Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Thessalonians 5:16-18
There are three steps to building a powerful and effective prayer partnership.
The first step is asking directly, “how can I pray for you?”
The second step is to stop speaking and begin listening intently.
The third step is to pray with them, listening to their prayers, and interceding for the needs they have shared.
We can make a million assumptions about someone’s life and their needs by looking at them from the outside. However, we know that God deals with the heart. When we make a sincere invitation to share that is met with honesty and openness, it is as if the Lord Himself begins to write out the prayer list.
In the same way, we can learn much from our prayer partners by listening and agreeing in prayer. We learn what attributes of God they are experiencing in this season, where they give thanks for seeing Him move, and what requests are being lifted up.
As we pray for Education this month, let us resolve to be good and steadfast prayer partners with our younger brothers and sisters in Christ who are stepping into this new school year.
We have heard from middle and high school students from around the country, and we want to share their testimonies of growing as disciples of Christ and their prayer requests.
A student from South Carolina shared, “I learned how to spread the Gospel better at camp.”
This student was one of tens of thousands of students who spent their summer participating in mission trips, attending Christian camps, retreats, Vacation Bible School activities, Backyard Bible Clubs and experiencing God in new and profound ways. We must pray for their continued growth!
Here are more testimonies of the many ways students in South Carolina grew in Christ this summer:
“I found new friends in Christ!”
“I learned I can repent any time.”
“I feel like I have grown in my relationship with God since Summersalt [camp], and I am going to lead a First Priority [Bible club] lesson.”
God has truly been on the move this summer! As our young brothers and sisters have been growing in faith, their eyes are set on the school year ahead with goals and prayer requests.
Students in South Carolina shared these requests:
“I’m walking into this school year with the goal of sharing the Gospel with at least three friends I know.”
“I am praying for more wisdom with God to make stronger choices.”
“I’m trying to be more patient and have self-control.”
See how the Lord is raising up these believers to evangelize among their peers, to walk in His promises, and to bear the fruit of the Spirit! The Lord’s movement isn’t just in South Carolina. This summer in Colorado, student leaders from the West and Midwest attended a Christian camp to further equip them for life and godliness as young people.
God showed Tyson, a rising senior, what it looks like to live authentically as a Christian, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit that sets us apart as believers. He desires to be a leader among believers, modeling a life submitted to God.
Tyson’s prayer request is for, “the courage to be a leader, and show them how to act the right way.”
God set Genevieve’s heart on fire for missions, shifting her mindset to the mission field he has set before her – her peers in the eleventh grade.
“One thing you can pray about is the softening of people’s hearts, and them being open to the Gospel.”
God taught Jared, a junior at Castle High School, how to utilize his leadership and status as a student athlete to be a good influence and lead others toward Christ.
“One prayer request I have is that I stay on fire to share God’s Word and lead others close to Christ.”
Lord, You are at work among us! Truly, You are raising up believers to boldly follow You and walk in Your will and Your ways. I praise You that in Christ, there is no ‘junior’ Holy Spirit – the same power that raised Christ from the dead is alive in believers of every age!
Today, I come lifting up these middle and high school students to You, asking that You would guard them and guide them, renewing their minds each day. I am agreeing with them in prayer Lord - whenever they are tempted to walk in the desires of the flesh, prompt them to seek You, giving them the clarity and courage to flee any temptation and walk in Your promises.
I ask that You would open opportunities for Gospel conversations among their peers, at lunch, in the hallways between classes, in the gymnasium and sports fields, giving them the words to speak to convey Your love and truth.
Open the hearts of students who don’t yet know You as Savior, to be ready to hear the Gospel from their friends and to accept You as Lord of their life. Keep these students rooted in Your Word and in Your Spirit this school year as they walk through challenges and growth; through every exam, athletic competition social gathering, and digital activity.
I commit to continuing to pray for these students and others’ like them, listening to their testimonies and prayer requests, and agreeing in prayer with them and for them. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.
Peace and blessings,
Amy Parks
Communications Director | NDP Task Force