The rumblings and statistics are hard to ignore. There is a constant barrage of breaking news of my generation leaving the Church in record numbers, and becoming increasingly more secular in their worldview. Based on these accounts, it would appear as if all hope is lost and the Church might as well “throw-in-the-towel”. Judging by the latest reports, the winds are against the tenets of the Christian faith. My generation appears to be driving the proverbial nail in the “faith-in-Christ” coffin.
But, our faith never settled in a tomb. Over two thousand years ago, Jesus couldn’t stay in the tomb and our faith cannot either!
Contrary to recent studies and surveys, my generation is one of the most engaged in history. More often than not, many young adults view themselves as change-agents and want to make a difference in the world.
Yet, Jesus was the greatest change agent that ever lived! We, as Christfollowers, have the greatest opportunity to introduce a generation to the Son of Man who cared deeply, loved unconditionally and served relentlessly. This introduction of Jesus happens through our example and how we live. But, it must also be anchored in consistent prayer.
Prayer keeps us connected to God and his heart for this generation. So, how do we begin?
PRAY FOR REPENTANCE
When we pray for this generation, it’s imperative that our prayer is for broken and contrite heart among every young person. Our culture promotes self-aggrandizing and self-centeredness. Yet, despite these unfortunate trends, we have young people driven by serving others and seeing a changed world. One of the keys to a changed world is a changed heart. Only God can change the hearts of men. Let’s pray for a true repentance of sin, sin patterns and wayward thinking. When repentance takes root, greatness can bloom!
PRAY FOR RESTORATION
We can also pray for a restoration of identity among the now and next generation. We have millions of young people searching for who they are and why they are here on earth. These questions won’t go away with a quick fix or a social profile. It will not dissipate with another like or another follower on Facebook. It happens when we strategically pray for my generation to discover and embrace their identity in Christ. Ephesians 2:10 declares:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
This generation needs to know this in a resounding way. Let’s pray for this truth to be known around the world!
PRAY FOR REVIVAL
When speaking of God listening and answering prayer, the writer of Psalm 102 says: “Let this be recorded for a generation to come,
so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord…”
This portion of Scripture is encouraging because God will encourage generations to come from what He releases today! When we pray, let’s trust God that He hears and answers the prayers for our generation to experience the fullness of revival. It’s my prayer that the God of all generations will sweep through every community and nation with healing, deliverance and salvation!
So, no matter what the naysayers, critics and cynics are saying about the appeal of faith in Christ to this generation, the Scriptures encourage me!
God has an assignment and purpose for each young person on the face of the planet. And we have the assignment to pray for their God-given purpose to be fulfilled.
We could be one prayer away from a breakthrough for the repentance, restoration and revival in this generation. It’s our moment! Let’s seize it!