Prioritizing Prayer: The Practice of Praying for Others
The act of praying for someone is one of the most incredible ways to shape how a person may belong to your ministry. When we commit to the essential practice of praying for others, we make them visible. They begin to matter to us. Prayer is beneficial to every ministry, especially to those ministering to kids.
The Great Reformer Martin Luther has been attributed with the quote, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” We might think what Luther said about prayer sounds good, and is even a good goal, but we’ve got way too much to do. If we don’t get our materials ready for our ministry this week, it’s not like the craft closet will just produce the glue sticks and construction paper on its own! Yes, you are busy. Yes, you are serving. Yes, you can and must take time to pray and for the kids in your church and the greater community where you live.
Committing to pray selflessly for others — or intercede on behalf of them — isn’t for the spiritually elite. It’s an activity we can all participate in and one that makes a true difference, especially since we can’t always be with those whom we’re ministering to. Incorporating intercessory prayer into our child disciple-maker roles keeps our hearts connected to Jesus.
As child disciple makers, our time with the kids we serve each week might be consistent, but brief, especially when we compare the 90 minutes we might spend with them at club to the 168 hours in a week. However, even with limited time, we can minister to them through the practice of prayer and intercession.
When we look to Jesus, we see a man who prioritized prayer throughout His life and leadership. In John 17, Jesus gives us a beautiful example of intercessory prayer. In fact, His prayer for His disciples is one of the last things He does before His arrest, trial and crucifixion. Jesus knows that while He cannot be with His disciples during what will be one of the most turbulent times in their lives — seeing their friend and Savior tried and killed — He can commit them to the Father in prayer.
We will not always be able to walk life’s painful journeys with the children we serve. They will encounter evil, pain, sickness and the effects of sin in this fallen world; but we can and should continually be in prayer for them, interceding on their behalf to our Father in Heaven. And it doesn’t have to be hard.
Simply say a small prayer when you’re at a stoplight, or waiting in line, or wherever you might be. Prayer makes a difference, and you can continue to pray for the kids you serve no matter where and when you’re able.
Register now for Pray First: Prioritizing Prayer in Child Discipleship, our next free webinar at 1 p.m. ET May 4. You’ll learn how to put prayer first and how doing so can impact your club, children’s ministry and community.
Mike Handler is the Chief Communications Officer at Awana. He has 18 years of experience in business and ministry, including pastoring, church planting, and leading his own design and strategy group. Through engaging storytelling and collaboration, he helps leaders understand the culture and creatively solve problems. Mike and his wife, Erin, have four children. They love traveling, making breakfast and cheering on the Cubs and Bears.
