InterVarsity's StudentSoul.org

“While nearly everyone agrees that we need to pray more as chapters, getting people to pray together is like jump-starting an aircraft carrier,” writes InterVarsity staff worker Dave Ruark. “Why is that?” You want to join with friends in praying for your campus, but your fellow students may dread stereotypical prayer meetings — they can be deadly dull and difficult to keep active. Here are some resources that can help.

Corporate prayer handbook

This Microsoft Word format handbook is a labor of love by Dave Ruark and a number of other contributors. Foundational articles and several case stories are followed by practical suggestions. The real gems are the “Sample /Pre-Planned Prayer Gatherings” starting on page 17 — prayer focused around topics such as chapter building our vision statement evangelism, using the campus newspaper, dorms, racial reconciliation and more.

Prayer coordinator’s supplement

Are you in charge of coordinating prayer for your group on campus? If so, and if you’re struggling for clarity or directions, here is an excellent place to start. This Word document covers topics such as a prayer coordinator’s job description, helps for prayer coordinators, books on prayer, sample guides for prayer partners, retreats of silence, prayer walks and 24/7 prayer rooms. To help you get started specifically with your campus, download Concerted prayer diagnostic questions.

Tuning up a boring prayer meeting

This article, also by Dave Ruark, is on the archived Student Leadership journal site. Dave writes, “In a timeless essay titled ‘Conversational Prayer Meetings,’ W. C. Lantz describes most corporate prayer today as standing in line at the mall to see Santa Claus. You wait for your turn. Maybe you listen to what the other kids ask for so you might get an idea or maybe you are too busy trying to figure out what you are going to say to Santa. Each person goes through their entire list and then it’s the next person’s turn. . . . instead, God wants a family conversation.” Dave not only calls for a flowing conversation of prayer, he offers practical ways to help facilitate good prayer meetings that are a delight.

Help for prayer coordinators

Ram Sridharan spells out from practical experience what leading prayer in a campus fellowship entails, and then offers good suggestions for implimenting prayer and communicating well to the larger group. Ram has a pastoral heart and believes that leadership is crucial. “Sheep don’t stop being sheep just because they’re in a prayer meeting,” he says. “Leadership is still necessary. The prayer leader sets the agenda and format of the prayer meeting so that people can be led through a meaningful time with Jesus.” While this article currently sits on an older version of the Student Leadership journal website, the content is timeless.

What other helps or resources would you like to see in the area of prayer? What issues or questions do you face in praying or leading prayer? Feel free to leave a comment below.