A prayer room at California Baptist University provided a quiet, peaceful space to be closer to God. Located inside the right building of the Eugene and Billie Yeager Center, the Drs. H. James and Barbara Knuppe Prayer Room and Prayer Garden has been used by students to help grow in their spiritual faith.
Construction of the Yeager Center was completed in 2003, including the prayer room. It was named in honor of the Knuppe’s for their commitment and investment in CBU’s growth. They also recently gave an endowment to the construction management program at CBU.
The Office of Spiritual Life has offered students paper cards in the room with information about prayer. These include prayer requests, prayer methods and an outline of steps for a small group prayer.
Sofia Gonzalez, freshman elementary education major, shared her experience with the resources Spiritual Life provides.
“I really enjoy the prayer request papers in the corner. I was able to share my own concerns with others and read some of theirs to help pray for them as well… I knew as soon as I walked in, God was excited for me to dedicate some time to him and really connect with him in a wonderful space provided to me,” Gonzalez said.
Many students have gone to the prayer room during hardships or difficult seasons.
Olivia Hagen, senior Christian studies and intercultural studies double major, explained her experience of using the prayer room.
“At the time, I was going through a rough time and I was still pretty new to faith. I didn’t know what time with the Lord looks like. I know it’s supposed to sometimes be quiet. I didn’t know, how do I pray through this situation that I’m going through. So I went to the room, and started praying… and it also reminded me how to pray in different ways,” Hagen said.
The prayer room also includes a garden with a waterfall where students can sit outside and enjoy the weather.
“The room’s atmosphere is just really calming and not to mention the outside portion with the waterfall, it allowed me for some deep breaths and deep prayer with some crying,” Gonzales said.
The prayer room and garden have provided students a place to be with the Lord. Many have used the space to pray for others and for the situations they face. The quiet, peaceful atmosphere allows students to step away from the chaos for a moment and spend intentional time with God.
