The Profound Impact of Prayer on High School Students: A Reflection on Hillcrest's Tradition

For students, nearly every day brings a new challenge, from the pressure of exams to navigating social circles. At Hillcrest, students participate in a profound practice that often goes unnoticed but is immensely powerful – prayer. The discipline of prayer birthed Hillcrest; it was used to lead the school through revival movements and financial calamity. Days devoted to prayer are a part of Hillcrest’s tradition, and honoring that tradition with annual prayer days could be a rote practice. But as students draw near to a God already near them through prayer day, they experience the transformation and development of hearts of resilience, efficacy, and a deeply knit community.

Students in high school develop many rhythms, habits, and routines. They understand how to manage complex tasks, strengthen and care for their body, and build community, to name a few developmental experiences as they mature into adulthood. However, one of the most important experiences at Hillcrest is the discipline of prayer, which can establish a dynamic of resilience in the hearts and minds of students as they build confidence in Christ by turning to Him in prayer.

Now, think about the power of coming together and sharing this spiritual journey with peers. Hillcrest's spring prayer day draws students into a circle of shared experiences and hopes. It's more than just singing songs or saying prayers; it's about building a family bound by faith where students support each other. This sense of belonging and unity is extraordinary, especially during the often turbulent teenage years.

In the spring, on Prayer Day, students joined small groups, participating in important times of worship and guiding each other to focused prayer times. Students shared Bible verses, told of God's immense greatness, and encouraged each other to think and believe deep truths evident in the world.

The day of prayer is an essential tradition at Hillcrest. But something new is the way Hillcrest intertwines prayer with classical learning. Not only do students practice math and study scientific principles, but they also express their faith through words, logic, and presentation in classes daily. This classical approach doesn't just feed the mind; it nurtures the soul, encouraging students to dive deeper into their spiritual practices. Prayer days at Hillcrest take the logical study of God’s world and place God at the right hand of orchestrating and uniting the elements in the world to a cohesive storyline that communicates and celebrates the creation work of God, the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, and the transformational power of the Holy Spirit. Times in prayer are a tangible practice of the belief students build and defend daily in their classes.

So, when you think about it, Hillcrest's focus on prayer and its classical teaching approach are more than just educational policy; they're a journey of transformation. It prepares students not just for college or careers but for life—a life filled with challenges, yes, but also with a deep, unwavering faith that guides them through. In our often too-busy lives, it's a reminder of the power of pausing, reflecting, and connecting with something greater than ourselves.