Christmas Prayer for GSEP

Members of our GSEP family have shared their "Christmas prayer for GSEP." As you read these prayers may you be encouraged and blessed.

"My Christmas Prayer for GSEP is: Lord, bless our lives with peace, joy, and health to sharpen our intellect, strengthen our bodies, and enlighten our minds to serve the world. We need your joy and peace more than ever; in a world where worry prevails, weather disasters interrupt the lives of many, and tragedy arrives at innocent victims. We know you have a plan for us and want us to succeed with a full life. We thank you for the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding always."

– Dr. Yolanda Aguerrebere, EdD,
GSEP Board of Visitors Member, and GSEP Alumna, Education Division

"My prayer for GSEP and the Pepperdine Community is for God to provide us his blessed comfort as we heal from the recent tragedies that have impacted us all so recently....my prayers extend themselves hoping that God will provide us with wisdom and humility as we enter into a new year filled with hopes for prosperity."

– Dr. Duncan Wigg, PhD,
Senior Clinical Faculty, and Irvine, Community Counseling Center Director

"My Christmas prayer for GSEP is that we remember what this season represents and what Christ has done for us. Let's rejoice in the Lord's blessings by sharing and spreading our love with others in order to bring joy into their lives, as the Lord brings joy into our lives."

– Jane Tucker, MBA
Senior Academic Advisor, Education Division

"My Christmas Prayer for GSEP is that in light of all the tragic events this past year, may we be guided toward hope, peace, joy, and the light of love being expressed within us and between us."

– Roxanne Ramirez,
PsyD Student

"My Christmas Prayer for GSEP is for God to bless our leaders with the vision to develop new ideas and the ability to implement them for the good of all concerned. For alumni to live their lives as servant-minded citizens, imparting their natural gifts and talents on the GSEP and global communities. And for students to integrate GSEP's Christian-based education into their lives, so upon graduation, they are equipped to fulfill Pepperdine's mission of living lives of service, purpose, and leadership."

– Yeshiva Davis - LMFT, MBA
GSEP Alumna, Psychology Division

"My Christmas Prayer for GSEP is that our Graduate School continues to flourish and provide an awesome platform for learning, creativity, and innovation like it did for me. I also pray that the vision of George Pepperdine continues to ignite the passion of the GSEP team in doing the great work that they are doing with the students and the community."

– Calvin Bonds, EdD,
GSEP Alumnus, Education Division

My Christmas prayer is that many will receive the gift of Christmas and experience true Joy amid the many trials that have come our way. I also pray for God's blessings on the unity of the GSEP community and the good works of the faculty and staff in preparing GSEP students for lives of servant-leadership.

– Ama Cruz
MS OLL Student 

I'd like to focus my Christmas prayers for GSEP on all of the Psychology and Education student groups who serve our Los Angeles and surrounding communities in their required fieldwork settings while keeping their jobs, families, and studies "afloat". I pray for their rejuvenation over the holidays and a renewed sense of purpose for the new year.

–Rebecca Reed,
1991 Alum, Psychology Clinical Training and Professional Development Coordinator

My Christmas prayer for GSEP is that we allow our minds, bodies, and spirits to take rest over this holiday break, so we can come back renewed and ready to continue God's work in the new year.

–Yas Hardway,
GSEP Career Services

Titus 3:3-7
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
This Christmas, I pray that we all are mindful of being heirs to hope, kindness, and mercy. That, though God, we take the new year as an opportunity for renewal once again. I pray that through this renewal, we are fortified by his grace to find peace and to help others find their peace—whether it be those touched by tragedy, loneliness, stress, or a need for direction in their life.

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
I also pray that we honor each other in our work, and through our work, are vigilant in ultimately honoring students. I pray that we honor students and the discipline of education above ourselves. Finally, I pray that we foster a culture of continuous improvement and care as we work with another to serve Pepperdine, honor Christ, and lift each other up in all that we do rather than digress to tear each other down in malice and envy—living in the spirit of renewal EACH day of the new year.

–Karen Magner, EdD
GSEP Alumna, Education Division, GSEP Employee, Online Psychology Programs

My Christmas prayer for GSEP is that the Lord provides us the rest and restoration needed to have a successful 2019. May we be blessed with fresh energy and motivation to serve our students in new, innovative ways in the new year. I ask that the Lord keep our loved ones and allow us to spend precious time with them during this season.

–Tiffany Wright, MA
GSEP Employee, Psychology Division