As pastors and ministry leaders we know both the power of prayer and the importance of regular, intentional times of prayer for our own time with God and for interceding on behalf of others. This month, CBOQ Next Generation team invites you to set some time aside to intentionally pray for each child and youth in your church by name, including those who have moved away for post-secondary studies. Consider using the following prayer template that we have created to guide your prayer. We invite you to consider sending a card, email or message to each child and youth with your prayer on it as a way to both encourage them and let them know you are praying for them this school year.

BONUS: You may also want to consider inviting others in your congregation to be intentionally praying for kids and youth. They may not be able to pray for every child and youth; encourage them to select 1 child (ages 0-11), 1 youth (ages 12-17) and 1 young adults (ages 18+).

Use the following prayer, based on Luke 2:52 to pray by name for each child and youth. You can download an editable copy here.

“And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.” (Luke 2:52)

Lord, I pray that you will allow (name) to grow in wisdom this year. I pray that they will learn everything they are expected to know academically. I pray that (name) will be successful in their studies and that they will be a diligent worker in what is asked of them. Most of all, Lord, I pray that you would allow (name) to grow in YOUR wisdom. Help them to learn more about your character through their interactions with others. Help the scriptures and stories we have been sharing with them from your Word to be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path. Above all else, help (name) learn to love You more.

Lord, I thank you for the life of (name). I pray that you will protect (name) body, keep (name) healthy and help (name) to continue to grow strong. Protect (name) from illness and harm, Lord.

As school begins, I pray that (name) will know that they are created in your image. I pray that (name) will know that they are “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I pray that they will know that You created them exactly the way that you want them to be. At times, words from others can be cruel. Protect (name) heart and help them to rest in the truth that they are a priceless gift to you.

Lord, I pray that you would allow (name) to be a light for you. I pray that they would be obedient to their teachers and kind to their classmates. I pray that they will show kindness and compassion to everyone, but especially those who are treated poorly by others. Give them the strength to stand up for the outcasts. I pray that (name) will have integrity to do the right thing even when no one is looking. Help them to surround themself with people who will help them grow closer to you. I pray that (name) will be both a leader and a follower– a follower of yours but a leader for their peers.

All this I ask in the name of your son Jesus. Amen.