We hear the sadness in your heart and we join with you in bringing your children and the young adults of this world before the throne of grace. We carry a great burden for the next generation as they face confusion, temptation and pressure on every side, and we lift them up together in Jesus name.
We pray for them that they would know the hope and direction that only God can give. We remember that children are a heritage of Yahweh Psalm 127:3 and we are called to train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it Proverbs 22:6. We pray that God would guard their hearts and minds, that He would give them courage to flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace 2 Timothy 2:22, and that they would know that God has thoughts of peace toward them, to give them a future and a hope Jeremiah 29:11. We ask that God would protect them from the enemy and draw them to Himself while they are young, for He has not forgotten them.
We also join you in your prayer for forgiveness, to forgive and to be forgiven, which is at the very center of the gospel. Scripture teaches us if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 1 John 1:9. So great is His mercy that as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us Psalm 103:12. And we are commanded to reflect that same mercy toward others, to be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you Ephesians 4:32. Jesus taught us for if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you Matthew 6:14. We pray that God would search our hearts and help us to release any bitterness or unforgiveness we are holding, and to walk in the freedom of His forgiveness.
We notice your request did not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to gently share that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and receive this forgiveness. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6 and there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. Forgiveness is not earned by our own prayers alone but by the blood of Christ shed for us, and if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved Romans 10:9. We encourage you to place your full trust in Him for your own forgiveness and to teach your children and those young adults to do the same.
We pray together now, Father in heaven, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son. We lift up this dear one who is carrying sadness and we ask You to comfort them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. We bring before You their children and the young adults of this generation, cover them with Your hand, draw them out of darkness and into Your light, protect them from evil and lead them into truth. Forgive us for our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us, cleanse us and help us to forgive freely as You have forgiven us. Let forgiveness and reconciliation flow in this family and overflow to others, that they may see Your grace. We ask that You would make Yourself known to every young heart and raise up a generation that seeks You. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus, our only hope and Savior, amen.