Prayer on the mountain

by Ava Swearingen, student writer

What are our responsibilities? A part of Harding’s Big Questions initiative, this is the question Dr. Scott Adair assigned to a group of students in his freshman Bible class last year. Lora Bensinger, Hope Roberson and Maggie Westerholm responded by creating a brand-new campus ministry: On The Mountain.

On The Mountain is a prayer ministry that has been active since last fall. Now sophomores, the three emphasized the responsibility that students have to maintain communication with God, and, beyond that, to utilize prayer as service. They thought there was no better way to do this than to create a space where students could gather to pray for each other.

The ministry group’s name comes from their theme verse, Luke 6:12, when Jesus prayed on the mountain all night before choosing his apostles. They have weekly meetings on Mondays: one group from 12-1 p.m. and another from 1-2 p.m. in Shores Chapel. Here, students gather to read and pray over anonymous requests. Prayer requests can be submitted through a survey available via QR code on posters all over campus and on a slide before and after chapel. After the group goes through the anonymous requests, there is an allotted time for present members to share any personal concerns they may have. 

For members of this ministry, its impact is strongly felt. Most college students are familiar with a busy schedule, and it can be difficult to find times for spiritual growth throughout the week. On The Mountain provides both a break in the chaos and a chance for students to spend intentional time with and reach for the Lord. Those who send in prayer requests can find peace in the knowledge that their need is being continuously taken to God. Additionally, those who submit anonymous prayer requests through the Google form have the option to provide their campus box number. If they do so, they can expect notes of encouragement to arrive as a reminder that they are being cared for by a group who is passionate about their faith and want to be a support system. 

When asked about the importance of a prayer group like this, Lora Bensinger said, “There’s something really powerful in praying with other people out loud. When one person is praying in a group, everyone’s heart is reaching up to the Lord with those same thoughts and words. … Praying by yourself is important because you’re growing that relationship with God, but praying with others is important because you’re spurring on and encouraging each other.” 

In the future, Bensinger, Roberson and Westerholm hope On The Mountain will keep being an encouragement to its members and to the Harding community. They want to see the room full in their time here, but they also want it to continue past their graduation date. To them, prayer is our responsibility, but it is also our great joy.