“Worship is first and foremost for His benefit, not ours, though it is marvelous to discover that in giving Him pleasure, we ourselves enter into what can become our richest and most wholesome experience in life.” –Graham Kendrick
Worship and Prayer Night, which took place on Thursday, October 24, at the Jenkins Center was more than just an event; it was an example of the passion and unshakable faith of the future generation. It was encouraging to witness such spiritual hunger among our students to intercede for Muslims even during the busy time of the semester. Also, the night served as a powerful illustration of what worship and prayer might have looked like when people from various nations and backgrounds lifted their voices to God in oneness. It truly felt like a sweet and intimate time before the throne of the holy God.
The worship leader humbly led us through gospel-centered songs with acoustic music, and it prepared our hearts to pray, remembering Christ as our only means to go before the throne of God. Through worship and praise, the students saturated themselves in humility, joy and dependence on the Lord. Furthermore, the prayer leaders poured their hearts into guiding the students to pray at key points. We prayed for the unreached, for peace in the Middle East, and for mission revival of the global church. Students were united as a body of Christ and offered their prayers lifting the scripture and their thoughts with faith. Their unwavering dedication ensures a bright future for our community and reflects the strong faith that is growing inside of them.
The environment of that night, the intensity of adoration and love, resonates even today. When we finished the night by singing “More like Jesus,” it reminded us of what Christ had done for us and reflected our desire to be like Him here at Southern Seminary and Boyce College, as well as around the world. During the closing worship song, it was amazing to see everyone’s passion to praise God and seek His will, as well as their eagerness to pray for the lost.
Here are brief testimonies from the students who attended the Worship and Prayer Night:
“The Worship and Prayer Night at the Jenkins Center was a time to focus on the needs of the world as well as our city. The guided prayers allowed me to hear what prayers are on my brothers’ and sisters’ hearts, as well as understand what the Spirit is putting on my own heart. Worshiping the Lord and hearing His promises repeated that night spurred me on to continue keeping the Gospel at the forefront, as our prayer is to see all Muslims come to know Jesus Christ as Savior.” –Cassidy Lamb
“I enjoyed the conversational approach to prayer and the commitment shown by participants. The praise and worship was amazing. God moved in my heart and caused an overflowing joy as I worshiped Him through praises.” –Amos Luka
“The Worship and Prayer Night was extraordinary – partly because it was rather ordinary. As we gathered simply to pray and sing the praises of our great God, I was reminded who this is all about and why we pursue what we pursue. It’s about something so much bigger than us, our lives, our passions or even our prayers – it’s about the glory of the only God and making known what He has done. Spending time in worship and prayer was such a sweet reminder and reset as we rely on Him to do what only He can.” –Sarah Bryson