Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. – Jeremiah 6:26
What does it mean to see the campus as a crossroads? As a place of intersection where the church and academia meet? Over the years I have spent time walking across the University of Cincinnati and other campuses, praying that my eyes would be open to see this place as God does. Some days the prayers come naturally, while during others it seems like I’m just repeating what I said previous times. Either way, the discipline of being present on campus and looking has slowly changed my own heart and helped me recognize the presence of God’s kingdom in this place. It has also challenged me to step into this crossroads more fully.
As you take time to walk on campus, look at the buildings – old and new – and pray for the work going on in them. Look at posters of upcoming lectures and events. Are you drawn to attend any of them? How can you pray for them? Ask for compassion for the students, faculty, and staff walking past – and pray that they may be blessed. Ask God to show you the good way to live out the good news on campus and the courage to walk in it.
Jamie serves with InterVarsity Graduate and Faculty Ministries as an Associate Director of Faculty Ministry and as Director of the Emerging Scholars Network. Among other things, in this work she enjoys the opportunity to put into practice her doctoral research in literary pilgrimage and training in spiritual direction. She also ministers with the local faculty community at the University of Cincinnati.
Jamie, having walked across the University of Cincinnati with you last fall, I’m reminded to watch and see and pray. And I’m reminded that the Lord goes before us, doing his work and inviting us into it. Thanks for this essay!