A Prayer to Disciple the Next Generation - Your Daily Prayer - August 13
A Prayer to Disciple the Next Generation
By Laura Bailey
Bible Reading
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” - Isaiah 55:11 NIV
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“Okay, girls, what are you all learning in Sunday School?” I asked my three daughters on our way to our doctor’s appointment. The car has quickly become where we spend most of our waking hours together as a family during the school year. Between drop-offs, pick-ups, and shuffling from practices, appointments, and meet-ups, we spend hours on the road. In an attempt to redeem this time, I decided a few years ago to use it for faith-filled conversations.
My daughters range from 12 to 7, so the conversations and their spiritual maturity vary, yet, for the most part, we can, for at least a few minutes, have good dialogue around what’s going on in their lives, what they are learning, and what questions they have about their faith. I’ve learned over time that one of the best ways to engage all three at their level is to ask what they are learning in Sunday School.
“We are talking about Moses and the Ten Commandments,” my youngest daughter shared.
“We are going through the book of Acts and discussing how to share the Gospel,” my oldest daughter interjected.
What about you? I turned to my middle daughter, as I could see her brain working by the wrinkles on her forehead. “Well, we have been learning about the Lord’s Prayer. But I have a question. "Do I pray to God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit? Or can I just say, all three?" she inquired. My momma’s heart did a little flip, one, because I was so excited to see her learning and asking good questions about her faith, and two, I was a bit nervous about how to answer her. Still, I said a silent prayer, asking that the Holy Spirit guide my response.
"That's a good question, well, all three! The Holy Spirit helps you know what to say; you are praying to Jesus, and He is interceding (or taking our prayers) to God.” ( Side note: know there is more I could have said, but understand I have elementary and tweens. I try to answer theologically accurate in a way they can understand, within their attention time limits) Everyone was nodding; I received a few “oh, that makes sense,” and then my youngest daughter spoke up: “But, Mom, I have another question.”
I braced myself, eager to hear what she would add to our lively conversation. “What are we going to have for supper?” I couldn't help but laugh —do I think she was listening to our conversation? Yes. But do I think she is an easily distracted 7-year-old, too? Yes. Discipling our children and the next generation isn’t always a social- media, Pinterest-worthy event. In fact, most of the time, it looks like my car-ride experience, which can leave us wondering if we are even making a difference.
I understand its importance intellectually, but at times wonder whether they are “too young” or “not yet spiritually mature” to talk through difficult questions or even to dive into the complexity of Scripture. Isaiah 55:11 always encourages me when I question the impact of sharing God’s Word with my children. This verse reminds us that God’s Word will never return void. While on the surface it may feel that biblical truths aren’t penetrating little hearts and minds, we know that God’s purposes and plans will prevail. It is never wasted when we read the Bible, pray over and with, and talk with our children about our faith— the Lord is always working and using our obedience to disciple the next generation.
Be encouraged today if you’ve had a similar experience to mine. God’s Word will achieve its purposes of transforming hearts and minds, but it’s on God’s timetable and plan, not ours. How privileged, though, like the prophet Isaiah, that God invites us to co-labor with him in sharing His Word and teaching the next generation. I don’t know exactly how God will use those car conversations, but I do know He is working in their lives, all for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28).
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Your Word. I know I often take for granted the luxury of reading the Scriptures, communing with you through prayer, and openly gathering with a community of believers. Help me to abide in Your Word daily so that I will be prepared to share with others, specifically the next generation.
Lord, I ask that Your Truth will penetrate the hearts and minds of those who hear it. May they feel the weight of conviction and turn to you. For those in Christ, I ask that Your Word will give them strength and guide them as they desire to live in a way that is holy and pleasing to You. Give me the knowledge and encouragement to continue talking with my children about You, their Faith, and the Scriptures, even when I wonder whether they are comprehending or even listening. I know that Your Word never returns empty, and I can trust that You are always at work.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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