“This, then, is how you should pray…”
—Matthew 6:9
Allen (18) is a young guy I am currently discipling.
He just graduated high school and is two (2) days away from his first day of college. A couple months ago, he got out of a bad breakup. As if the anxiety from the start of college & a tumultuous breakup weren’t enough, Allen has a date currently planned with a girl who’s a little older (20) than him. He lamented quite a bit how stressed he is to impress this older gal. Needless to say, there is a lot going on in Allen’s life right now!
The other day, we were discussing the topic of prayer. Some questions came up:
“What is one answer you’ve received from prayer?”
Allen looked at me with a shrug, “Sorry man, I can't really think of anything.”
“That’s OK,” I responded. “But let’s talk about the obvious answered prayer you & I both have received: We’ve got a home waiting for us in heaven!”
“Ugh, duh!” Allen shook his head disappointed in himself, but with a smile.
Another question arose:
“What is one struggle you need to be praying about?”
“Yeah, I don’t really have an answer to that one either,” Allen said. “I am not really struggling with anything at the moment...”
“You sure you’re not struggling with anything?” I chuckled. “You’ve got college right around the corner, plus a hot date!”
His eyes lit up like a kid who suddenly realized the answer during an algebra test, “YOU’RE RIGHT. Why am I not praying about this already!?”
Battle Order:
At the dinner table tonight, pray with the family.
Recite this prayer Jesus taught:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”
Worship God for who He is. Thank God for what He has done in your family’s life. Forgive someone (& ask God for help in doing so). Confess sin. Finally, ask. Pray for each member of the family. Pray for the people who need prayers.
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