Praying for our youth and children's leaders

They work tirelessly, week by week. They are a major influence on the children and young people in the church. Their words and lives help our under 18s understand who Jesus is. They are confidantes to our teenagers. On the front line of evangelism. And many of them do all this amid busy work schedules and family responsibilities. But how often do we pray for the leaders of the youth and children's work in our local congregation? If you're anything like me, that answer is, "not enough".

So, why not take a moment now to pray for those who lead the young people of your church? And why not use Philippians 1 as a basis for your prayers?

• Thank God for them (v3)
• Thank God for their work in partnering with others in the gospel-ministry of youth and children's work (v5)
• Thank God for working in their lives and helping them persevere in the faith (v6)
• Pray that they will become ever more loving (v9)
• Pray that their understanding of God will deepen - for their own benefit and the good of those they teach (v9)
• Pray that they will be discerning and wise as they lead the young people (v10)
• Pray for their personal purity as they act as a role model to the children (v10)
• Pray that their lives and ministry will bear great fruit in the Kingdom (v11)
• Pray that all they do will glorify God (v11)
• Pray that any opposition they face will be turned to gospel-opportunities (v12)
• Pray that they will never cease to be excited about the priority of telling others about Jesus (v18)