Building Faith through Prayer
The middle of the semester is one of the busiest times of the year, and sometimes busyness can distract us from spending time with God. That’s one reason why every semester we take time out of a busy schedule to stop, refocus and pray.
New Creature Praying
For this semester’s Day of Prayer, Dr. Stephen Jones chose the theme verse Psalm 50:15: “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” Throughout the day the university family spent time reflecting on these words.
Bible professor Mr. Kerry McGonigal started the morning off with a session titled New Creature Praying: Applying the Gospel to Our Sin. He took a topical look at what is true about God, us and Jesus Christ. Based on these truths, Mr. McGonigal concluded with a look at how believers can now approach God because of the Gospel. “There should be a sense of sobriety and seriousness regarding our sin,” he says. “But there’s also a sense of liberty and rejoicing in the Gospel.”
Following the message, students broke into groups based on birth month for one prayer session and based on ministry burdens for a second session.
Testimonies to God’s Grace
The morning wrapped up with a testimony and praise service in the Founder’s Memorial Amphitorium. Mr. Fred Coleman led the university family in singing praise.
Four people also testified to God’s faithfulness in answering prayer. Chemistry professor Dr. Brian Vogt spoke of how God answered prayer for physical healing. Senior Caleb Downs gave testimony to God’s saving grace in the life of a friend. Senior David Godin praised God for providing financially for him. Sophomore Brennen Joyner praised God for his sustaining grace in his family’s life as his mother battles cancer.
Dr. Brian Vogt
Caleb Downs
David Godin
Brennen Joyner
Following the praise service, the University dismissed for a half day of rest.
Building Faith Through Prayer
The Day of Prayer seeks to remind the university family of the great promises of prayer and our need to bring our requests to God. For senior Michael Lyons, this year’s Day of Prayer was especially encouraging. “I appreciated people’s willingness to pray,” he says. ”It’s a good reminder that, through all of your Christian life, you need to have open communication with God.”
The Day of Prayer is just one more way that BJU seeks to encourage students to depend on God and build faith.
Published February 28, 2012