Bible Discussion Thread

Children and prayer

I have probably stated this before; but I believe that children need a vision for their own generation. There are individuals I have met that stand out in that regard; so there is hope. I am in a unique disadvantage being an only child; in a non believing family.

I ASSUME that those who come to church that I know spend some time in prayer with their children. I am a bit mystified why locally at least there aren't any teenagers in youth groups; part of it is the demographics of my particular church. Sadly prayer for that subject seems to be lacking as well. This is why those who are saved need to have communication with older adults who are discipling them; and older adults should understand what they are going through in our suicidal; drug filled and occult type of society. There is one member who has some ideas such as bringing in interns from Bible colleges and youth ministers from the local area (as our church doesn't have one at present).

In this society of rebellion even the thought of a child or teenager engaged in spiritual warfare for their parents seems to be as foreign as a trip to Antarctica. I would guess that the work ethic as it stands now and the tidal wave of worldly entertainment and distractions is a major hinderance. The one school in Texas who eliminated cell phones magically reported that everyone is learning better; hard to believe they didn't figure that out sooner; let's hope it spreads....

if the kids press enough for prayer (at least outside school teaching hours); and studying scriptures or discussing the Word in classes where a pertinent subject matter develops I believe things can change. The powers that be love to dictate what mantra and indoctrination kids should and want to hear; and if kids passively take it it will be assumed they have no incentive to change things. Will they lock up our kids for these things? If such children can excel academically perhaps it cannot be ignored.

Hello Richard,

The absence of youth and young adults in our churches has been going on for decades, but is more pronounced now in some congregation than in others. Having brough our children up to know the Lord and participate in church fellowship, they walked away in their high school years and have not returned. Sadly, this is a common story for so many believing parents.

I do not truly know how to remedy this in our churches, but, as you said, prayer is certainly a main factor. The draw of the world is so very strong with our children especially due to social media/internet services that are and instant "feed" for their desires. The increased busyness of being "on the go" constantly makes it difficult for children to accept a slower pace of thinking through ideas, analyzing information, and spending time in worship and reading of the Word (or reading in general!). I wish we could turn back the clock a bit and redo some of our approaches to family life now that we know how what we have done impacts our children, youth, and young adults. But we cannot. My hope is that God cares for the children and wishes to bless them despite how they have been brought up. But as an adult population, we certainly have need of repentance and seeking God's counsel in how to minister to the children, youth, and young adults in our sphere of life and influence.