On February 27, believers around the world will come together for the Collegiate Day of Prayer, focusing their intercessions on 250 million students.

According to the Christian Post, This marks a significant expansion in the event’s scope, aiming to cover students in 195 countries.

The event, which is historically rooted back to around 1815, has been revitalized in the modern era under the leadership of Thai Lam, the CDP Executive Director. Initially observed in the United States where each major denomination prayed for campuses, this tradition faded after World War I. It was not until 2009 that Lam and his team revived this historic observance.

According to Lam, the decision to bring back the collegiate prayer day was spontaneous yet impactful. "We just looked at each other and said, ‘Hey, what hinders us from doing this again today?' And so, we registered a domain and mobilized our spheres and networks. In year one, we had 450 campuses adopted. Year two, 900,” Lam shared. This revival has seen continual growth, embodying what Lam describes as “the oldest day of prayer in American history.”

Revival of 19th Century Tradition Sparks Global Movement

The pivotal moment for the current scale of the CDP came with the Asbury University revival in early 2023. This spiritual awakening not only renewed interest in domestic campuses but also significantly heightened global awareness and participation in the event. "We were blown away by what was happening; it was what we’ve been praying for," said Lam regarding the revival.

This newfound momentum led to a strategic shift in the CDP’s outreach efforts, expanding from 20 million students across U.S. colleges to an ambitious 250 million around the globe. "It’s been a point of prayer for us since Asbury. So, the big change this year is that we’re launching the Collegiate Day of Prayer global," Lam explained.

Lam’s visionary query—what would it look like if every college campus was supported in prayer by local congregations?—is now turning into a global calling. The initiative now focuses not just on U.S. universities but spans 195 countries, reflecting the international dimension of today’s academic communities.

Crusade for Campus Ministries: Expanding Global Reach

The organization Cru, a veteran in student ministries since 1951, plays a vital role in this day of prayer. Their deep-rooted commitment to praying for education aligns perfectly with the CDP’s objectives. Dan Allan, Cru’s executive director of Mission Expansion, confirmed, "Our deep commitment to interceding for students and faculty has naturally aligned with the vision of the Collegiate Day of Prayer."

Allan reflected on the influence of last year's Asbury revival on the prayer day's visibility and reach. "Renewed spiritual hunger significantly increased awareness of the Collegiate Day of Prayer among believers," Allan noted. He also emphasized the efforts to encourage participants to adopt a three-campus prayer focus—locally, nationally, and internationally.

This year, organizers continue to rally believers to not only support existing campus ministries but also to initiate new ones. Allan expressed optimism, stating, “We are trusting God to stir hearts and raise many who will take the next step in campus ministry — whether by supporting an existing ministry in their community or stepping out in faith to start something new."

Intercession as a Catalyst for Lasting Commitment

The Collegiate Day of Prayer is not just an event but a movement that seeks to ignite a lasting spiritual commitment among participants. With a robust international network and a lineage of prayer dating back over a century, the event's coordinators aim for a significant impact on academic institutions worldwide.

Lam’s reflection on the past highlights the evolution of this prayer day from a national observance to a global phenomenon. Each year has brought growth and an increase in campuses and nations involved, showing the tremendous potential for spiritual renewal through collective prayer.

Allan summarized the essence of the Collegiate Day of Prayer's mission: “Ultimately, we pray this day ignites a lasting commitment to intercede for students and faculty, believing God for transformation on campuses across the nation and beyond.” This global day of prayer seeks to nurture an enduring spiritual commitment that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, fostering a network of support around the globe.