A Global Call to Prayer: Collegiate Day of Prayer’s Expanding Reach
As the last Thursday of February approaches, a global movement gains momentum with the Collegiate Day of Prayer (CDP), aiming to unite hundreds of churches, ministries, and individuals in prayer for approximately 250 million students worldwide. This year’s event is set for February 27, with expectations of more than 700 participants spanning over 1,100 campuses.
CDP Executive Director Thai Lam shared that the origins of this observance date back to the early 19th century. “By 1823, every major denomination and every college campus of that day had adopted the last Thursday of February as this national day of prayer for campuses,” Lam explained. The tradition waned during World War I, but Lam and his team revitalized it in 2009. The initiative has seen steady growth, expanding from 450 campuses in its first year to 900 campuses the following year.
The CDP’s impact deepened after a significant event in February 2023. A revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, which lasted 16 days, resonated deeply with CDP organizers, prompting them to broaden their vision beyond the U.S. borders. Lam noted that in 2023, out of 5 million participants, half were from outside the United States, leading to the decision to include 195 countries in their prayer mission.
Lam’s aspiration for the event is that “every college campus” will be supported by local congregations or small groups committed to its spiritual nurturing. “What would it look like if every college campus had one, three, five churches, local congregations, that adopted that campus and were committed to praying for that campus?” he pondered.
Cru, a student ministry established in 1951 following a 24-hour prayer event at UCLA, is among those participating in the Collegiate Day of Prayer. Dan Allan, Cru’s executive director of Mission Expansion, emphasized the organization’s longstanding commitment to prayer. “Our deep commitment to interceding for students and faculty has naturally aligned with the vision of the Collegiate Day of Prayer,” he told The Christian Post.
This year, Cru encourages its supporters to “adopt three campuses in prayer — one close to their heart, one near their home and one in another country.” Allan credited the Asbury revival with generating a “renewed spiritual hunger,” which significantly increased interest in the Collegiate Day of Prayer.
Reflecting on the event’s outcomes, Allan expressed hope for participants to connect with the divine and develop a renewed burden for college ministry. “Ultimately, we pray this day ignites a lasting commitment to intercede for students and faculty,” he affirmed, seeing it as a catalyst for widespread spiritual transformation.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
