Universal Bay of Prayer for Students WORLD’S STUDENT CHRISTIAN FEDERATION November 19, 1922 Call for the Observanre of the Universal Bay of Prayer for Students “There is one body and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.” Ephesians IV: 4-6. N November 19, 1922, the World’s Student Christian Federation will celebrate the Day of Prayer for Students. It hereby sum- mons to prayer its members, its friends, and all those in the Church of Christ who have the spiritual and material welfare of students at heart. With its fellowship of over 260,000 members, students and professors, and its Relief Work in Europe touching over 90,000 students, the Federation stands in greater need than ever of the power and unity which prayer alone can bring. In one sense prayer is solitude with God. But equally true is it, that in God’s presence those we hold near and dear are infinitely nearer and dearer. The shortest cut from one soul to another is through God. The same is true of nations. Only in the light of Gad’s plan for the whole of the human family do we realize what the relationships between nations ought to be, as well as what can be the special con- tribution of each. To understand our next door neighbors, whether it be as individuals or as nations, we must turn to God and listen to His voice. Ties of work and ties of service, ties of joy and ties of suffering, may be loosened, but nothing can break the tie of prayer to God, the Father of us all. In the fellowship of our Federation we learn ever more to value the inestimable gift of our communion in God, to lay down our pride and selfishness so that Faith, Hope, and Love may overcome every obstacle. Hirst of all let there be Prayers of Chanksyiving: Let us thank God: 1. For the eleventh Conference of the Federation, the first since the war, which assembled at Peking the representatives of the students of thirty-two nations; for the disappearance of misunder- standings and distrusts; for the utterly frank discussions and for the memorable fellowship of these days. 2. For the resolve of faith taken at Peking, concerning inter- national relationships; for “the deep sense of our determination to follow Jesus Christ” which the discussions on this question en- gendered; for our “fresh confidence in the unity of our purpose and in the power of Christ to show us the way, as we earnestly and penitently seek it in the fellowship of our Federation.” 3. For the passionate quest for truth and reality in religious belief, and the hunger and thirst after righteousness in all relations, personal and social, which are to-day manifest in all parts of the student world and through many different student organizations. 4. For God’s marvellous care and love shown towards our fellow members in Russia and for their faith, joy, and courage in the midst of tribulation. 5. For the new Movements in Latin America and Europe and the advance they have made in the understanding and practice of Federation aims. For the great extension of work which has taken place amongst the huge congeries of student communities gathered at Prague. 6. For all steps taken this year whereby the student mem- bers of the different Movements have realized their responsibility to share in the guidance of the Federation and to study, pray for, and support it. 7. For generous response to the appeal for relief of students in Central Europe and for the truly Christlike service rendered to thousands of suffering students through the efforts of the Euro- pean Student Relief. 8. For the way in which Oriental leaders are more and more bringing to the Federation the Btinctive contribution of their lands; and the special share which each nation connected with the Federation is taking in shaping its policy. Likewise, let there be Prayers of Interression: Let us pray: 1. For the Student Leaders in China: that they may hold steadfastly before them the new visions gained at Peking: that they may be given wisdom and strength to conserve the gains re- sulting from the visits of their fellow workers from other lands. 2. That the Peking Conference may be to all our Movements a veritable revelation of the world as God sees it, and may give them fresh inspiration to pray and work for the fulfilment of His Purpose. 3. That in accordance with the expressed resolve of the Fed- eration at Peking our “National Movements may face fearlessly and frankly, in the light of Jesus’ teachings, the whole question of war and of the social and economic forces which issue in war,” and may consider it “their absolute duty to do all in their power to fight the causes leading to war.” That “believing in the fundamental equality of all the races and nations of mankind,” we all may “consider it part of our Christian vocation to express this reality in all our relationships.” That all International Conferences, International Foyers and Clubs, and Committees on Friendly Relations, may be used by God to answer these our prayers. 4. That through faithful intercession and every service we can render them, we may help the students of Asia Minor in their present terrible situation. 5, That the Student Movements of Czechoslovakia, Hungary, the Philippines, and South America, admitted into the Federation at Peking as Corresponding Movements, may both greatly gain fram our fellowship and greatly give. 6. That within Russia, despite all difficulties, the Russian Student Christian Movement may not be hindered in proclaiming its message of Life and Hope. That outside Russia, the special effort of the Federation on behalf of the Russian refugee students, may win many to Hope, Joy, and Service in Jesus Christ. 7. For our new Travelling Secretary, Mr. T. Z. Koo (China); for our two new Federation Vice-Chairmen, Miss Mohini Maya Das (India) and Mr. Tissington Tatlow (Britain); that the work of all of them, and of all our Officers and Secretaries, may bear much fruit, both East and West. 8. That the Movements in the Federation may give with love and conviction; that our work may not be paralyzed by lack of funds; and in particular that the European Student Relief may receive such support as may make possible the continuance of its life-saving work, especially in Russia. §. For the work of our six Federation Secretaries, that it may be so carefully planned and so upheld by the faithful prayer and work of all the Movements, that it may subserve all the aims of the Federation. 10. That above all we may not miss the marvellous oppor- tunities of the present time for proclaiming our Lord Jesus Christ in all His fulness to the students of the world. “Never has the world hungered and thirsted more for Thee; never have we needed Thee so much. Remain with us, Oh Lord!” On behalf of the General Committee of the World’s Student Christian Federation, John R. Mott, Chairman, Ruth Rouse, Secretary to the Executive Committee. 347 Madison Avenue, New York. September 1, 1922.