The Importance of Prayer: Approaching the Throne of GraceSample

Praying for Your Children and the Next Generation

READ: Matthew 22:37; 2 Peter 3:18

SOAP: Matthew 22:37

Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’”

Into the text

When the Israelites first inhabited the Promised Land, they were committed to following the Lord. The first generation to enter had seen God’s marvelous works, and they followed His ways. However, only a few generations later, the people turned entirely from the Lord and worshiped false gods. The people fell away because they did not teach their children, the next generation, about the Lord.

It is vitally important that we make praying for the next generation a priority, whether for our children, our nieces or nephews, our friends’ children, or the small group we lead. We are making an impact on the next generation no matter what, and what a privilege it is to encourage them to walk with God.

When we pray for our children, the most important thing we can pray is that they would love God with all their heart, soul, and mind. When we walk with God, we set an example for our children, but they must embrace their faith in Christ. We can pray for their growth and understanding of the gospel and for God to capture their hearts at a young age.

Even if our children or those we lead are not walking with God, we can still pray for them. Prayer is a powerful privilege. We can come before the throne of grace with any request, no matter how many times we have presented it before. God never grows tired of our prayers. No matter who God has put on your heart to pray for, know that He cares about them more than you can ever imagine. He longs to have a relationship with them, and He will always pursue their heart, even when we forget to lift them up in prayer.

Prayer

Lord God, You are the perfect Father. Help me trust You with my children and those I lead. I believe You care for them more than I can ever understand. Protect them and capture their hearts. I pray they would follow You all the days of their life and love You with their whole heart, soul, and mind. In Jesus’ name, amen.