Praying for Youth and Children

What exactly did they see?

12 young lads.  Following Jesus around.  Seeing what he did.  Hearing what he said.  Meeting people he met. 

What did it sound like?  What did it feel like?  What happened?

These young lads were quite interesting.  Coming from different backgrounds, arguably not quite as academic as some people in their day.  Referred to even as ‘untrained, and ordinary’.

Why would 12 young lads ask demand to be taught how to pray?

“Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

Luke 11:1

It’s amazing to think about what it might have been like.  We can imagine to some extent what it was like, but these guys were there, watching, listening, being amazed, shocked, maybe offended maybe challenged but there’s no question that they were in awe of Jesus. 

They joined some dots and realised something.  All the power, the miracles, the healings, the deliverance, the unexplainable was all a result of one thing.

Prayer.

“Teach us to pray.”  No question or request, but what pretty much seems like an instruction.  They had to know, they needed to know, how.

Recently, our youth and children’s team has gathered to pray.  We’ve extended an open invite to anyone.  It’s been so inspiring, refreshing and encouraging.  They have helped me reorder my priorities to be more like these disciples.  To be in awe of Jesus in worship and pray like he taught us – in adoration, confession, supplication, thankfulness, faith, trust, simplicity and expectancy. 

The format has been brilliant.  Attendance numbers are not important.  The music is minimal in production.  There’s a few of our favorite songs but it’s not about that.  They have been in two church buildings so far, the venue hasn’t mattered.  No one puts on a show.  There are some ordinary people, thankful to know Jesus, and there to ask Him to do miracles.  No great plan or agenda is performed, just a blank piece of paper, open prayer time as people boldly pray out loud and beg God to impact a younger generation.  There’s no experts or formal procedure.  It’s quite the opposite.  Just ordinary members of the royal priest hood, intercessing like untrained disciples, encouraged to pray in faith and petition of our great God.  Some paid youth workers, some voluntary leaders, some self-confessed ‘past youth work’, some advanced in years still serving in ministry, some young people, some used to prayer meetings, some not.  All sacrificing investing their time to meet with God.  

Prayers have included praise to God for His goodness and greatness.  Asking the Holy Spirit to move in power in our churches.  Confessing our lack of sufficiency and ability.  Confession of neglect and under appreciation of young people.  Praying boldly for the young people in our diocese and nation.  Prayer of thanks and blessing for our bishops and diocesan leaders.  Thanking God for the great ministry happening across the diocese.  Requesting God for a growth of salvation, revival, awakening, discipleship, biblical knowledge.  Asking God to intervene in the issues of today – image, identity, peer pressure, fear, anxiety.  Open doors, inspiration, vision, pioneers, relationships, workers, sowing of seeds and breakthroughs were all asked of the one who can provide. 

There’s not much more inspiring than a group of people surrendering plans, hopes, dreams to God and asking for His will not ours.  It’s the kind of room where anything can happen.  We didn’t ask God to ‘show up’ we knew He was already there.  We came to gather as one people.  I think it’s the kind of group who believe God is now answering those prayers. 

Imagine what it was like for those 12 young lads and imagine what it would be like for us.  To see Jesus, move like only he can.  He’s called our savior for a reason.

If you’re a Christian I’m sure you will agree, the bright things of this world do not compare to the miracles of your answered prayer.  A ground swell is gathering momentum.  People are praying, the disciples are in awe and praying like Jesus taught us. 

Read this article to be inspired and challenged.   Puddles of Tears – David Platt

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