On Founders Day, Baylor Family to Begin “1845 Prayer” for the University

Media Contact: Lori Fogleman, 254-710-6275
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WACO, Texas (Jan. 31, 2017) – As Baylor University commemorates its founding on Feb. 1, 1845 and the visionary leaders who saw their dreams of a Christian university realized, the Baylor Family also has been faithful to seek God's will as the University has grown and developed "to meet the needs of all ages to come."

This spring, the University is asking the Baylor Family to make "1845" – translated from international time to 6:45 p.m. – a significant moment of prayer each day for the University and its mission from Feb. 1, which is Founders Day, through Easter Sunday, April 16.

"Our season of prayer will overlap the Season of Lent, which is a time when followers of Jesus are repentant and honestly reflective about the need for God's grace and healing," said University Chaplain Burt Burleson. "It is a season in which we prepare for the joyful celebration of Easter and the ongoing and ultimate new life that is promised in Christ Jesus. For the Baylor Family, this will also be a season where our hearts are joined in prayer for Baylor."

Burleson has provided "The 1845 Prayer," a common prayer that students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the University may follow, or they may offer a personal prayer as the Baylor Family joins together at 6:45 p.m. daily in intercession for the University.

The 1845 Prayer

Scripture from Philippians 4:6

• Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

• 
  O God, with gratitude for your guidance in our past and commending ourselves to your sustaining presence in these days, we pray that our Baylor Family will discern with humility what is your good and perfect will. We pray that all who lead and learn, all who teach and serve, all who seek after goodness, truth and beauty, will know great inspiration, caring community, and deep, abiding hope. May we all continue to respond steadfastly each day to the calling that has been upon us for so long. Through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.