October 1, 2026
FORT WORTH, Texas — The community of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary gathered for an Easter celebration and time of corporate prayer on March 31 to conclude a 24-hour prayer initiative, with participants praying for the institution in a variety of ways.
“Thank you all so much for gathering tonight,” President David S. Dockery welcomed attendees at the event. “We’re looking forward to a good time of enjoyment around the tables and just a relaxed evening on the Southwestern campus. This concludes 24 hours of the Southwestern community praying together in 15-minute time slots. Every time slot was filled, and many of them doubled and tripled. We’re grateful to all of you who have prayed and participated in this evening.”
Starting on March 30, Southwesterners around the campus, nation, and the world participated in the 24 hours of prayer using provided prompts focused on praying for current students and alumni, staff and faculty, and upcoming events such as a visit from accreditors, the Board of Trustees meeting, and commencement.
“Praying together has become an integral part of our relationships across campus, and this 24-hour emphasis marked a meaningful step forward for us,” said Melana Monroe, director of prayer ministries. “For the first time, we expanded into a continuous, global, corporate season of prayer that included not only those on campus, but also virtual students, alumni, friends and family, and our SWBTS missionaries around the world.”
Monroe said the response was encouraging as the 15-minute time slots for prayer filled up quickly and led to a second and even third calendar being made available. She said those away from campus especially loved the flexibility provided by a 24-hour event and by the ability to select specific themes for prayer.
“What emerged was a fresh sense of unity across the SWBTS family,” Monroe said. “Though geographically scattered, we were praying together with shared focus and intentionality.”
Monroe said one alumna participating from afar, Marti Pieper (’85), shared, “It was an honor and privilege to pray for my alma mater in such a specific way. Not only am I grateful for the opportunity, but the provided prayer guide will help inform my prayers for faculty, staff, and students in days to come.”
Dockery also said the need for prayer for Southwestern has not ended.
“We’re continuing to pray for God’s provision and protection for Southwestern and trusting Him for the days to come,” Dockery said before leading attendees in corporate prayer at the event Tuesday, praying “Oh, God, indeed, you have done great things for us, and we are glad and joyful.”
After concluding the time of prayer, the Southwestern community participated in fellowship over food, games, live music, and an Easter egg hunt and activities for the children.
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