Our Students Step Into the New Year Expectant

There’s something special about the start of a new year. It feels like a fresh breath, a moment to pause, look ahead, and quietly ask, God, what are You going to do next? On our campus, that sense of expectation is everywhere. Not just for new classes or activities, but for how God might move in and through our students this year.

When we asked students what they’re excited about and what they’re hopeful God will do, their responses were thoughtful, sincere, and full of faith. Together, they tell a powerful story of students walking into the new year with open hearts, trusting God with both the big dreams and the everyday details!   

Excited for New Opportunities and Fresh Starts

Many students shared excitement for what lies ahead, new seasons, new challenges, and opportunities to grow.

Evan is excited for baseball and is praying God would work in him through it, helping him become more like Christ.
Mia is looking forward to performing in a math competition that falls on her birthday, a joyful challenge she’s eager to embrace.
Josie can’t wait to travel to Dallas for one of the biggest competitive cheer competitions of the season.
Jacey is excited to continue competing alongside her teammates in archery tournaments this semester.
Esther is looking forward to new academic opportunities, getting more involved in extracurriculars, and making meaningful memories with friends.

Each response reflects anticipation, not just for what’s coming, but for who God is shaping them to be along the way.

Growing in Faith and Becoming a Light

A strong theme throughout the responses was a desire to grow closer to God and live out faith boldly.

Gabriella is excited to grow relationships at church and school, grow closer to God, and truly understand Scripture. She’s praying for strength to be a greater light for Jesus and to finish the school year strong.
Harley shared that she’s finally confident in sharing her testimony and hopes God brings the right people into her life who need to hear about Jesus. She’s also thankful for a strong friend group to walk through life with.
Anna is excited to better herself through both faith and schoolwork and is hopeful God gives her meaningful time with her senior friends.
Lucy is hopeful that growing closer to God alongside friends will be a defining part of her year.

These students remind us that faith isn’t meant to be lived quietly or alone, it’s meant to be shared!

Trusting God for Direction and Purpose

Several students shared prayers rooted in trust, asking God to guide their steps and reveal His plans.

Makayleigh is hopeful God will show her what He wants her to do and give her opportunities to help those in need while growing closer to Him.
Jackson is looking forward to a mission trip to Guatemala and more opportunities to serve at church and in the community. He’s hopeful God will show him even a glimpse of where he’s being called and the gifts God has given him.
Eliana is praying God will show her the right path to follow.

There’s a quiet confidence in these prayers, a belief that God is faithful to lead.

Prayers for Strength, Peace, and Protection

Students also shared heartfelt prayers for God’s presence in their everyday lives.

Josie is praying for self-control throughout the year.
Evan shared gratitude for the gift of life and is praying for God’s protection over himself and his family.
Jacey hopes God will help her be there for friends and classmates—sometimes in simple ways, like offering a smile when it’s needed most.

Hope for Our School Community

Looking beyond themselves, Esther shared a beautiful hope that God will continue working in our school, guiding students and teachers, bringing encouragement, and creating a place where people feel supported, included, and motivated to do their best.

As these responses show, our students are entering the new year with expectant hearts, ready to trust, serve, grow, and follow wherever God leads. We’re grateful to walk alongside them and can’t wait to see how God moves in their lives and throughout our school community this year.

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As we step into this new year, we’d love for you to join us in praying over our students, that God would keep shaping their hearts, guiding their steps, and growing their faith. We’re walking into this year expectant, trusting that God is already at work.

If you’re needing encouragement and community, come pray with us:

BRIGHT – HS Girls' Prayer Group
 7:45–8:15 AM
 Music Room
 Next meeting: January 9

Moms in Prayer
 Tuesdays | 8:30–9:20 AM
 Art Room B114
 Next meeting: January 13

MIGHTY MEN – HS Boys’ Prayer Group
7:45–8:15 AM
G101
Next meeting: January 13

Come as you are. Come expectant. Let’s pray together and trust God with what He’s doing in our students this year.