Regardless of a student’s faith, Campus House of Prayer staff encouraged students to join them for a session of music and prayer outside the M.D. Anderson Memorial Library. | Zachary Burton/The Daily Cougar
Students and ministries on campus united on Monday to host a 72-hour prayer event in front of M.D. Anderson Memorial Library.
Susie Sawchak, a full-time employee of Campus House of Prayer, noted that the event was held every semester since Spring 2010.
“We did a kickoff last night,” Sawchak said. “We want to pray for and bless this campus. There can also be individual prayer where one can just take an hour to take the time to pray.”
Any person from any religion or faith were welcome to join the prayer event according to English senior Allison Gray, who plans on attending the event everyday in hopes that many other students will participate.
“We have different workshops going on throughout the day, on different topics. We also have worship times,” said Gray.
“It’s a place that’s open to everyone in the University where they can just come pray or ask for prayer.”
As a public institution, UH maintains the right to allow or disallow students free expression, as stated in the University’s Manual of Administrative Policies and Procedures. The University has 19 areas for outdoor organized expressive activities, 12 of which require no reservation.
Technology junior Samantha Flores happened to stumble upon the group on the way to her classes. Flores jokingly mentioned that she felt so at peace with the group that she thought about skipping class.
“We need to exercise our rights. It seems like our country is on a slippery slope where our rights are just fading away everyday,” Flores said.
The number of students substantially grew as they gathered around the circle to play music and give prayer requests. Even during the cold night, passers-by felt inclined to join.
Flores said the atmosphere of the prayer group is meditative and welcoming, especially for study time.
“It’s also just nice to pray with other students,” Flores said.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m a minority here, so it’s nice to know that there are like-minded individuals around.”
The prayer event will last until Wednesday.
