The Night of Prayer

By Daye Jung

On Friday 13th September of 2019, something incredible happened here on campus. It wasn’t anything spooky like the date suggests. But people around the dimly lit Harbor Hall were gathering around each other, worshipping, crying, and most importantly, praying. 

The Student-led Worship Team carried on the worship songs as students gathered to sing their praises together. Freshmen joined arms as they swayed left and right with the beat, enjoying the pleasant melody played by the band for the rest of the night. People around the large hall started singing along with the song whenever they felt like it. The Worship Team, through determination and devotion to practice hours upon hours, made these opportunities to worship God possible.

As I walked through the enormous open space, I could always hear at least one person crying while being comforted by others. Mentors guided mentees; students comforted their friends. The Leadership Development Class opened small sections around the room, giving younger students a chance to worship God in different ways.

A student in the class, Duncan Magruder (12), states he “loved being able to experience God’s presence and (the last night) was something I will never forget.” He and a couple of other students created a space specific to prayer: the seniors volunteered to pray for underclassmen who were going through hard times and needed comfort. Magruder states, “seeing God work through me and my partners was truly amazing.”

It was lovely to see so many people get healed spiritually that night. Not all, but many. Indeed, this Friday the 13th was the night of prayer. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 4:6-7