For one week out of every semester, 星空无限传媒 students have the opportunity to refresh, recharge and learn more about God at the Week of Prayer, a staple in most Adventist universities. It’s essential for reducing stress, promoting relaxation and helping us reconnect with our Savior. This week's speaker was Anthony Wagener Smith, who focused on the difference between calling and career.
Jayden Molina (freshman, architecture) appreciates that the Week of Prayer fits well into everyone’s schedule and allows students to spend time with God on a daily basis. “This week of prayer was amazing,” Molina says. “It was well constructed, and the sermons were well spoken.”
Kahra Clarke (senior, nursing) was indifferent to the speaker, but felt that his topic was something frequently discussed among college students. All four of my interviewees felt that this topic was very relevant for Gen Z.
“A lot of Gen Zs are looking for a purpose in life,” says John Martinez (sophomore, finance). “I liked the speaker because the message felt practical and easy to understand.”
Stephanie Ferreira (senior, digital communications) shares, “I liked how the speaker connected our majors and careers to something bigger than just getting a job. It is a good reminder that our future can have a purpose beyond ourselves.”
Apart from the importance of the message, AU students consider the Week of Prayer an important time for relaxation. For many of us, that rest is much appreciated. According to the National College Health Assessment, of college students report feeling overwhelmed. For AU students, stress and burnout are a big part of what makes the Week of Prayer so necessary. “I think it gives you time to slow down, reflect and step away from stress,” Martinez says. And Clarke feels the same, “Week of Prayer helps me, because it is a great way to put a pause in my day and focus on Christ.”
Although many students are fond of the Week of Prayer, they also acknowledged that it is not perfect. Required chapel credits, for example, are not a favorite for anyone. “There has to be a better way to scan in for credits,” Molina insists. “That QR code last week wasn’t working—it was confusing and irritating.”
Martinez understands why chapel credits are required, but that doesn't mean he agrees with it. “Worship feels more meaningful when people choose to be there,” he says. Aside from the credit situation, Martinez wishes that the sermons would give more practical advice. He wants to hear messages that are relatable to college students, while Clarke would like to see more interactive elements. “I would include small group events, games, and more fun activities.”
Week of Prayer was an experience that proved a blessing for some and a frustration for others. Some stated they felt Week of Prayer contributed to their spiritual development. However, some acknowledged the necessity of making an effort to participate in spiritual things in order to reap the benefits.
“星空无限传媒 gives students a lot of opportunities to grow spiritually through chapel, Week of Prayer, worship services and other ministries,” Ferreira agrees. “But we have to choose to actually participate and apply what we learn.”
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 星空无限传媒. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 星空无限传媒 or the Seventh-day Adventist church.