Prayer Of A College Student

By Beau Underwood
Senior, Eureka College
Member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) - Princeton, IL

There's an often-used story about a child getting ready to say his bedtime prayers, who walks into the living room and says to his parents, "I'm going to say my prayers and go to bed, does anybody want anything?"

Oftentimes, my prayer life shares many similarities with this young child's prayers. There is a tendency to turn to God only when we want something or in moments of crisis when our problems are so great, they are beyond human control. We run down a laundry list of wants and desires, forgetting to pause to say thanks for the blessings we have already received or pray for the concerns of others and things greater than ourselves.

As the 10,000 Disciples Praying initiative calls us into community prayer, it provides us the opportunity to take the spotlight off ourselves and to refocus on those things that are much greater than our individual being.

We gather metaphorically, uniting to pray for our church and church leaders. We pray over the mission and witness of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). We ask God's blessing for those who are aided by Week of Compassion and the individuals at Week of Compassion working to help those in need. We seek God's sustaining hand for Reconciliation Mission and the continued work of New Church Ministry. We desire guidance as other parts of our church discern their future and seek renewal as the church undergoes a process of transformation. Above all, we come humbly before God attempting to remain faithful in our service to the rest of God's Creation, knowing we serve a God who walks with us and calls us to something much bigger than ourselves.

Prayer

Gracious and Loving God, hold us steadfastly in your love; strengthen our resolve to serve You and your kingdom. In You we find our hope and You serve as our guide. To this church may You bring renewed hearts, humble servants, and a faithful witness. Let us put your will before our own, selflessly seeking to follow your call for our lives.

Amen.