December 1 Scripture focus: Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
2 Pray that Sterling College would continue to pursue, in excellence, its mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith.
3 Pray for the students who are considering transferring to another college. As they seek counsel, pray that the Lord will guide them in their decisions.
4 Pray for the college’s staff as they work hard behind the scenes to maintain a day-to-day operations.
5 Lift up praise for the amazing, faithful leaders who have gone before us at Sterling College to create a strong heritage by teaching, leading, serving, and giving.
6 Take a moment to be in God’s presence today. Pray that the Sterling College campus would feel God’s presence in a very real way.
7 Thank God that places of Christian higher education like, Sterling College, are available for students to attend.
8 Scripture focus: John 14:6 "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Pray also for Board of Trustee member, Ben Ray '82, as he celebrates his birthday today.
9 Pray for our seniors who are finishing up their last semester at Sterling College. Pray that God will prepare their hearts for their next journey.
10 Finals begin today for the fall semester. Ask the Lord to bless our students and faculty with peace and wise discernment. Pray also for Heather McCreery '90, member of the Board of Trustees. Today is her birthday. Thank God for her faithful service to Sterling College.
11 As our students continue with their finals, pray that the Lord will also allow them to enjoy the final days of their semester.
12 Thank the Lord for Jordan Waite, administrative assistant for student life. She is truly a joyful servant-leader on campus.
13 As students are traveling home for the Christmas break, pray for safe travel, joy-filled time with family and friends, and a time of true rest and renewal.
14 A number of students invite friends home for the holidays. Thank God for these students and their families for opening their homes.
15 Scripture focus: Luke 1:30-33 "But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end."
16 Pray for President Scott Rich and his family. Ask the Lord to richly bless them during this Christmas season.
17 As we find ourselves in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, pray that we keep our focus on Christ.
18 Pray for students who are Christians going home to non-Christian families. Pray that they will be a light in the darkness to their loved ones.
19 Praise God for His faithfulness throughout 2024. He has blessed the college in many ways, and we look forward to seeing Him at work in the mission of Sterling College in 2025.
20 As the calendar year-end approaches, pray that God will move in the hearts of many to bless the work and mission of Sterling College with the resources needed.
21 Thank God for time spent with family and friends this Christmas season.
22 Scripture focus: Luke 1:68-70 "Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and provided redemption for His people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, just as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets in ancient time."
23 Today, Mary Knecht '68, celebrates her birthday. Mary has faithfully served on the Board of Trustees for many years. Thank God for her commitment to SC.
24 Many of our alumni serve in the armed forces. Ask the Lord to bless them and all service personnel who are on duty, away from their loved ones during Christmas.
25 Merry Christmas from all the Sterling College community! May your Christmas Day be filled with true peace and joy. "For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
26 Praise God for the lives of those who are impacting today’s world in the name of Jesus. For those working in dangerous parts of the world, pray for their safety and that God would grant them wisdom to navigate each day.
27 As many continue to gather with family and friends, pray that we are all reminded to love each other as God loves us.
28 Pray that Sterling College will be a light in this world, a discernibly different place of preparing men and women for a life of servant leadership.
29 Scripture focus: John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
30 Take time today to reflect and express your gratitude to the Lord for His love, mercies, and provision.
31 Pray in the new year of 2025. Ask the Lord to go before you and Sterling College in 2025 to guide and bless the path before all of us.
