Prayer is a gift. It is a gift from God to communicate with Him and deepen our relationship with Him. It is a gift to others as we go to God on their behalf.
Jesus taught us how to pray when he taught The Lord’s prayer. He showed us that praying is important and essential. Paul tells us in Romans 8 that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us to this day.
How is your prayer life? Do you find yourself using prayer to get you out of a tough situation, or do you find yourself talking to God all throughout the day? When we are aware of the presence of God everywhere at all times, we understand what a gift it is to be able to “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
I want to encourage you to pray every time you are with your students. Let them see prayer modeled by you. One popular acronym to guide your prayer is ACTS. Begin with adoration; giving praise to God for who He is. Offer a time of silent confession of sins; asking God for forgiveness of things said or done that would offend Him or hurt Him. Give thanks to Him for your students and for all He has done. Then spend time in supplication; asking God to supply for needs your students may have.
Early in our youth ministry, while praying for our students, the Lord revealed something to me that was both heartbreaking and motivating. I heard Him say that some of our students had never had their names mentioned before the Father in prayer.
Your students need you to pray with them and for them. You may be the only one on earth mentioning their name before the Father. What a gift!
Arianna Eckart
Director of Never The Same Camp
Photo by Jack Sharp on Unsplash