Southwestern community gathers for Day of Prayer

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary continued its commitment to being a “seminary of the bowed head,” as emphasized by President David S. Dockery, during a special prayer chapel held on April 14.

Organized by Melena Monroe, Southwestern’s director of prayer ministries, the prayer chapel has become a recurring event held during the fall and spring meetings of the Board of Trustees. The spring meeting of the Board of Trustees was held April 14-15.

Led by faculty, trustees, students, staff, and alumni, guided prayers were offered focused on the supremacy of Christ, wisdom for seminary leadership, that the community would demonstrate good stewardship, and prayers for global missions work, the unity of Southwesterners, and the spiritual health of those involved in the institution.

“God has poured out His blessings in great abundance, and we are recipients of that,” prayed Bob Brown (’85), chairman of the Board of Trustees, during one of the times of guided prayer focused on thanksgiving.

Joe Crider, dean of the School of Church Music and Worship, prayed for Southwestern’s continued faithfulness to fulfill the will of God, emphasizing the importance that the work done on Seminary Hill continue to point to His glory above all else.

Jon Gardner, an online student pursuing his Master of Arts in Worship Leadership, led a remote prayer for wisdom over the Southwestern community, at home and abroad.

Alumnus Todd Pylant (’93), pastor of First Baptist Church in Benbrook, Texas, led a final prayer thanking God for Southwestern’s 118-year legacy of faithfulness.

“Father, we take hope in that this is Your institution,” Pylant said. “That You will accomplish Your purpose, that You will bring that work to completion, and it will continue to work and serve You until the day that our Lord and savior returns.”

Mathingmi Hongchui, a Ph.D. student pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy, led a prayer for Southwestern’s mission work.

“I asked for divine resilience against burnout and discouragement, that we might remain steadfast in suffering, humble in success, and ever seeking of God’s glory,” Hongchui said.

Chris Shirley, dean of the Jack D. Terry School of Educational Ministries who led a time of prayer for wisdom, expressed gratitude for Dockery’s leadership.

“I think Dr. Dockery’s focus on prayer over the past three to four years has not only healed us but also prepared us to rely fully on God’s wisdom to build a seminary that honors Him,” he said.

“Our hour in prayer was a holy moment,” he said.

South Carolina trustee Tim Williams (’88, ’94) expressed appreciation for the time of prayer.

“I love what’s going on here,” he said, noting recent positive developments at the seminary. Williams serves as vice chairman of the trustees.

Noting her “incredible faithfulness, insight, and spiritual sensitivity,” Crider praised the important role of Monroe in the seminary’s increased prayer focus.

“The prayer service during chapel is a clear indication of her vision and passion for the priority of prayer on our campus,” he added.

Monroe herself, while pleased with the day, looks forward to continued growth in the prayer initiative, noting a desire to better incorporate online students.