INFO

Facts

• The Oral Roberts University Prayer Tower was completed in 1967
• It stands 200 feet tall
• The Prayer Tower serves as ORU's Visitor's Center and is also the location of the Abundant Life Prayer Group
• The Reece Memorial Gardens (also known as the Prayer Gardens) surround the base of the Prayer Tower

Design and Symbolism

The shape of the tower is such that a cross is seen from every side, serving as a reminder to visitors that every individual's journey begins and ends at the foot of the cross of Christ. Its location at the center of the ORU campus testifies that communion with God must always be the central focus of life. The deck represents the power of the Gospel as it radiates out from the cross to a dying world, and the red tips represent the blood of salvation, cleansing those who receive the Gospel. Atop the Prayer Tower, an eternal flame represents the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Within the Reece Memorial Gardens, bronze statues of Jesus and two students depict life at ORU, where students come to learn the will of God by sitting at His feet. Beverly Paddleford designed the sculpture, called "The Master Teacher," which is inspired by Matthew 7:24.

Visitor's Center

Inside the Prayer Tower, visitors can view the Journey into Faith and ORU Perspectives presentations and browse the gift shop. In addition, a self-guided tour of the campus is available on the observation deck.

Abundant Life Prayer Group

The Abundant Life Prayer Group (918-495-7777) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and receives as many as 2,000 telephone calls per day from every state and from abroad. Since the ALPG was established in 1958, they have received more than 17.5 million calls for prayer, and they also accept prayer requests over the Internet and via e-mail at alpg@oru.edu. The most common requests are for healing, finances, and salvation of family members. The ALPG moved to the Observation Deck level of the Prayer Tower on April 1, 1967 and has over 100 full- and part-time prayer partner positions.