Junior organizes “24” hours of prayer and worship

February 8, 2008
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications, 417-865-2815, Ext. 7292

Springfield, Mo. — Evangel University’s CROSSwalk Student Ministries sponsored “24,” a monthly student-led prayer and worship service, on Jan. 18-19 in the chapel auditorium.

The idea started when Danielle Pagnanella, junior early childhood and elementary education double major, envisioned potential for greater spiritual growth among students. “The Lord is infinite, so you can never go so deep where there is not more of Him,” she said.

Pagnanella was inspired when she attended a portion of the Hope Community Church service, “forty5,” named for the number of hours the service lasted over a weekend. As she participated in a time of focused prayer, worship and Scripture reading, she saw possibilities for a service like this at Evangel.

“I thought it would unite a lot of students,” she said. “They would be able to pray for each other and carry each other’s burdens.”

Pagnanella consulted Sid Griffith, campus pastor, who suggested scaling down to a manageable amount of time and encouraged her to propose the idea to the CROSSwalk student board. The board approved “24” as a student-led activity.

Pagnanella staged the chapel with furniture and low lighting to create an intimate living-room setting. About 25 student volunteers played low-key music, sang or read Scripture. “Through their talents, they ushered people into the presence of God,” she said.

Nearly 300 students participated at various times during the 24-hour service, and several students expressed interest in using their talents to be involved in future services. “You could definitely see that there is such a hunger among students on this campus,” Pagnanella said.

She believes “24” provides the opportunity for students to seek God away from distractions of the residence hall, campus activities or schedule constraints.

Others echoed Pagnanella’s passion for focused time with God. “Another student said she felt the theme of this semester is ‘If you seek God, He’s going to be there — you’re going to find him,’” she said.

Pagnanella encourages students to participate in similar services at area churches, but she also thinks it is important to offer “24” on campus. “A lot of people — especially freshmen — don’t have cars,” she said. “I didn’t have a car my freshman year, and that was really hard.”

She also believes it is important for the campus community to unite in prayer. “You can relate with others — people who are going through the same things you are,” she said.

She believes there are great things ahead for “24.” “God has given me a lot of high expectations,” Pagnanella said. “I am definitely seeing them fulfilled.”

CROSSwalk Student Ministries is under the supervision of LifeWorks — The Center for Leadership and Life Calling.

For additional information, contact Danielle Pagnanella at (417) 865-2815 ext. 5315.