When you trace the history of significant Christian revivals, or of any major social or political change for that matter, you almost always find that students have been the catalysts, the metaphorical (and sometimes literal) fire-starters. As far back as the very first Universities, built in the 16th century, students have been active in bringing change and breakthrough.

The 100-year Moravian prayer meeting, that 24-7 prayer draws it’s inspiration from, arguably began as the direct result of the prayers of a student at Halle University in the early 1700s – a young Zinzendorf, committing himself to a life of obedience to Christ, kindness to all people, and of carrying the Gospel to all nations, could hardly have known what that simple vow would unfold into – a torrent of prayer, mission and justice that has spread all over the world. And 24-7 prayer itself began amongst students who were inspired by this story and then decided to pray themselves.

In the UK there are over 2 million students – and 300,000 of those come from beyond our shores. Unsurprisingly, most of these students don’t know Jesus, and even those who do often find it hard to stay true to their faith when they start University – such is the pressure to live differently, to doubt previously-held beliefs, and such is the lack of godly role models to support and guide them through this period of transition.

The current student generation has almost no idea of the relevance and the life-changing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Clever strategies, catchy brands and expensive programs to communicate the Gospel certainly help, but alone they are not the answer. The history of Christian revivals shows us something undeniable – that the tide turns when God’s people pray.

We want to see students praying for their friends, praying for their University campuses, praying and living-out those prayers, 24-7 – on every University campus in the UK.
Part of the 24-7 Prayer vision is to encourage another generation of students to live 100% for Jesus, to be rebels and reconcilers for the Kingdom of Heaven. Whether you’re a student at University, or a student-worker, or a local group or church with a vision to encourage and engage with students, we want to support and resource you. Here are a few tips to get started;

What you can do if you’re a student:

• Get together with your friends and pray for your University campus and the students there
• Prayer walk round your University campus, halls and streets where you know other students live
• Host a day, a weekend, or even a week of 24-7 Prayer. In the past, students have converted their bedrooms into prayer spaces, used tents, chaplaincies and even churches! Let you’re imagination run wild
• Pray for your departments or faculties. You could meet every week to prayer for the staff, lecturers and students in your department?
• Get connected to the 24-7 Students facebook group

And if you live in a shared house:

• Invite fellow students round for meals + turn a spare corner (or shed!) into a prayer area
• Read this story and be inspired
• Look at our rhythms of prayer section
• Tell your friends your praying for them!
• Pray together

What you can do if you’re a church:

• Pray for students in your church… they are missionaries!
• Pray for your local university and the students in your town or city
• If you’re running a prayer week have a focused area to pray for students
• AND – don’t forget to register your prayer week if you do one!