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Youth Ministry
Prayer

A pair of rusty tin cans and an old piece of string, a beam bounced off a satellite drifting through the cold darkness of space. We have developed numerous ways of communicating with one another. In the face of technological advance made in the realm of communication, why is prayer so difficult?

The promoting come, the desire to pray is there, and yet the urgent things of life draw us away. How can we become people of prayer, and how can we model a healthy prayer life to the youth we work with? I continue to struggle with this question in my personal life and in ministry. I want to share a few examples of simple strategies that have lead to profound victories in the past.

After attending a Sonlife Seminar a few years ago, I was renewed in my conviction that prayer is essential. Upon returning to our church, and our involvement with the youth, we instituted a prayer partnership program. Small, laminated cards with pictures and biographical information were distributed to people willing to commit to praying for the youth. These cards became the catalyst for prayer. Some three years later I was talking to the couple that had received our card and they said they still prayed for us on a daily basis. A simple tool, yet an effective way of encouraging prayer.

Breaking down walls and building relationships are key components of youth ministry. We have, on occasion, used a ‘prayer chair’ to do both. The youth are encouraged to sit in the chair, which is located in the center of the group, if they desire prayer. It is a risky thing to sit in the chair and acknowledge that you need prayer, and yet we have seen God work in the lives of the youth as they sit there and receive ministry through prayer. The walls come down as we make ourselves vulnerable to one another in the safe context of prayer.

Small groups lend themselves to more intimate and focused times of prayer. After our large group worship and teaching sessions we often break into smaller groups for prayer. In this context the youth are encouraged to share requests and to pray for those outside the group that may be struggling. What an encouragement for all when we hear later that God has answered prayer. As an example, one of our youth had developed a prayer list prior to an area wide outreach. In the weeks leading up to that event we prayed for people on the lists we had developed. It was amazing to see God touch lives and bring people into relationship with himself.

Prayer walks – taking it out on the street. One of our youth shared how she had been involved in a prayer walk and how they had been prompted to stop in front of a specific house and intercede. They did not know the family or their circumstances. They prayed. Some weeks later a new family started attending the church. Coincidence? I don’t think so. As a result of this we became involved in a prayer walk in our community. We anticipate the results as we continue to pray.

A few simple ideas with potential to impact our lives in profound ways. The wick on a cannon, it becomes the means by which the explosive force of the gun powder is unleashed. Prayer, a simple act, with awesome potential.

Let’s pray.

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Written by Ed Heinrichs, Youth Pastor at Cornerstone Community Church in Virgil ON. Contact him at (905) 468-7155.
Last modified October 31, 2000.

Ideabank is a quarterly newsletter published by the Board of Christian Education Ministries, a board of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.

© 2000 Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.
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