Spring 2021 Day of Prayer

March 26, 2021
Day of Prayer Back of Woman in Chapel   TIU DAY OF PRAYER AND WORSHIP “[I]f my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). As a Christian learning community, Trinity is also a community that worships in faithfulness, marked by earnest prayer for God’s continual guidance and provision. On Trinity’s Day of Prayer for the spring semester 2021, students, staff, faculty, and administration gathered together to pray. Classes were cancelled so that students could spend the day focused on prayer. In anticipation for Trinity’s Day of Prayer, President Nicholas Perrin shared why this day is so important for our community: “In the face of tragedies and ongoing challenges, let us recall our need to abide in Christ. God to bless Trinity, we must abide in Christ. For God to help us endure difficult times, we must abide in Christ. For God to accomplish his purposes in our individual lives and the life of our community, we must abide in Christ.” Chapel The day kicked off with a chapel service available in-person and online. Professor Chuck King led worship and students shared testimonies before President Perrin spoke on 2 Chron. 7:11-18. Day of Prayer Guys Praying“We can’t stand in solidarity without prayer and we can’t ask for healing without first asking for forgiveness,” said President Perrin. Senior psychology major Hailey Baker shared about the power of roommates and having a supportive community on days she feels frustrated, tired, or that life is out of control. After a roommate taped a note of encouragement on her door she realized that anything in God’s control is never out of control. MDiv and Systematic Theology student Kazusa Okaya completed two years of his studies in Japan before coming to Deerfield last year, right before the pandemic. He shared about his experience and how incredible it will be when people ask, ‘What were you doing during the pandemic?’ that he’ll be able to say he was studying God’s Word.  Provost Wayne Johnson closed chapel with prayer and the reciting of the doxology. Throughout the day, various student groups provided opportunities for prayer and worship: Mosaic Ministries and Intercultural Development Office Mosaic Ministries had guided prayer stations in lower Waybright focused on praying for the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Stations included reflection on a poem about the Asian-American experience; prayer for the lives lost in the recent Atlanta shooting; opportunity to express your prayer with art; intercession for prayer requests listed; confession and repentance to God; and time to reflect on action steps to take. FREE FREE, the student-led worship group, led students in a time of worship and reflection. FREE meets weekly on Thursdays at 9 pm in the chapel. Musician Stephen Largent, a BA/MA Bioethics major, said, “The Day of Prayer is a great reminder to take a break and set time aside for the Lord. As a musician, participating in worship music is a necessity for me.” Emerging Leaders The Emerging Leaders group collected prayer requests in Waybright and led a guided prayer time. Each group prayed for two missionaries along with specific prayers for Trinity International University. Women’s Ministry Council (WMC) The Women’s Ministry Council gathered together for Cookies and Calligraphy. Sophomore Gabriela Clarke taught the group hand lettering basics and went over different strokes and styles. After the instruction, students were invited to come up and get supplies, including a brush pen of their choice to take home. Freshman Makayla Boyd, a 5-Year BA/MDiv student, then gave a message from 2 Cor. 4:7-18 on the topic of hope. We’re thankful for everyone who joined in the Day of Prayer. If you missed chapel, check out the service here.