Recently I heard a sermon focusing on prayer and how we can specifically pray for our children and young people. I found it so convicting, I can’t help but share it with all of you.

I. Intercession is not an option.

How can I position myself to be an effective intercessor?

• Make sure your heart is clean before God.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.
• Pray for God’s will, not your ideas or preferences.
• Praise God that He hears, sees, and knows what is best.
• Pray according to the Word.
• Pray without ceasing.
• Pray boldly.
• Pray believing.
• Pray alert to the fact that you are in spiritual warfare.
• Thank God that He hears your prayers.

II. Investing in the Next Generation is Essential.

III. Intentionality is key.

Pray intentionally that…

• They will know Christ early in life.
• They will see sin the way God sees it.
• When they sin, they will be caught early.
• They will be protected from evil influences in their lives.
• They will have a responsible attitude in all their interpersonal relationships.
• They will respect those in authority over them.
• They will desire the right kind of friendships and be protected fro the wrong kind of friendships.
• They, as well as the one they marry, will be pure until marriage.
• They will grow in Christ’s likeness.
• They will understand who they are in Christ.

A few of my notes:

• There is no greater investment than praying for your children.
• Children need to be trained, not just in the facts of life, but in the ways of life.
• We all have influence.
• You do not get this time back.

I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. 3 John 4

Sermon credit to my pastor, who unapologetically preaches God’s Word each and every Sunday. I am so thankful for his leadership in our church home. You can listen to this sermon here. And for more of Sherwood Baptist Church’s sermons, click here to subscribe to the podcast.