This semester’s Day of Prayer simultaneously celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which led to a unique experience for those who have just transferred to Covenant or those who are experiencing Day of Prayer for the first time.
The day started out with a 7 a.m. sunrise service. The cold weather and gusting winds had no effect on the absolutely beautiful sunrise, accompanied by a wonderful group of singers and Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Those that attended also received hot chocolate and donuts, and had the chance to sing together.
Afterwards, most students dispersed to the halls to spend time in prayer with their hallmates or to take part in joint hall adventures. Two halls from Founders, Jungle and Ekklesia, decided to have a pancake breakfast that quickly turned into a contest between Anna Shields ’23 and Casen Bailey ’24 to see who could make the most pancakes, with the winner being Shields by a landslide. They ended their brother-sister hall event with a reading of Psalm 40 from Bailey.
From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. people attended prayer time inside the chapel, followed by a lecture from Johnathan Johnson. The lecture was only attended by eight people, four of them from Balcony.
The lecture focused on three key topics: prefer grace, promote growth, and don’t throw away people. These key aspects, in the words of Lucy Sicks ’24, “change how we as Christians enter into discussions in a culture who would rather cancel people than engage those with differing views.”
For both Caroline Webb ’24 and Sicks, the lecture was insightful and encouraging. They both had only positive things to say about the event. For Sicks, this lecture “deeply encouraged me to enter into our culture with love and grace towards others.”
The day ended with a concert from the Hill Sisters, three Covenant College singers who often perform in chapel. Tacy Snyder ’22, the RA of Jungle hall, did have the chance to attend. “I really enjoyed it!” she said. “I didn’t have the chance to stay for the full concert, but what I heard was amazing!”
Overall, this semester’s Day of Prayer was full of rest and relaxation, as well as chances to connect with other Covenant students. Those interviewed all look forward to their future days of rest and the connections they will bring.