On February 27, 2024, the Collegiate Day of Prayer (CDP) will unite believers across the globe in a powerful wave of prayer for 250 million students. This annual event, celebrated on the last Thursday of February, has gained momentum since its modern inception in 2009 and is set to involve over 700 congregations and ministries praying for students at more than 1,100 campuses.
Thai Lam, the Executive Director of CDP, shared that this initiative is rooted in a rich history of prayer on college campuses, dating back to the early 19th century. “By 1823, every major denomination had adopted this day, and it became a national observance,” he explained. However, as the world faced wars and pandemics, this tradition faded away. In 2009, a group of passionate believers decided it was time to revive this vital practice, and the response has been remarkable. Year one saw 450 campuses participating, and by the following year, that number nearly doubled.
In February 2023, the Collegiate Day of Prayer coincided with a remarkable revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, which captured the attention of the nation. This 16-day event sparked a renewed interest in spiritual matters among students and believers alike. Lam noted that the Asbury revival significantly impacted their outreach, prompting CDP to expand its focus beyond U.S. campuses to include students globally.
“We realized that of the 5 million participants last year, about half were from outside the United States,” Lam stated. “This year, we’re launching a global initiative, aiming to cover 250 million students across 195 countries.” The goal is clear: to ensure that every college campus has a dedicated group of believers praying for its students and faculty.
One of the organizations actively supporting the Collegiate Day of Prayer is Cru, a ministry founded in 1951. Dan Allan, Executive Director of Mission Expansion for Cru, emphasized the importance of prayer in their mission. “Prayer has been at the heart of our organization since the beginning. We’re thrilled to unite with others in prayer for this generation,” he said. Cru invites supporters to adopt three campuses for prayer—one close to home, one nearby, and one in another country.
The excitement surrounding this year’s observance is palpable, especially in light of the Asbury revival’s influence. Allan expressed hope that participants would connect deeply with God and feel a renewed burden to reach college students. “We trust that this day will ignite a lasting commitment to pray for students and faculty, believing for significant changes on campuses everywhere,” he added.
As the Collegiate Day of Prayer approaches, the call for believers to engage in prayer and support their local campuses has never been more urgent. Lam’s vision is inspiring: imagine if every college campus had a network of churches committed to interceding for its spiritual well-being. “What if local congregations took an active role in praying for the college down the street?” he asked. “The possibilities are endless.”
This year’s Collegiate Day of Prayer is not just an event; it’s a movement that seeks to awaken a generation. With a focus on unity in prayer, believers from all walks of life are invited to join in this mission. Whether through organized prayer gatherings or personal commitments, every prayer matters.
For more information on how to get involved, visit the official Collegiate Day of Prayer website. Join the movement and be part of something greater as we lift up the next generation in prayer.