College is hard, especially that initial transition from being home to being thrown to the pack of wolves we refer to as "adulthood." It can take a toll on you physically, emotionally, mentally and sadly, spiritually. It can be hard and a lot is thrown at you really quickly, but I have found through my experience in the college world that prayer is your greatest tool as long as you actively use it. Just in this past week I have prayed for many different things:

Patience

God has a plan and I'm not the best at always remembering that. Sometimes, we have to pray for patience just to be reminded that God has his own timing and plan for us. (Even if it's not right now)

Understanding

Things happen that we can't explain and that hits hard because we as humans desire explanations for all things. I have had to pray for understanding and sometimes this doesn't come quickly. Refer back to the first prayer topic: Patience.

Peace

Sometimes, we just aren't meant to know the explanation of things. Sometimes we hurt and we don't know why. Sometimes things are super difficult that aren't supposed to be difficult at all. Through these times, peace is something I have found to be beneficial. It is actually one of my favorite things to pray for, because when God can't explain something, you just have peace that it is what it is.

Forgiveness

I have had to pray for forgiveness from God, forgiveness from others, and the ability to forgive. This is a hard, hard thing to pray for and it is oh, so humbling. People are hard to forgive when you have been hurt. It is also hard to pray for forgiveness from others, because they don't want to forgive you for something you have done wrong either. Forgiveness from God? Wow. That's straight up scary to know you have screwed up and now it is between you and God. It is also one of the most satisfying things to know He is so willing to forgive.

Love

During my time at college, I have been distanced from the ones I love most and thrown into a group of people I don't even know. Praying for love is so powerful because God is love. God is full of love, God shows love in so many ways, and God loves us SO much. It's crazy! Through the prayer of love, I have seen my relationship grow through God, I have seen the bond with my mother grow even more, and I have made friendships that will never leave. That is love.

The power of prayer is what has got me through college thus far. God is good and God is powerful, but if you don't pursue Him, it is really hard to see the power and goodness. Pray hard and pray fervently. Pray at least one of these prayers every day. Pray specific prayers because they are the most powerful. Use the best tool that God has given you.