by Lindsey Oliver
What could happen if college students set aside distractions for 21 days and intentionally prioritized time with God?
A group of Oklahoma Baptist University students is seeking to answer that question through 21 days of fasting, prayer and accountability.
Participants meet at 6:15 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the Oval to spend time alone with God and encourage one another in their faith.
The idea came to junior elementary education major Macy Kufahl after she heard friends and people on social media discuss similar commitments.
“One day, I was sitting at my sister’s house babysitting my nephew, and the Lord put it on my heart,” Kufahl said. “I didn’t know exactly what it would look like.”
Kufahl immediately contacted students Mia Lavicky and Jill Thomas, who encouraged her and supported the idea.
The group’s commitment involves sacrifice, whether students give up food, social media or entertainment — or simply a little sleep. The purpose is to remove distractions and create intentional time to focus on God.
When the group meets at 6:15 a.m., students begin by spending time alone. Some pray and listen for God’s direction, while others read the Bible. At 6:55 a.m., the participants gather for a final time of worship and prayer.
In addition to attending the early morning gatherings three times a week, each student chooses something to fast from for 21 days. The commitments vary. Some students fast from certain foods or sweets, while others give up social media, entertainment or secular music.
Freshman strategic communications major Berkely Smith chose to stay off her phone each morning until she is completely ready for the day.
“I used to wake up and spend five to 20 minutes on my phone, and it would make me rush and stress,” Smith said. “I would start my day on social media, comparing myself to others, and it just wasn’t a good way to start my day.”
Some participants said they already have noticed a difference after beginning their mornings with prayer and Scripture. They believe the combination of personal time with God and accountability from other students has strengthened the experience.
“When you come and see all the people here and really feel the Holy Spirit, it’s good to have 45 whole minutes with God,” Smith said. “It starts your day off right.”
Kufahl also has found value in slowing down rather than rushing through her usual routine.
“Waking up and spending 45 minutes with the Lord has already made me see a big difference in my life,” Kufahl said. “Usually, I read the chapter I am reading, and then I’m done. But these mornings have been so nice because I can sit and realize I still have 15 minutes to pray to God.”
Kufahl said she believes Christians sometimes need to sit quietly and listen for God’s direction.
“I think a lot of what the Lord wants us to do is just sit at his feet and listen to what he has to say to us,” she said.
Although the group requires students to sacrifice sleep and give up familiar habits, Kufahl hopes its influence will continue after the 21 days end. Her prayer is that students will recognize the value of consistently spending time alone with God.
“My prayer was that the Lord would work in everyone’s hearts because I know it is so easy to be distracted,” Kufahl said. “I know that is true for me, too. I always pray that every single person here will feel the presence of God.”
Smith encourages students who are interested to participate despite the early meeting time.
“It’s only 21 days, and you can do anything for 21 days,” Smith said. “Even though it is early, it is super beneficial, and you’re only missing a little sleep.”
Kufahl said the support of other students helped transform an idea into a campuswide commitment. The group has given participants accountability as they remove distractions and make time for prayer.
She hopes the gathering will encourage students not only to continue spending intentional time with God but also to act on ideas they believe God has placed on their hearts.
“My prayer is that if the Lord is calling anyone to something, they would be able to hear that,” Kufahl said. “If there is any sin in their life, I pray the Lord would reveal that to them. I pray that students who are not sure what is next will receive direction from God.”
As the 21 days continue, Kufahl hopes the students will develop habits that remain long after the final early morning meeting.
