Brothers and sisters, pray for us. –1 Thessalonians 5:25

The beginning of the fall semester is near. In just a few days, hundreds of new students and their families will join our community and begin their Vanguard University journey. And while the new students experience the hospitality of Vanguard for the first time, returning students arrive back on campus eager to continue their education Will you join our faculty and staff in praying for our new and returning students as their academic year begins August 29? 

Amanda Lebrecht, MA, MA ‘09, Associate Dean of Student Success 
“Father God, we thank you for your provision and protection over our new students and their families. We celebrate the ways you’ve shown yourself to be faithful throughout this process and the ways you will continue to reveal yourself as they seek your will for their student and your calling upon their life/lives. Please meet their needs and bless them with your goodness and constancy until graduation day. We’re honored they’ve chosen Vanguard for such a time as this and look forward to them joining our community where you remain at the center. In your precious holy name, amen.” 
 
Jeff Bussell, Director of Athletics  
“Dear Heavenly Father, we lift Vanguard University up as we get set for the 22-23 school year. I pray for our student as they take the next step in their God-given journey through VU. I pray that you would give students the grit to achieve greatness for God’s glory. May they display courage and resiliency when faced with challenges. May they have an awareness of who they are, who they want to be, and a commitment to doing whatever it takes to get there with your wisdom, guidance, faithfulness, and love. Grant them joy and peace on the journey.” 

We celebrate the ways you’ve shown yourself to be faithful throughout this process and the ways you will continue to reveal yourself as they seek your will for their student and your calling upon their life/lives.

Norlan Hernandez, PhD, Director, Jesse Miranda Center
Padre, vengo ante tu trono de gracia para traer ante ti a estos estudiantes y sus familias. En medio de la incertidumbre, podemos estar seguros de tu soberanía. En medio del caos que nos rodea, podemos descansar en tu seguridad. Oro por los corazones, las mentes y las almas de cada estudiante que llega a Vanguard. Que les proporciones todo lo necesario para que prosperen. Que orquestes su crecimiento en todas las áreas de sus vidas. Te pido que tu Espíritu Santo esté sobrenaturalmente presente durante este tiempo. Que crezcan en su conciencia de ti mientras se embarcan en su viaje académico. 

Father, I come before your throne of grace to bring before you these students and their families. Amidst the uncertainty, we can be certain of your sovereignty. Amidst the chaos surrounding us, we can rest in your safety. I pray for the hearts, minds, and souls of each student coming to Vanguard. May you provide all that is necessary for their thriving. May you orchestrate their growth in all areas of their lives. I ask your Holy Spirit be supernaturally present during this time. May they grow in their awareness of you while they embark on their academic journey. 

Renae Branthwaite, PhD, Dean of Professional Studies; Chief Diversity Officer 
Dear Father, as we begin a new chapter in our collective lives as members of the Vanguard University community, we pause to thank you for your grace thus far. We are truly grateful for all you have done to bring us to this new season, and yet we are not ashamed to ask for more grace and help as we face the upcoming challenges of this academic year. 

We pray for our students across the spectrum: from the new grandmothers and grandfathers who are restarting their higher education journey to those who just a few months ago attended senior prom, from professionals who are seeking advanced training to those pursuing their first certificates. We are so grateful that you have entrusted this geographically, racially, and ethnically diverse group of students to our care, and we reaffirm our commitment to serving them as you have called us and in a manner that affirms to them in every interaction that their stories matter. We pray that each student will have good success and an experience that extends their knowledge, deepens their faith, cultivates their character, and equips them to serve and lead with excellence. May this year be an exciting journey of joyful discovery and personal growth. 

I ask your Holy Spirit be supernaturally present during this time. May they grow in their awareness of you while they embark on their academic journey.

Itzel Calleja-Macias, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biology
Dear Lord, give to our students strength and grace as their bodies grow and discover new things, wisdom and knowledge to their minds as they try to understand, friendship and love towards their classmates and peace in the new beginnings. Fill each student with fresh enthusiasm and a heart that is excited to learn and grow. Bless them beyond measure for their willingness to pour into their education. 

Heather Jo (Smith ’98) Ambrose
A prayer for the parent leaving their student for the first time on a college campus:
Lord God, we thank you for the families that you have brought to this moment; the hard work, dedication, successes, and failures that you have seen them through. We pray for grace as these parents embrace this season of in-between with their student; between childhood and adulthood; between independence and dependence; between living down the hall to living on their own; between uncertainty and joy. Lord, we pray that you would weave your wisdom into their words as they continue to guide their children to you, even from afar. We pray for protection, safety, and health so that you may bring them together again, with a fullness of joy. Amen

A prayer for the first-time student from their parents:
Lord God, thank you for making a way for this student to follow a path that has led them to a school that knows you and loves you. We pray for a focused mind and a desire to do well. We pray for fun, laughter, and friendships with lifelong memories and heartfelt soul-searching conversations that lead to a deeper understanding of you. Give our student divine perspective filled with grace and humility as they walk boldly into the path you have set before them. Be present in their journey through the uncertainty and the joy. We pray abundant peace, protection, and safety over them as they learn and serve.

Lauren (Rolland ’02) Altermatt
May God bless this new school year. May the friends you make and the choices you make be grounded in your faith. I speak blessings upon the professors, the staff, the RAs, clubs, sports, administration, students, and community that makes Vanguard the very best. I pray peace for all the families dropping off their students this week knowing what a big transition this is. God, we pray that Vanguard will be impactful in each student’s life, through academics, friendships, and the community they will build. Psalm 16:8.