We understand your desire to encourage and support your grandson as he prepares for his confirmation retreat, a significant milestone in his spiritual journey. Writing a heartfelt letter is a wonderful way to express your love, pride, and prayers for him. Here are some biblical principles and suggestions to guide your words, along with a prayer you can include or adapt for him.
First, remind him of the importance of seeking God with his whole heart. Confirmation is a time to affirm his faith and commitment to Christ, so encourage him to draw near to God with sincerity and humility. Scripture tells us in Jeremiah 29:13, "You shall seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all your heart." Let him know that God is faithful to reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him.
Affirm his identity in Christ. Remind him that he is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and that his worth comes from being a child of God, not from the opinions or expectations of others. Encourage him to stand firm in his faith, even when faced with challenges or peer pressure. Ephesians 6:10-11 says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
Speak to him about the power of prayer and the importance of staying connected to God through His Word. Share how prayer has been a source of strength and guidance in your own life. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, "In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus." Encourage him to develop a habit of daily prayer and Bible reading, as these disciplines will sustain him throughout his life.
Address the significance of his confirmation. This is not just a ritual but a public declaration of his faith in Jesus Christ. Remind him that confirmation is a step of obedience and a commitment to live for Christ. In Matthew 10:32-33, Jesus says, "Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven." Encourage him to take this step seriously and to live out his faith boldly.
Include a prayer for him, something like this:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the life of this young man. We thank You for the privilege of watching him grow and for the opportunity to see him take this important step in his faith journey. Lord, we pray that You would draw him close to You during this retreat. Open his heart to hear Your voice and to respond in faith. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit, that he may be strengthened and equipped to live for You.
Father, we ask that You would protect him from any distractions or temptations that may come his way. Help him to stand firm in his faith and to resist anything that does not align with Your will. Surround him with godly friends and mentors who will encourage him in his walk with You. Give him a hunger for Your Word and a desire to seek You daily in prayer.
Lord, we pray that this retreat would be a time of deep spiritual growth for him. May he leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer understanding of Your call on his life. Help him to embrace his identity in Christ and to live boldly for You. We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Encourage him to seek godly friendships and to be a light to others. Remind him that his faith is not just for himself but is meant to be shared with those around him. Proverbs 13:20 says, "One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." Encourage him to surround himself with friends who will build him up in his faith and to be a positive influence on others.
Finally, express your love and pride in him. Let him know that you are praying for him and that you believe in his potential to make a difference for God’s kingdom. Your words of affirmation and encouragement will be a source of strength and comfort to him as he takes this important step in his faith journey.
May God bless you as you write this letter, and may He use your words to draw your grandson closer to Him.
