Prayer Day Reinforces Classical Disciplines in Mentorship and Character Formation
Students gathered in circles to pray in a century-old tradition that guides learning at Hillcrest. The tradition of Prayer Day serves as a powerful reminder of the centrality of prayer in the Christian faith and Hillcrest’s commitment to fostering spiritual growth in its students. This day not only allows students and faculty to pause from their regular academic routines but also invites them into a deeper relationship with God and each other through intentional times of prayer.
On this prayer day, organizers led a purposed training in prayer, guiding students in praying out loud in their small groups, a uniting of the classical model taught at Hillcrest with rhetoric and the spiritual emphasis students receive as part of their ongoing training at the Castle. Teaching prayer at Hillcrest is more than a simple exercise; it is a dynamic part of discipleship and mentorship. When students learn to pray, they engage in a practice that draws them closer to God, aligning their hearts with His will. But it also teaches them how to be mentored. In prayer, they practice humility, opening their lives to spiritual guidance from God and others. Learning to pray is like learning to be led—a key component of mentorship in the Christian life.
In a classical education system like Hillcrest's, spiritual disciplines like prayer are vital. The classical model, focusing on the formation of intellect, character, and faith, inherently supports practices that encourage contemplation, discipline, and growth in virtue. Prayer is essential to this model, as it disciplines the heart and mind, nurturing wisdom and understanding that transcends mere knowledge. Classical education encourages students to pursue truth, goodness, and beauty—principles deeply rooted in a relationship with God, fostered through prayer.
Hillcrest’s tradition of Prayer Day is a unique opportunity for students to experience these truths firsthand. It is a day of reflection and community, where prayer becomes a shared experience, cultivating a sense of belonging and discipleship. As students grow in their prayer life, they develop a stronger faith foundation that helps them navigate life's complexities and prepares them to be leaders and mentors in their communities.
The tradition of Prayer Day underscores the importance of raising students who are intellectually engaged and spiritually grounded. At Hillcrest, prayer is woven into the fabric of the student experience, reinforcing our mission to build faith, develop intellect, and strengthen character. As Hillcrest continues to raise students in the classical tradition, Prayer Day remains a cornerstone of spiritual growth, shaping hearts and minds for lives of service, wisdom, and grace.