Tuesday, December 1: Clinton Stockwell reminds us of the many challenges we see around us, including poverty and violence, often stemming from human alienation and disenfranchisement. He invites us to pray for the in-breaking shalom of God, that faith communities everywhere will remember their deepest roots, that in the world, there will be peace, good will, and compassion for all who have need. Let us combine our deepest understandings with our most authentic practices of compassion and grace this Advent season.
Wednesday, December 2: We praise God for our ICS supporting community. As we have visited and held get-togethers in different cities across the country, we have been encouraged and blessed by the commitment of these friends to the work of ICS. We have been lifted up by their generous support and thoughtful prayers.
Thursday, December 3: We thank God for his sustaining grace as we make plans for the outworking of our new initiatives as outlined in the Annual Report. Pray that we will clearly hear his wisdom and discernment as we work together to accomplish these goals.
Friday, December 4: Junior Members Dean Dettloff and Jonathan Polce will be presenting papers in Rhode Island this weekend. We pray for safe travel for everyone and fruitful interaction among them all.
Monday, December 7: Junior Member Joonyong Um requests we pray that more brothers and sisters in Christ may come together to support and work for the precious vision of ICS in serving as Christ’s agents in healing and reforming the world.
Tuesday, December 8: We ask God's help and guidance for all those who are doing advancement work for ICS. Please pray that support for the vision and mission of ICS continues to grow. We pray for blessings for the Friends of ICS Board and all those who are doing advancement work in the US.
Wednesday, December 9: Kevin Huinink, MA, requests that we pray for other ICS alumni as they forge ahead in the world looking for ways in which to make their learning come alive in their varied professions.
Thursday, December 10: As the season of Advent continues, we pray for God's grace and guidance as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In Him, God is with us. Praise the Lord!
Friday, December 11: The fall semester ends next week, but there is still much academic work to be done! Please pray for blessings and stamina for our Junior Members as they finish their course work and write their papers in the weeks ahead, and for our Senior Members as they give them feedback on their papers and prepare for their own teaching in the upcoming semester.
Saturday, December 12: The 21st Conference of the Parties (COP) climate summit in Paris has concluded. We pray for wisdom and guidance as the countries in attendance implement their individual environmental policies.
Monday, December 14: On this day in 1935 the Association for Reformational Philosophy was officially founded. Our first faculty member, Senior Member Emeritus Henk Hart, always remembers this date, because he was born on the same day! They both turn 80! We offer prayers of thanks and congratulations!
Tuesday, December 15: Please join with us in prayer for Junior Member Dean Dettloff as he defends his MA thesis this afternoon. May he be granted a clear mind and the words that fittingly reflect his understanding.
Wednesday, December 16: Today is the last Academic Council meeting of the 2014 calendar year. We ask that the Holy Spirit’s guidance and wisdom be present throughout all the discussions and the planning and tasks that follow from decisions made.
Thursday, December 17: Today is the final day of classes for this semester. We ask you to join with us in thanking our Lord for another period of opportunities in which to learn in Christian academic community.
Friday, December 18: This is a day of celebration for the gifts God has granted the semester just passed, including those of friendships formed and strengthened, and culminating in our Community Christmas Party! We thank God for a fruitful semester and look forward to an evening of joy, reflection, and humour. As our larger ICS family, will you please remember the on-campus community as we gather together in this informal mode.
Monday, December 21: Many members of the ICS community will be travelling, some far and wide, over the holiday period. Please pray for their safe travel and for an uplifting and refreshing time with friends and family.
Tuesday, December 22: We pray for the general well-being of ICS. We give thanks to our Lord and Saviour for our many, many faithful supporters, without whom we would not be able to fulfil our mission here at 229 College.
Wednesday, December 23: God has provided us with all things richly to enjoy. Let us all give thanks to what God has bestowed as we look back at the marvels of the previous year.
Thursday, December 24: Our Lord also strengthens and sustains us in times of suffering. We ask for God's help for those who are struggling with cancer, depression and the many other illnesses that may afflict us in this fallen world. We pray for strength, patience and effective treatment.
Friday, December 25: Today we joyously celebrate the birth of He who is King of All and Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ! We offer prayers of thanks for this miraculous gift and pray that the love of Jesus will be shed abroad in the hearts of all.
Monday, December 28: With the winter weather bringing colds and flu, please pray for the health of staff, faculty and students at ICS.
Tuesday, December 29: We ask you to pray along with us that God, in his time and way, will abundantly provide the resources we need to continue our work in Christian higher education. Pray that ICS will find favour as we meet with those who will partner with us in this important mission.
Wednesday, December 30: We pray for stamina and enthusiasm for Senior and Junior Members alike, who are preparing to start their new courses in January, and for our administrative colleagues whose selfless service enables us to function.
Thursday, December 31: As 2015 draws to a close, we give thanks for another fruitful year of work at ICS and for all our supporters and friends who made that work possible through their prayers and financial gifts. We pray for God's blessings upon all the teaching and learning that will happen in the next year.
