STUDENT MINISTRY: Praying for Our Students
We have talked about praying for our students before, but it is something that we want to always circle back to. Prayer is important as we think about our students and our student ministries. Prayer allows us to talk to the Creator of the universe about the young men and women in our lives. And they need us to pray for them.
How much are you praying for the next generation? Instead of focusing on the many things we think they are doing wrong, let’s lift them before the Father. As we think about prayer, what are some things we need to consider and think about?
• We need to know who to pray for. Do you know the names of the students in your church? Have you taken the steps to know who you are worshipping with? It is easy to think those are just the teenagers of my church. Take steps to change that. Get to know the young people in your church. Learn their names and speak to them every chance you can. A kind word with their name attached is powerful. Talk to your youth pastor if you need a picture to help you in that learning process. I’m sure that he would help make happen.
• We need to know how to pray. Our students face challenges in today’s culture we couldn’t have dreamed of when we were the same age. It goes well beyond the vices of sex, drugs and rock and roll. Our students have to navigate gender identity issues, uncertain futures and a whole host of other things. If you want to know how to pray for our students, there are three things you can do. One, ask the student the question, “How can I pray for you this week?” That might surprise them, but it does show that you care. If they say, “Uh… I don’t know,” move on to number two. Talk to the other caring adults in their lives — parents, Sunday School teachers, youth pastors, etc. They have a relationship that will probably have some more information about the student. Third, visit Axis.org, which provides free resources to help you better understand the culture and how to pray for the young men and women connected to your church.
• We need to know when to pray. That is an easy one to answer. Pray all the time for our students. Whether it is school issues, family issues or struggles with their friends, our students need constant prayer support. They face so many things in their worlds. As youth pastors, we are responsible for praying for the young men and women under our care. Let’s not forget that. Be intentional and pick a pattern of praying for them. As church members, pick a rhythm of praying for the students at your church and stick to it.
We know prayer is important. It is a key part of the Christian life. It allows us to speak to God and changes us in the process. As we humbly approach the Father about the young people in our churches, God will soften our hearts toward them. My charge this week is a simple one — pick one of the young people in your church and start praying for them.
Please pray for our upcoming Student Ministry Workers Retreat at Central Baptist College on Sept. 14. This retreat is not just an event, it’s an opportunity for us to connect, worship and receive training. We hope to see you there. You can register at SMWR2024.eventbrite.com.
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Dan Carson
BMA Youth Department Director Dan Carson writes a weekly column titled, Student Ministry Matters, through which he inspires, challenges, and informs BMA of Arkansas churches and church staff about all things pertaining to student ministry.
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