Trained for battle

[Please join me in praying for children and our future on Thursdays this year.]

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV)

God,

Your Word is flawless, your Way is perfect, and you are our Rock who arms us with strength and keeps us secure. Thank you that you have called each of these campers into relationship with you and you want them to be part of your Kingdom. Thank you for your love, grace, and mercy poured out on each of them. Thank you for the gifts you’ve placed within them to use for your Kingdom purposes. May the seeds that are planted in them this week grow to be good fruit in your Kingdom. May they be a force for Light, Truth, Goodness, Beauty, and Hope in a world that is choked by darkness and evil. I pray that these young people will be trained by your Church and your Spirit to use their artistry gifts for spiritual battle against the wicked forces of this world. May they never, ever turn from You and turn to the world, but always walk closely with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May they pass on the Hope, Love, Grace, and Truth of you to future generations of children, grandchildren, and artists. I ask in Christ’s name, AMEN.

“Bring [children] up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4 NIV)

“As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
32 For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
33 It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
34 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.
35 He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” (2 Samuel 22: 31-35 NIV)

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Jesus (Matthew 19:14 NIV)