If you are looking for a structure for your faculty prayer gathering, consider this template that follows the Gordon T. Smith’s model for prayer from Teach Us to Pray.
Thanksgiving
God, we are thankful for the college/university and the learning that takes place here.
We are thankful for the ideas and thinking and creativity that happens in this space.
We give thanks for faculty who teach and staff who support the whole campus.
Here our prayers of thanksgiving:
[Space for spoken or silent prayers]
Lament
God, we lament when learning does not happen in this space.
We lament when departments become overly concerned with internal politics and power plays.
We lament when work piles up so high it seems there is not room to breathe.
We lament when anyone gets their identity from their performance and intellectual skills rather than having their identities grounded in you.
Hear our prayers of lament:
[Space for spoken or silent prayers]
Asking for Help
God, please encourage the faculty and protect them from discouragement.
Please give the faculty joy in their work.
Please help the faculty prioritize their time, leaving room for family, relationships and space to attend to their souls.
Please help the faculty know how to live faithfully as Christians in an academic environment.
Here are prayers for help:
[Space for spoken or silent prayers]
