With tests, homework and other drama, a typical school week can frazzle both someone’s nerves and his or her spirit. To combat this dreariness and come together as children of God, a prayer club was started to help students kick off their weekend in a positive way.

Every Friday, the AWAKE club meets at 7:20 in the senior flex hall. This is a prayer-based club where students come together to meet and discuss what is on their minds. Through group and individual prayer along with the sharing of bible verses, students end their week by connecting with each other and with God. The group, which was primarily started by seniors Gabrielle Wingert and Jaeky Spencer, aims to create a student fellowship at the school.

“We just want to be lights in the school and shine God’s love wherever we go,” Wingert said. “Ephesians 6:18 tells us to pray in the spirit in all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests, so we based [the club] off of that verse.”

Usually, attendance at club meetings is about 10 people, but members are open to newcomers.

“Just seeing people come is awesome,” junior Hannah Seyl said. “My prayer is that someday our whole school will come and pray for one another. It’s very relaxed and welcoming and an awesome way to start the morning.”

Another big goal of the club is to create a peaceful, safe atmosphere for all in attendance.

“The atmosphere usually begins unsettled,” Spencer said. “But when we start praying, it fades, becoming filled with peace that cannot be explained without saying it’s from God. I love being surrounded with people who love Christ, and that we are all safe to say whatever is on our hearts.”

The tranquil atmosphere at meetings helps members really enjoy their time together and appreciate the club to its full extent.

“It’s very welcoming,” freshman Calvin Schroeder said. “Everybody’s very friendly and very nice. I think it’s a really great way to start off your Friday mornings and help you get through the last day of the week.”