Students prepare their hearts for the election with night of prayer

By Sam Sofio

Students of Cedarville University gathered together at 7 p.m. on Monday, the night before the looming Presidential election, in Alumni Hall to worship and pray for a nation in trouble. 

Four university organizations partnered for the event, called Prayer For Our Nation; The university’s chapters of Students for Life, Turning Point USA, International Justice Mission and Young Women for America all participated in leading throughout the night. 

The evening began with an opening prayer from CU Students for Life and CU International Justice Mission officer Paige Johnson. After the prayer, around 50 students rose to their feet to sing “In Christ Alone.” With simply a guitar, a box drum and a lead singer, Alumni Hall was filled with one unified voice of faith and worship. 

The first speaker of the night was Vice-President of CU Turning Point USA Braedon Erwin. After reading Romans 13:1-7, Erwin encouraged students to pray in groups for the election. Shortly after, prayers began to rise.

“During the first prayer prompt, I was so encouraged to see that students were not done praying after a minute. They just kept praying and praying,” Johnson said.

The second speaker of the night was CU Students for Life officer Haley Mast. She read Colossians 1:15-16 and asked groups to pray for pro-life policies, court decisions, and leaders. 

After closing in prayer and worship, Biblical studies major Isaac Hinkle preached from Joshua 24:14-15. Hinckle’s message pointed out that Joshua knew the superior pleasure and beauty of His God compared to idols. From this heart posture, Joshua served the Lord in sincerity and faithfulness. Christians can serve the Lord in how they pray for leaders, fight for the unborn and trafficked and vote against evil laws and leaders. Also like Joshua, Christians can influence the square inch of their homes and relationships, trusting in God to multiply the impact for generations to come.

The Fourth speaker of the night was the president of Young Women for America, Maggie Jernas. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 was her focus, and she asked groups to pray for the unity of the nation, women in positions of power and the family unit. 

The Final speaker of the night was the President of the International Justice Mission, Josie Cartolano. She read multiple Scriptures such as Psalms 10:17-18 and Proverbs 31:1. The focus of her speech being God is in control, He cares for the afflicted and He calls His people to defend the poor, the needy and the oppressed. 

Cartolano closed in prayer, asking God to rescue the millions of souls out of human trafficking.

Johnson wanted students to leave Alumni Hall aware of huge issues in our nation like abortion and‬ ‭human trafficking. 

“I want them to take that to heart and involve themselves in campus chapters,” Johnson said‬ “‭It is a challenge to have lower member attendance with such a big Christian university.”‬

‭Describing the event, CU Students for Life officer Harleigh Brunette said, “I was encouraged to see the break-out groups praying‬ ‭to the Lord, asking Him to heal our nation and put in pro-life leaders. I was encouraged to see the‬ ‭body of Christ praying to Him the night before a big election. We could have been worried or‬ ‭fearful. We could have turned to anything and anyone, but we chose to turn to Christ. He is the‬ ‭only one who can bring change.”‬

Brunette said that she walked away with a peace that God is in control. 

“Nothing today is going to surprise Him,” Brunette said. “Nothing this month is going to surprise Him. I know our prayers are heard by Him, no questions asked.”

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The night ended with well-known lyrics: 

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone.”

Sam Sofio is a sophomore Professional Writing and Information Design major. He enjoys conversations about the love of Christ and aspires to write for a Christian organization.

*Photos taken by Sofio