Universities Join Penn State in 40-Day Email Prayer Series

CS Heinz : Nov 25, 2011
PrayPSU.org

"As the events unfold at Penn State, we believe God is saying important things. The best hope for change is to agree with God by saying what He's saying. The lion has fallen, and we are in free fall. But if we heed God's Words, a New Lion will arise in Lion Country." –CS Heinz

Students and faculty from other universities have joined Penn State in a 40-day email prayer series, according to State College writer CS Heinz.

The email series called "40 Days of Prayer for PSU," will help people pray for the crisis at Penn State including the alleged victims, their families, and abuse survivors. It is available at www.PrayPSU.org.

The prayer series was created by CS Heinz and is supported by area churches. "I started getting consumed by the news reports and opinions. Then I realized I hadn't asked God what He thought about the situation," Heinz said. "So I did and that's where the idea of starting this prayer movement came from."

In addition to students and faculty at Penn State, the prayer series has attracted people from universities like Ohio State, University of Virginia, Clemson, and University of Oklahoma.

"Universities that Penn State normally competes with in sports and academia are signing up to pray for Penn State," Heinz said. "Our need for something and Someone greater than ourselves is uniting us in this dark hour. I think that's why many people are turning to prayer."

After signing up for the series, participants will receive a daily email with a devotional message, prayer point, and Bible verse. At the end of the 40 days, participants will have prayed 40 different things for the Penn State crisis.

"Many things need to change and that's why we're praying," Heinz said. Originally the series was 30 days long, but Heinz felt that 30 days wasn't enough. "In the Bible, 40 days often marked the beginning of a new season. That's what we need here, a new season."

Others agree. In addition to current faculty and students, members of the Penn State Alumni Association, one of the largest alumni groups in the world, have joined the series. Residents of State College, which is Penn State's hometown, have joined as well. And people who have been affected by sexual abuse are participating.

"Mark my words," Heinz said, "When we come together and pray, God will move."

Everyone is invited to sign up for the series at www.PrayPSU.org.