by Lana Douglas
Photo Editor
In the past, Bryan students have used the Day of Prayer for relaxation, doing homework, sleeping in and early morning hikes. This year is going to be a little different.
Rather than have planned activities throughout the day, like Bryan has done in the past, the Worship Leadership Team would like to see students and faculty set aside time in their day to communicate with God.
“In the past, Day of Prayer has included activities geared towards rest, recreation, solitude and worship,” said Jessi Trigger, coordinator of worship and discipleship. “While all those activities are important, we feel that the Day of Prayer should be just that – a day set aside for both individual and corporate prayer.”
The theme for this year’s Day of Prayer is just that: Prayer. The hope is that students will come away from the Day of Prayer with a deeper longing for a daily connection with God, according to Trigger.
“[Day of Prayer] allows students to take time out of their busy schedule to focus on God. Things get so hectic during school that it is easy to put God on the back burner,” said senior Hannah Glupker.
Last year Glupker spent her Day of Prayer sleeping in and catching up on homework.
“I don’t think these were necessarily bad things to do on the Day of Prayer. They took me out of my normal routine and allowed me to have time to actually slow down and think,” said Glupker. “I know that most people do not spend the entire day resting and working on their relationship with God; however, it at least makes them contemplate their relationship with him. Life is so full at school and rest is needed.”
Whether students choose to spend most of the day or just a small portion of it towards communicating with God, the hope is that students would use the time away from classes to help create a more prayer-filled community.
“I hope students will create space in their day to meet with God in whatever way they need to,” said Trigger.
Day of Prayer Schedule
11:00 – Chapel with Dr. Marva Dawn
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Prayer Room open in Latimer 302
9:00 – 9:30 p.m. – Corporate Prayer Gathering in the cafeteria