Prayer for Reaching Students During Stressful Times

Finals, papers, exams, tests, quizzes, and on and on the list goes. Do you remember your stress level during college? Did you know that suicide is the second most common cause of death among college students (American College Health Association - ACHA)? College students are often away from home and friends. They're living with strangers, far from their support systems, and working under intense pressure - with disrupted sleeping, eating and exercise patterns. You could hardly design a more stressful atmosphere, particularly around the end of the semester, with final papers and exams.

This creates incredible opportunities to speak into the hearts and lives of college students. If you stand in the doorway to any college library, you will see the depression, despair, hopelessness and frustration. This was us and often is us during hard times as well. When we get to this place, we turn towards Jesus, who says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

Imagine if you didn't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Where do you turn then? This is why college ministry is so important. We can pray and reach students during critical times and show them the peace, joy and rest that Jesus offers us.

Please pray during this season that God will raise up more college workers to intercede for college students and walk them to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Pray for students to cry out to Jesus and allow him to help them during these difficult times. Pray for our work at Montgomery County Community College, Del Val University, and Gwynedd Mercy University.