This one was my favorite

When did you last set aside time to pray? Sure, small groups and Bible studies abound on the X campus, but many still find that making time for their faith is difficult.

“The minute I sit down to spend some time [with God] the distractions keep coming,” said Courtney X, a theology major in her senior year. She mentioned classes and lack of sleep as the main obstacles in setting aside time for her faith. Courtney said making time for prayer is something she’s been more successful at this semester than in any other semester in her college career, but noted that she’s still busy. She’s simply made it a priority. “If I find myself really getting distracted, I’ll do something else for a while so I can focus later,” she said, adding that sometimes physical activity helps keep her alert.

Keith X, professor of theology, advised looking to Jesus as the model of how to properly spend time with God. “He did it by himself and pulled his disciples away for it as well. We are made to have a break from constant activity.”

Chaplain Terry X agrees. “Sabbath is really important,” he said, defining “sabbath” not as Sunday, but as an extended block of time used to break the rhythm of life for rest and worship. Terry believes that our fast-paced culture does nothing to encourage sabbath and commented that he hasn’t found many students at X who practice taking a regular time of rest.

However, both Terry and Keith were quick to note that “quiet time” is by no means the only way to connect with God. “For centuries it was the practice of Christians to gather regularly morning and evening to pray together.” That’s been lost, Terry said, partly because our society is so focused on the individual.

“The totality of one’s life is devotion to God,” said Keith, explaining how people can miss the point when it comes to “devotions.” “I don’t think prayer and scripture are the only avenues of worship. The effort you put into your coursework is worshipping God.” Keith stressed that being a good steward is part of worship.

But what should a student do when in need of a Sabbath? How can someone make time for a break when busy being a good steward in academics?

“It’s a time-management issue,” said Keith, who recommends keeping a log of how you spend your time. “I think people would find it very interesting,” he said, noting that many of us waste time on pointless activities.

For those who have trouble finding a place to get away to, some imagination may be needed. Courtney cites the dorm basement and laundry room as good places to go when it’s too cold to venture into the Back 40. X has no full-time prayer chapel, largely due to space limitations. However, there are now prayer meetings at noon in the Chapel on Wednesdays. People can come with prayer requests, or pray for requests that have been submitted via the college’s website.

Another unique option is a visit to the Open Door theme house located at X. The residents of the Open Door have created an off campus prayer chapel. Mary Trotter, one of the Open Door’s residents, said she felt a place for prayer was needed through her experience with dorm life as an underclassman.

“Personal and soul health is as important as your grades,” Trotter said.