to share more abundantly with those I meet.

Thank you for reigniting my passion to bring loved ones to the foot of the cross. I speak the name of Jesus over them all.

An hour of peace and communication with the Spirit. I broke out in tongues several times, Alleluia. 

I will leave refreshed and inspired.

Such a blessing, I could have spent much longer here. One thing that struck me: ‘his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and truth’.

I could spend two hours here and still get more out of it. 

An hour is not enough time to take in everything here. I will create my own well and go over everything in slow time. 

What an amazing time. I could have taken several hours to go through the process. It is amazing.

The Lord showed me that I was in a safe place to reveal a deep hurt, and I know he was listening and will address it. 

I didn’t expect this hour to have such a profound effect on me. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.

The Lord reminded me that my anxieties stem from spiritual thirst. I need to spend time at the well with Jesus more often.

I have loved this experience. It is precious. 

A wonderful time of peace and reflection. I feel safe and seen.

A joy to take time to encounter God. I learned more about our relationship and what I need to do to continue my journey with him.

A lovely time to sit and just be with the Lord. I am very thankful. 

A valuable hour. I could have used more time.

A blessing. I have been challenged to pray for those attending Christmas services that eyes may be opened to see and recognise Jesus as the Samaritan woman did.

I felt the presence of Jesus. I was very tearful. I felt forgiven and peaceful. 

Time for tears, hopefully seeing Jesus’ love more clearly.

What a blessing. I could have stayed all day. A haven of peace. The Lord who loves me just as I am has shown me what I can be. 

Good to spend quiet time reflecting on God’s goodness and faithfulness. 

The Lord has shown me my deepest anxiety and lifted it from my shoulders onto his.

A space for peace and healing, refreshing the soul and sending us out with new humility, hunger and hope in Jesus. Watch out for our next visit to The Well, pencilled in for the end of March 2026