George Fox University Collegiate Day of Prayer
February 26, 2026
A Liturgy of Prayer
Dear Families,
We believe that God desires to be in ongoing conversation with his beloved children. This conversation is the most significant way that you can support your student during his/her journey through college. Today is our annual Collegiate Day of Prayer. We invite you to join with us in praying for the George Fox community and to use this liturgy to guide you as you pray.
Grace and Peace to you,
The University Pastors
Prayers of Praise
God, we stand in awe of you today. You are our firm foundation, our refuge, and our Good Shepherd. You have led your people throughout the ages. You have been faithful to George Fox University and to our family.
We begin by celebrating who you are, Jesus.
(Take some time to offer prayers that describe God--attributes that you appreciate about God. (e.g., “God you are faithful,” “you are loving,” etc.)
Prayers of Confession
God, we stand in awe of you today. You are the one who gives us hope, who steadies us in uncertain times, and comforts our souls. Throughout the generations, you have been a dwelling place for your people, and we see your fingerprints clearly on the history of George Fox University and within the stories of our own families. We begin by simply celebrating who you are, Jesus: our Teacher, our Redeemer, and our Friend.
(Take a moment to offer your own words of praise. Speak aloud or in your heart the attributes of God you are most grateful for today: e.g., "God, you are the Prince of Peace," "You are the God of new beginnings.")
We come before you now, aware of our own human weakness and our tendency to wander from your path. We confess that we often try to carry our burdens alone, forgetting that you are our strength and our provider. We need your guidance to navigate the complexities of life, your healing for our hidden hurts, and your mercy for the ways we have fallen short of your love.
(Consider offering personal prayers for your student, for your family, and for the university community where you sense a need for God’s grace, forgiveness, and renewed strength.)
Read: Mark 12:28-34
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”
“Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Prayers of Intercession
As we turn to prayer for others, I invite you to close your hands into a fist. As you visualize each of these needs, offer that mental picture to God. When you feel you have fully released that request into his care, open your hands into flat, open palms before moving to the next.
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Pray for your student: Ask for a deepening of their character, a sense of belonging, and that they would feel the reality of God's love in their daily life.
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Pray for the spiritual life of the university: For the Holy Spirit to guide every aspect of life at Fox. Pray for students encountering the heart of Jesus for the first time.
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Pray for the employees of George Fox: For the leaders making difficult decisions, the professors mentoring minds, and the staff who care for the grounds and serve behind the scenes.
- Pray for those preparing for graduation: That they would transition into the world with courage, finding meaningful work, supportive churches, and lifelong friendships.
- Pray for academic perseverance: For clarity during seasons of heavy assignments and for a spirit of curiosity to outweigh the spirit of stress.
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Pray for future students: For those currently deciding to join this community, that they would feel peace and clarity in their calling.
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Pray for health and safety: For a hedge of protection over the campus and for the emotional and physical well-being of every student and employee.
Prayers of Thanksgiving
Lord, thank you for the many ways we have experienced your provision and your nearness. Thank you for the privilege of this conversation and for the comfort of being fully known and fully loved by you. We are grateful for the gift of this community and for the ways you continue to work in our lives.
(Offer your own specific prayers of thanksgiving for the growth you have seen in your student and the ways God has shown his faithfulness to you lately.)
In the Name of Jesus we pray,
Amen.