By Dr. Stan Norman

President, Williams Baptist University

“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face… For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” —Colossians 2:1–5

One of the remarkable privileges of the Christian faith is that our participation in God’s work is not limited by geography. Through our union with Christ and the ministry of prayer, believers can genuinely participate in the advance of the gospel even when separated by great distances.

This is the encouragement we find in Colossians 2:1–5. Although Paul had never met many of the believers in Colossae face to face, he was deeply invested in their spiritual welfare. He struggled for them in prayer, participating in God’s work among them despite his physical absence. Though absent in body, he remained present in prayer.

That same privilege belongs to every follower of Christ today.

God has graciously given His people the gift of prayer, enabling us to participate meaningfully in ministries far beyond the places where we physically serve. Prayer is not simply expressing good wishes from afar; it is joining in God’s work. Through prayer we encourage His servants, seek His wisdom and power, and participate in the accomplishment of His purposes. Though absent in body, we can faithfully share in the work of the gospel through the extraordinary gift of prayer.

As another academic year begins at Williams Baptist University, I want to extend a heartfelt invitation to Arkansas Baptists. Join us in our mission of cultivating Christ-centered leaders who make a difference through their life work.

Pray for Williams Baptist University.

For generations, Arkansas Baptists have faithfully partnered with Williams Baptist University. Churches have entrusted students to our care. Alumni and friends have invested generously in the University’s mission. Pastors have encouraged young men and women to pursue a Christ-centered education. Countless faithful servants have given their time, wisdom, and resources to strengthen this ministry.

We are profoundly grateful for every expression of that partnership. Yet there is one way every Arkansas Baptist can join our mission regardless of where they live, what church they attend, or whether they have ever set foot on our campus.

Pray for Williams Baptist University.

In a previous article, I wrote that every Christian university rests upon two indispensable foundations: the Word of God and prayer. That conviction remains unchanged. A Christian university cannot fulfill its mission through excellent faculty, sound finances, beautiful facilities, or innovative programs alone. Those blessings are important, but they can never substitute for wholehearted dependence upon the Lord.

We must faithfully obey God’s Word and continually seek His face through prayer.

Throughout Scripture, the work of God has always advanced through praying people. The saints of the Old Testament sought the Lord before acting. The early church devoted itself to prayer as the gospel spread throughout the world. Above all, our Lord Jesus repeatedly withdrew to commune with His Father before the defining moments of His earthly ministry. If the Son of God lived in continual dependence upon prayer, how much more should those who serve in His name?

Jesus declared in John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me."

Those words are not merely comforting—they are foundational. Williams Baptist University can do nothing apart from the Lord Jesus Christ. Our mission, our accomplishments, our activities – everything – depends upon abiding in Him. Apart from His presence, His wisdom, and His power, our efforts are ultimately fruitless. But as we abide in Christ, He graciously bears fruit through us for His glory. One of the primary way we abide in Christ is through prayer.

As we prepare to welcome students to campus for another academic year, I invite Arkansas Baptists to become active partners in this mission through prayer.

Pray that God would consecrate this University for His purposes and use every classroom, athletic court or field, residence hall, office, chapel service, and work experience as an instrument for transforming lives.

• Pray for our faculty as they teach with biblical conviction and academic excellence.
• Pray for our coaches as they disciple young men and women through competition and character formation.
• Pray for our staff and administrators as they faithfully steward the responsibilities and mentor the students God has entrusted to them.

Ask the Lord to grant each of us wisdom, faith, courage, discernment, humility, perseverance, peace, and, above all, Christlike love.

Pray for the students God is bringing to Williams Baptist University.

• Pray for returning students as they continue to grow academically and spiritually.
• Pray for new students as they begin this important chapter of their lives.

• Pray that students who do not yet know Christ will come to saving faith.
• Pray that those who already belong to Him will mature into faithful disciples who will serve Christ throughout their lives.

Pray also that God would deepen the culture of prayer on our campus. We long for Williams Baptist University to be known not only as a Campus of Christian Purpose but also as a University marked by humble dependence upon the Lord. Pray that God will strengthen the prayer movement already taking root among our faculty, staff, and students. Aks the Lord to make prayer an enduring rhythm of our campus life.

Finally, pray boldly. Ask the Lord to send genuine revival and spiritual awakening to our campus. Ask Him to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine as He works through Williams Baptist University for the advance of His kingdom.

If the Lord so leads, I invite Arkansas Baptist churches to join our mission by dedicating a few moments during an upcoming worship service or prayer gathering to pray for Williams Baptist University.

As this new academic year begins, please remember Williams Baptist University before the Lord—not only in the days ahead, but faithfully throughout the year. Your prayers are one of the most meaningful ways you can partner with us in cultivating Christ-centered leaders who make a difference through their life work.

May the Lord make the Campus of Christian Purpose a Campus of Bowed Head!

Note: Dr. David S. Dockery used the phrase " A campus of bowed heads" during his President’s Report at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary alumni luncheon at the Southern Baptist Convention. He described Southwestern as “a seminary of bowed heads,” reflecting the seminary’s unwavering commitment to prayer. This expression deeply resonates with me, and I have adopted its use for our own mission.