“As for Me,” says the Lord, “this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants,” says the Lord, “from this time and forevermore.” (Isaiah 59:21 NKJV)
On May 1, I helped chaperone a high school prom for about 130 students. The evening went wonderfully, although I kept catching myself wondering how so many of the kids I remember as little children — or even when their mothers were pregnant with them! — have suddenly grown into high school students. I’m sure friends and family who do not see my boys regularly probably have similar thoughts about how quickly they’ve grown up.
Then on Saturday, I had an email conversation with someone trying to help her college graduates transition into student housing for medical school in a highly competitive area, while also finding health insurance because their military coverage ends after graduation. Another friend is helping her adult daughter plan a wedding for next year, navigating venue decisions, catering contracts, and wedding dress shopping. Meanwhile, three other college-aged students I know are preparing to study abroad or serve in mission work overseas next year.
These kids – they are a launchin’.
On one hand, you may be thinking, “Well, yes, of course. Babies are born, children grow up, and eventually teenagers launch into adulthood.” You may even be reminded of the wise words of the writer of Ecclesiastes:
That which has been is what will be,
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun.
Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”?
It has already been in ancient times before us. (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 NKJV)
Yet even though I recognize this as part of the natural cycle of life, the growth of young people feels far more poignant when they are your own children, their friends, or the children of people you love. When you know the names, faces, and stories of these precious young people, that familiarity renews the call to pray for them.
God,
Thank you for the beautiful and godly young people you have entrusted to our care. Whether they are our children and grandchildren, students, youth group members, mentees, or team members, we recognize that children are a gift from you, created for your good plans and Kingdom purposes.
We pray especially for those stepping into new chapters of life right now. Give them wisdom and discernment in every decision they make. Provide for all their needs, and guide them toward good, faithful, and godly friendships and future spouses. May your Word never depart from their eyes, ears, or hearts.
Help them remember and boldly share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those around them, especially with future generations. Be very near to parents, grandparents, teachers, pastors, and caregivers who are adjusting to these changing seasons of life and stewardship.
Bless them and keep them. Make your face shine upon them and be gracious to them. Grant them your peace. We pray all these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh. (Proverbs 4:20-22 NKJV)
Give ear, O my people, to my law;
Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings of old,
Which we have heard and known,
And our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children,
Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord,
And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.
For He established a testimony in Jacob,
And appointed a law in Israel,
Which He commanded our fathers,
That they should make them known to their children;
That the generation to come might know them,
The children who would be born,
That they may arise and declare them to their children,
That they may set their hope in God,
And not forget the works of God,
But keep His commandments. (Psalm 78:1-7 NKJV)
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace. (Numbers 6:25-26 NKJV)