Students gather for Wednesday convocation

What do prayer and grocery shopping have in common? Lists! Daniel Henderson, Assistant Professor of Renewal and Church Leadership at Liberty University, said it is common for people to pray because of a crisis or when they have a list of requests they want God to fulfill. At Wednesday’s convocation, Henderson — also the Pastor of Renewal at Thomas Road Baptist Church — challenged LU students to see prayer, instead, as a time of strengthening their relationship with God.

“God’s giving you the opportunity right now to experience something that will forever change your life,” he said. “Worship-based prayer doesn’t begin with a list — it begins with God’s word.”

There are many passages in the Bible that encourage and command Christians to seek God’s face, he said. II Chronicles 7:14 states: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

“God’s hand is what He does for us, and God’s face is who He is,” Henderson explained.

Christians who spend time in prayer seeking God’s face instead of simply praying for specific requests will experience blessings while maturing their faith, he said. He encouraged students to open the Bible the next time they pray, in order to see how God’s word should shape their prayers.

“The life-changing power of worship-based prayer brings about five realities: God is glorified; I am sanctified; we are edified; the enemy is notified; and the world is mystified.”

SPECIAL MUSIC

Ashley Albury sang “When the Time Comes,” during Liberty’s special music portion of the Aug. 26 convocation.

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Ergun Caner, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary’s President, will begin a Campus Church series titled “Holy Hand Grenades” at 7:45 p.m. tonight in the Vines Center.
• On Thursday, Aug. 27 the Office of Commuter Affairs will be hosting a meet-and-greet event at the Legacy at Linden Park apartment complex so LU commuters in this complex can get to know one and other. The event will take place from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. and attendees will receive free pizza.
• Students only have a limited time left to drop or add courses to their fall class schedule. Friday, Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. is the deadline for dropping/adding courses free of charge.
• If you have been intrigued by Liberty’s new Snowflex ski slope, Saturday Aug. 29 is your chance to experience all the facility has to offer. At 1 p.m. LU will hold a grand opening ceremony that will include almost 30 professional skiers and snowboarders.