Crying Out for the Next Generation

What does it mean to cry out? Webster’s definition is “to call out in a loud voice.” In studying scripture, to cry out refers to calling out for a purpose; to cry out as an expression of feeling; to make a clamor or loud cry as when Jesus was on the cross. Sometimes it was even commanded that we cry out. How should this manifest itself in our prayer life? It is a strong intense expression or plea for a purpose, recognizing it is beyond us and believing God is capable to answer our request. It comes from the depth of our souls.

When we look at our country, we look at how dark the world is right now, how the church seems weakened in so many ways, and it is “for such a time as this” that the Holy Spirit is calling us back to bold, targeted, and deliberate prayer. A time to cry out!

Satan knows the effectiveness of prayer and is determined to put up as many diversions or situations as he can to stop us. He is always on the prowl. We must take advantage of the privilege of prayer. Jesus told us to pray and demonstrated that throughout the gospels when He would go away to spend time with the Father. In Mark 1:35-36, Jesus had spent hours healing, casting out demons and hundreds of people were gathered wanting to see him. “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Satan wants us to believe prayer is not powerful so we will give up. He is a liar and we must persevere.

With the sunny weather we have had the last couple of weeks, spring is definitely showing itself in the creation, including the sight and sound of robins. We have had a robin attacking our bedroom window every day, starting at 6am, and lasting all day and into the night for almost a week. He obviously is trying to protect what he perceives as his territory from the other robin he sees in the reflection in the window. This bird should be exhausted and have a very big headache by now, but he perseveres all day, every day. There are so many things going on in the world today that our children should not be exposed to, participate in, believe in, or indoctrinated to. They are buried daily in the sights and sounds of evil. Should we not take a lesson from the robin and be willing to pray with perseverance to protect them? Even to the point we might get a headache or get exhausted? Should we not cry out for them on our knees?

Throughout scripture we find instructions for godly character which helps us to live a life pleasing to God. These attributes help to identify Satan’s lies and have the tools and knowledge to reject what is evil. In the culture today these are looked down on, made fun of, and thought to be archaic. Our children are seeing and hearing the complete opposite of godly character and finding it easier and a normal and acceptable way of life. We must pray against this. Below I have listed just a few specific ways and scriptures we can pray for and over our children. I find it meaningful to insert the name of the child I am praying for. The prayer becomes more specific and personal.

1. Honesty and integrity: Psalm 25:21 “Let integrity and uprightness preserve ___. I wait for thee.”

2. Self-control: 1 Thess 5:6 “Let ___ not sleep, as others do, but let him keep awake and sober.”

3. A love for God’s word: Psalm 19:10: “the Word of God is more precious than gold, sweeter than honey.” I pray ___ finds a love and desire to be in God’s Word.

4. Biblical self-esteem: Ephesians 2:10: “___ is God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for ___ to do.” I pray ___ will find worth in knowing God designed and created him/her.

5. Courage to stand up for Truth: “Don’t be afraid or terrified because of them for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” I pray ___ will trust he/she is not alone and never will be.

6. Purity: Psalm 51:10: “Create in ___ a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within __.”

7. Kindness: 1 Thess 5:15: “See that ___ does not pay back evil for evil, but always try to do good to others and to all people.”

8. Faith: Luke 17:5: “Increase ___ faith.”

9. A Servants heart: Ephesians 6:7: Help ___ to “Work with enthusiasm, as though he/she were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

10. Passion for God: Psalm 63:8: “I cling to you, your right hand upholds me.” Help ___ to find his/her passion and joy in you God.

I believe praying for our adult children is just as essential as praying for our younger children. They have a huge and heavy burden to carry in forming those who will either follow Jesus or not. They are facing parenting obstacles that generations before them would never have dreamed of battling, including drugs, alcohol, sex trafficking, attacks on home and family from every direction, and suicide. They need a mighty army of moms and grandmothers to walk along side them and hold them up in prayer!

I know what seems like unanswered prayers can cause discouragement and cause us to give up. I know the feeling that some things are even too much for God. We must remember, however, that no matter how hard it is to watch our children go through hard things, God is still there and could be using it to draw them closer to Him. We are to intercede through prayer. Pray that we do not waver when things get hard. If you feel it’s too late and things are too far out of control…that is a lie from the pit of hell. It is NEVER TO LATE. BEGIN TODAY!

Stephen Kendrick said this: “God loves your children more than you do, and He will be with them throughout their lives, beyond your influence and beyond your control. But your prayers will go with them.” OUR PRAYERS HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE LIVES. We stand in the gap for our children and God hears!

As I was writing this, the song “Jesus Loves Me,” that many of us grew up singing, came back to me. “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so, little ones to Him belong, they are weak but HE is strong.” No matter how big or impossible our prayers seem….God is not weak and not one thing is beyond His ability to answer in HIS TIMING AND WILL.

Ladies…we must stay vigilant and on guard, with our eyes upward; focused on God; and on our knees. Keep knocking on heaven’s door! Cry out with your whole soul and with deep belief that He hears every prayer you pray for the sake of the next generation. Beg for a spiritual awakening in this land!

BRINGING IT HOME
(Frequent heart check)

 

1. Who have you seen in your life that you would call a prayer warrior?
2. What character qualities did you see that you want to emulate?
3. Have you ever prayed for God to do whatever it takes for your children to know Jesus is all they need? Spend some time praying about your answer to this question.
4. How many hours a day do you listen to or watch u-tube or podcasts? How many hours a day do you spend in prayer?
5. What proactive choices do you need to make to increase your prayer time?
6. Pray that God will reveal to you if there are changes to be made and who and what you specifically need to pray for.

We Fight on our Knees Poster

When I began writing this series, I felt it was necessary for all of us to have some form of reminder that we do, in fact, fight on our knees in prayer. So, I had this poster designed for you to download for free and print. I hope it offers you hope and encouragement as you face whatever comes your way.