Acquiring knowledge

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. Prov 18:15

Prov 10:14 Wise men store up knowledge.

Lord, I pray today for students who are gathering up knowledge as they go to classes and study. I pray that they will store up and remember what they are learning so that when they go out in the world, they will be able to apply that which they have learned. I pray not only for knowledge, but also for wisdom--that is how to rightly apply the knowledge to real-life situations. I pray that you would prepare their hearts and their minds for the futures that you have planned for them.

Amen

Peace in the midst of the storm

I pray that you would speak peace into student's lives today, Peace, be still to the winds and the waves that are tossing them to and fro. Let students rest confidently in the assurance that you know the plans you have for them, plans to give them a future and a hope, and that you will never leave them nor forsake them. Let the lies of the enemy be silenced and your truth be the sail that leads them through difficult stormy seas. I pray that your truth would set them free from anxiety, worry, and stress. I pray that they would trust You as the navigator of their lives and that you will get them safely to the shore. Let them trust wholly and completely in you, your Word and your Spirit to lead and guide them in the decisions that they need to make. Open the doors before them that you want them to walk through, and give them confidence to make the right decisions in everything they do.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Murder

My heart is broken at the news that a young college student was found murdered recently here in the Kansas City area. What makes it more heartbreaking for me is that she attended the community college where I work. I pray for her friends and family as they mourn the loss of this innocent young life snatched from this earth too early. I pray dear God that you would mete out your justice in a timely manner and bring the perpetrators to justice quickly.

See You at the Pole!

Tomorrow (September 23rd) is "See you at the Pole" day at universities and colleges across the nation. For more info, see the website below.

http://www.syatp.com

Dear Lord,

I pray for all the students who will gather tomorrow to pray and worship you. Their focus is on engaging their campuses for Your glory. I pray that you would anoint them with your presence, your power, and your Holy Spirit. Refresh and renew them and empower them to go forth and spread your light throughout campuses everywhere. Give them boldness to proclaim Your name. Let them pursue You passionately!

“Go and pray to God for me and for the people . . .“ —2 KINGS 22:13a (The Message)

Getting along with others

Dear Lord,

I pray that you would help students learn to get along with others--their roommates, classmates, instructors, and other new people you bring into their path. Let them admire and respect the differences of others. Let the unique colors of each person merge together into beautiful new friendships and relationships that broaden their horizons. Teach them good communication skills, give them a spirit of understanding, patience, tolerance, and forgiveness.

Mark 12:31 Love your neighbor as yourself.

"We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box." - Anonymous

Learning from others

Dear Lord, I pray that students will be open to learning--in the classroom, outside the classroom, and with every person that they meet, especially the people that are different than they are. . . from a different culture, a different city, a different background. Let them see the beauty of each individual as you've created them.

Amen

Every person in this life has something to teach me — and as soon as I accept that, I open myself to truly listening." ~ Catherine Doucette

Just for women - the issue of beauty

There's a wonderful song by Jonny Diaz called "A more beautiful you." It's about the beauty of each individual and how God has created each one of us for a special purpose. It is a beautiful reminder that we should not be driven by the world's opinions and judgements of us, but rather by the truth of what God thinks of us! This is a real struggle especially for women of all ages. I pray today that God would remind young women everywhere (and men too!) that they are loved by Him, totally and completely just the way they are.

Loneliness & Homesickness

Dear Lord,

Today I pray for students who are experiencing loneliness or homesickness. I pray that you would bring friends into their lives. Comfort their hearts and surround them with peace and contentment. Let them have courage to reach out and be a friend to others. I pray especially for freshmen who are away from home for the first time. Strengthen them. Refresh their spirits. Let them get a card or note or phone call from someone at home--a relative, a friend, or someone from the past who will encourage them. Surround them with new friends. Let them know that they are not all alone. You are always with them.

Amen

Friendships

I pray today for true and faithful friendships that will bolster, uphold, encourage, bless, and nurture one another. It is easy to find "casual" friends, but I pray that students will find 1-2 really close true friends who will stick "closer than a brother."
1 Samuel 18:1b Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.

H1N1 Helpful Info

University of Alabama and H1N1 flu

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0%2C2933%2C541020%2C00.html?test=latestnews

Tips & Info from the Centers for Disease Control

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Staying Healthy

Today I pray for good health for college students. I pray that students will be diligent about hand washing and other hygiene and that the H1N1 virus would not spread rampant in dorm rooms and other close quarters. I pray that the students would do their part as well, by eating right, taking their vitamins, getting plenty of sleep, and taking necessary precautions.


"When Health is absent Wisdom cannot reveal itself, Art cannot become manifest, Strength cannot be exerted, Wealth is useless and Reason is powerless."- -HEROPHILIES, 300 B.C.

Prayer for Parents

Dear Lord,

Today I pray for all those parents who are sending their kids off to college, either near or far away. As they haul suitcases, boxes, computers, pillows, etc. into a tiny dorm room or to off-campus housing, remind them that they are entrusting their child(ren) to your care and that you are able to take care of them. Give them wisdom as they learn the delicate balance of keeping in touch without smothering--the givers of roots and wings. . .Let them embrace this new phase of life as they learn that parenting never ends--it just changes. Comfort their hearts and fill them with your love and peace as they return to empty nests. Amen

List your school. . .

K-State, Manhattan, KS
Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS
Ottawa University, Ottawa, KS
Mid-America Nazarene University, Olathe, KS

Dear Lord,

Bless all those who are reading this blog today. Give them wisdom as they get ready for the fall semester. From freshmen to returning seniors, guide them on how to enroll early in the right classes. Work out all the details for finances for the coming year as the recession has had an impact on college tuition rates. Provide for their every need according to your riches in glory.

Philippians 4:19 (Contemporary English Version)
I pray that God will take care of all your needs with the wonderful blessings that come from Christ Jesus!

Vision for this blog

My vision for this blog is to capture encouraging thoughts each day for college students and those who are concerned about them--parents, friends, and relatives. I see it as a place to list prayer requests, answers to prayer, and just vent on issues that college students face each day. This is a transitional time of life, a time to explore interests, strengths, make friends, establish independence from parents, and question values, morality, and beliefs.

Please feel free to add your own comments, responses, or prayer concerns. For privacy reasons, please use only first names or initials. I would also appreciate it if you would list the name of the school that you represent.
Blessings!