5 things to pray for freshers' weeks

Freshers’ weeks are kicking off all over Britain, with a record 400,000 students heading off to uni for the first time. CUs are uniquely placed to share the gospel with those students, and to support those who are already Christians when they arrive at uni.

Having just been to UCCF’s annual equipping conference, Forum, CU leaders from across the country have received training in how to welcome these new students well, but were also reminded that this is God’s work.

So, please join us in praying.

Here are five things you can be praying:

1. Good welcome

For many new students, this is a nervous time as they move away from home, perhaps to a new country, and are faced with having to make friends in a completely new situation. Add to that the ongoing concerns around Covid and it becomes even more intimidating. CUs, however, are looking to welcome as many students as possible, as well as possible. Pray that they would show Jesus’ love to every student they come across at freshers' fairs, events, on campus, and generally around their universities.

2. Confidence in the gospel

Lots of students heading to uni in the coming weeks have never had the gospel presented to them. Pray that CUs would be confident in the gospel, bold in proclaiming it, and, as Romans 1:16 says, not be ashamed of the gospel.

3. Navigating restrictions

Though students will be returning to campuses, many universities will still impose restrictions on things like numbers of people allowed to meet in uni rooms. Pray for CUs that they would be able to navigate these restrictions well, and that they wouldn’t hamper the spread of the gospel.

4. Keeping Jesus at the centre

It’s easy in the busyness of freshers’ weeks to get caught up in all sorts of things from running events to catching up with old friends, the temptation for CUs is to rely on their own strength rather than keeping Jesus front and centre. Pray that they would remain focused on Christ in everything.

5. Students would come to Christ

With a strong focus on personal evangelism using Uncover, Meals with a Message and Impact Groups, pray that, by the Holy Spirit, many would come to know Christ. Whether it happens in the first week of uni or much later, pray that, through the CUs sharing the gospel, we would see many saved.