Some Thoughts for the Prayer Time 

Prayer is communicating in the presence of God. Prayers may be formal - with one person addressing God for a group, or quite informal - with several addressing God in turn, or by having a "sanctified" conversation. In order to include as many brothers and sisters as possible during this time of prayer, and to help focus our efforts, these guidelines may be helpful:

1. Before you begin, when men and women are present, determine whether anyone is uncomfortable with women praying aloud. If not, continue in prayer. If so, consider having participants engage in a "holy conversation" so that all may contribute and be encouraged.

2. Begin the time by offering yourselves to God for His purposes. Invite him to act freely in your lives and during this prayer time. Seek His convicting and comforting presence. Provide a moment or two of silence to listen before you pray in earnest.

3. During the prayer time, ask God to act specifically in these areas

• Pervade the thoughts and actions of all persons associated with this campus with a deep hunger for His holiness, presence, wisdom, courage, and unity.
• Provide the board, administration, faculty, staff, and students with a spirit of unity, patience, and cooperation for the common goal of bringing greater glory to God through our community.
• Equip the board and administration with a clear and united vision for fashioning our university into a more productive tool for God to use for His purposes.
• Supply the resources for our needs in unexpected and awe-inspiring ways so that glory may be given to God and not our own efforts and ingenuity.
• Increase prayer and discussion of God's ways and desires in every level of our community so that all may be edified and encouraged to live for His glory.
• Protect our time of prayer and fasting from the schemes of the Evil One, and bless our efforts to seek God's face in ways beyond our comprehension or asking.

4. Close the prayer time by personally dedicating yourself to encourage and accomplish these things with God's power and provision.

May God bless us as we seek His face and make His glory our ultimate priority.