What is the GFU Prayer Network?

Reported By: Kate Mack

Illustrated By: Addie Patterson

The George Fox University (GFU) Prayer Network has been a small but mighty force on campus. Led by Alvin Lai, the Prayer Network began advertising in the fall of 2023 and has continued to grow throughout the year. The Prayer Network sponsors multiple events on campus and is led by inspiring students and faculty who are passionate about returning students to the Lord through prayer. 

The Prayer Network began when Lai attended a Mission Conference Connection hosted by multiple churches. Lai was amazed at the community and prayer life that these churches had. Their prayer communities connected church members and gave people the opportunity to pray and connect with the Lord in times of need and struggle. Lai left this conference inspired, and hoped to bring this to the GFU campus. 

Though the Prayer Network began in the fall, it has already sponsored and assisted in multiple events around campus. The Prayer Network has played an important role in planning The Burn, an event aimed at connecting students through prayer, and starting a prayer rhythm every Sunday available for students, alumni, parents, and faculty. The Network has provided the opportunity for anyone who wants to get involved to receive encouraging emails and other information about prayer.

For anyone who wants to get involved, there are multiple ways to do so both digitally and in person. The Prayer Network has both an Instagram (@georgefoxprayernetwork) and a linktree. For those wishing to get involved in person, they can attend events like The Burn, Praying for the Walls, or they can contact Lai. 

According to Lai, The Prayer Network has connected multiple students and faculty and is shifting people towards prayer every day. Their goal is to change not only the view of prayer but also the view of GFU as a Christian community. It has become all too common for college to seem transactional, but by being involved in The Prayer Network, students can invest in GFU spiritually long after they have graduated, explained Lai. The Prayer Network seeks to remind students to slow down during the day and to think beyond this moment and yourself.