We are officially saying goodbye to 2020 and welcoming the start of 2021. The new year is full of joy and possibilities! For January, we are asking that you join us in a 28-day prayer challenge. Let us take some time to focus on praying for CCBS, missions and ministries, students, faculty, and staff. We will guide you on things that we need prayer for each day through social media and Populi. If you are struggling with how to pray, please consider these helpful tips!
Find a consistent place and time each day to pray.
For example, waking up earlier in the morning may be an excellent way to begin being consistent. If the idea of being an early riser does not excite you, find another way to be consistent. A morning routine of spending time reading scripture and praying can get your mind and spirit ready for the day. Let it be the first thing you do.
Maybe consider praying in the car on the way to class or if you are a virtual student, make time to pray before class begins. The Bible says to pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Be in an attitude of prayer, know that God is with you at every moment, and you can have a conversation with Him at any time.
Prayers can be simple.
Being intimidated by elaborate prayers is a common objection to praying or praying out loud. It makes some feel that their prayers are not sufficient because they do not say lots of words. When asked to pray in a room full of people, keeping prayer simple may be a way to make you feel more comfortable praying out loud. Making a list of things to pray for or using a guide also helps keep your mind focused as you pray, and it helps to ensure that you do not forget anyone or thing.
Look for opportunities to give thanks.
Maybe your day is not going right: you feel defeated by the next task or thing you have to do. It might feel like the world is against you and your efforts; we have all been there. Try taking a moment to stop focusing on what you lack and instead praise God for all the gifts that He has given to you. In that moment of thanksgiving to God, you will find yourself changing. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Furthermore, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Join a prayer group.
One way to instantly plug into prayer is to volunteer to be a part of an existing organization you are working with. Have you considered joining their prayer team? If not, now may be an excellent time to consider doing so. We always welcome prayer warriors at CCBS. Please consider joining our prayer group by emailing us at prayer@ccbs.edu. The Bible even speaks about us joining together with others in prayer. We can bring requests to God on an individual basis, but Jesus admonishes the disciples in Matthew 18:19 and 20 that there is more power in going to God as a group rather than only as individuals.
We thank you for joining us in praying for the various aspects of CCBS, for missions and ministries, and for the students, their families, faculty, and staff. We are excited to see what this year will bring to all of us!
For more information about courses at CCBS visit us at https://www.ccbs.edu/.