Five Strategic Ways to Pray for the Coming Year

As we approach the heavily anticipated and also heavily dreaded school year for the late teens to early twenty somethings embarking on college campuses, we must actively pray for them and what is at hand for the coming year and all they will encounter. 

1. Pray for the Freshman

    Pray for the incoming class that will be experiencing everything new for the very first time. For those that will be entering new cities and new dorms to live in as well as the ones commuting from home, pray that they will settle well into their new lives. Pray that they will realize the need for Christ in their lives even as they leave home that they may actively pursue him through every aspect of their lives, that they may bring him glory. Pray that they will stand firm in their faith and not be swayed by all that is around them even though they aren't under parental control anymore. Pray that they will find a body of believers to actively be a part of in worship weekly, pouring into the church as well as ministries on campus to reach out and share Christ to those in their surroundings. 

2. Pray for the Sophomores and Juniors 

    Pray for those coming back for their second and third years that they may continue to seek and pursue Christ in all aspects. That they may continue to glorify him throughout their studies and be a light to those around them. Pray that they begin to look for ways to pour into the next generation that is coming in and point them to Christ. Pray that they will find patience and rest in God knowing that he is in control of all, even when plans start to drastically change from major choice to what is going to happen with their life.

3. Pray for the Seniors 

    Pray for the seniors (or super seniors as some are) that they will even in the end, see how their lives can continue to honor and glorify the Father. Pray that though they are in the final stretch of their college career for most, that they will still see their role is important in pouring into the younger students, actively discipling them in Christ. That they may take their leadership roles humbly and with a willingness to serve in whatever aspects to glorify the Father. Pray that they may have peace and rest and ease of mind of what is actually coming in May as they prepare for life after college. Pray for their transitions from college life to graduate/real world life that will soon come in the next few months. 

4. Pray for the Faculty 

    Pray that the faculties hearts may be softened that we as students may proclaim the gospel in whatever ways we may have the opportunity for. Pray that we will actively seek ways to minister to them though they are our professors, that they may see Christ's love through our actions and school and ultimately that seeds may be planted that they may come to know Christ. 

5. Pray for the Campus Ministries

    Lastly, pray for the campus ministries that are about to be in full swing again. Pray that they may humble themselves before the Lord that they may make him known and glorify him through their worship and fellowship throughout the year. That they may have an active presence of reaching out to the students on campus that they may come to know Christ. Pray for the campus ministers that they may not become overwhelmed with their responsibilities but that they will find rest in the Lord and look to him for strength in ministry. That the Lord may use them as instruments and speak through them that we may learn and grow in the Word together. Pray that we all may grow and active fruit may be seen from these ministries in the lives of the students.  

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." -1 Corinthians 15:58