Prayer Tower
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The Prayer Tower is located on the campus of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Opened in 1967, the 200 ft (60.9 m) glass and steel tower was built to be emblematic of Christianity. The tower's observation deck gives a 360° view of the surrounding area and provides a self-guided visual tour of the ORU campus. The Abundant Life Prayer Group, a 24-hours-a-day group dedicated to pray with people via the telephone, is also located on the observation deck level. The Prayer Tower Visitor Center on the ground floor features a gift shop and shows a 20-minute multimedia presentation on the history of the university and a 36-minute presentation about the life of Oral Roberts. The Ralph L. Reece Memorial Gardens surround the base of the tower.
[edit] Christian precepts
The Prayer Tower was constructed to overtly symbolize many Christian precepts. It is located in the center of campus to symbolize that prayer is of utmost importance. Its circular design gives it the likeness of a cross regardless of the direction from which it is viewed. The tower's upward spiral is a reflection of man's relationship with God. The observation deck's outward thrust represents the crown of thorns worn by Jesus on the cross, with the red color representing the blood that was shed at Christ's death. At the top of the Prayer Tower, an eternal flame represents the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
