Freshman engineering major Eric Johnson had too much Cherry Coke in his system to fall asleep, so he was out walking around campus shortly after midnight when he came across a group offering to pray for him.

After initially hesitating, Johnson agreed, and several people gathered around him to pray that he would be able to fall asleep.

Johnson said he’s not that religious, but he’s interested in meeting groups on campus and appreciated the prayer.

“That was pretty nice,” he said.

As the last minutes of Monday ticked away, members of Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship set out tables and a loveseat for a 24-hour prayer vigil on Glenn Terrell Mall. The idea came from a 24-7 prayer event last winter, where members of the group took turns praying in the Chi Alpha garage for a week straight, campus pastor Steve Barke said. Barke wanted to start the year off with a similar event, this time in a more visible manner to show they’re not just concerned about themselves.

“It’s challenging for us as well,” Barke said.

Chi Alpha member Katie Rousseau, a sophomore zoology major, wrote the purpose on a white board along with an invitation to add prayer topics. Fred Gold, a freshman hospitality business major, was the first to write on the board shortly after midnight: “so Jenn won’t stress.” His prayer was for friend Jennifer Whitham, a freshman communication major, who was out walking with Gold and freshman engineering major Jordan Lowe after they persuaded her to take a break from the textbooks. Gold said they might stop back later, maybe with energy drinks for the crew.

By Tuesday evening, the board included prayers for healing breast cancer, love and “the people who live in the Middle East.” “Pray for Britney Spears hair to come in fast and thick. Give her a little love,” another message read.

Rousseau decided to take the first shift until 3 a.m. with her friend, sophomore marketing major Angela Davis, because they were eager to start right away.

“I’m just excited to see God more on this campus,” Rousseau said, “and I know it starts with prayer.” Barke had worried about the wind after recent blustery nights, but the dark air held calm. They finished setting up by a half-hour after midnight. Candles flickered lazy pirouettes under the tent while junior computer science major Phillip Aasen stroked chords from a guitar. The first gentle words of prayer hovered and then melted into the night.

Throughout the following day, more than 50 members of the group participated, with the entire group gathering at 11 p.m for the final hour.

“If we prayed for two people today, or for zero people and just the campus, it would still be worth it,” said Will Hughes, a senior music and Spanish major.