I pray for my students in all kinds of ways because I am a little ADD I need to pray for our students in different ways or I’ll fall asleep. O.k., not really fall asleep but you know what I mean. Here are three ways that work for me and they may work for you too.
Scripture Prayers
Pray the scripture for your kids using The Our Father, Psalm 23 or any of the Apostle Paul’s prayers. Here’s an example using a line from each.
Our Father who art in heaven
Us: Father, I want to pray for those in our ministry who do not have father’s in their lives or have poor examples of fathers. I pray that in difficult times these students (name them) will look to you our Perfect Father. I also pray for those in our ministry who do not know you as a Father through your son Jesus. I pray they (name them) will come to know you through Your grace and mercy and our persistence of loving them.
The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want
Us: Father I pray for those sheep who are wandering away from you who live like there is no shepherd. When they are away from you they are in spiritual, emotional, and physical want. Lead them back to a place of abundance with you.
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:16
Us: Father I pray that our students (name them) will have your Spirit. That they will be led by your Spirit. I pray they will make wise choices in every situations (name any situations that come to mind). I pray (name a student) will know you better.
Prophetic Prayer
I prayed last night, before service that the Spirit would be so strong in our service that students who were not going to be in serve that night would be stirred to call or text me to find out what happened.
There is nothing spooky about praying prophetically. Jesus changed Peter’s name to The Rock. He spoke prophetically of him. Speak things over your kids that you want them to experience and call out a new name for them.
Us: I pray God that although (name a student) is dealing with peer pressure at his school I pray he will be a giant of influence on others.
Silent Prayers
Sometimes we do not have the words to pray. It’s o.k. to sit in silence, before God, and wait on the Holy Spirit to nudge you.
Try buying a journal from the dollar store and write down your prayers for student in the quiet. They do not have to be long exhortations but short prayers getting right to the point.
Draw something. Maybe a doodle or word bubbles help you focus on what to pray for.
When it comes to praying for students don’t be afraid to mix it up. God is the author or creativity and enjoys when His comes to Him with a new drawing (prayer) to put on the fridge.
If you are looking to up your engagement with students try Insta-Prayer : 21 Days Of Prayer and Engagement. The resources contains 21 Instagram Ready photos with scripture and devotional prompts to past right into the comment box.
Your Turn
Which of these ways of prayer are most appealing to you?
How are you currently praying for your students?