Prayer...

As ya'll know I work with the teens at our church. Each morning, I'll take their prayer requests and their praise reports, than we'll start our lesson. I absolutely love working with the Teens because there's never a dull moment and I learn so much from them. When telling us what their prayer requests are, they're very open and honest with us. And in the years I've been doing this, you would be amazed at the very open and honest prayer requests we get.

These Teens take their prayer request, share with them with us and they give them to God. You listen to the prayer request and if you're a stranger to these Teens you might say "well, good grief that ain't no prayer request, there's nothing to it." But my Teens have learned that no matter what the prayer request, no matter how big or small. They know that God does hear their requests and in His will, will take care of them.

The Teens have also learned that it doesn't have to be about health issues, prayers for others all the time. They learned that it can be about events happening in their lives, things in school (grades, problems w/ classmates, teachers), things at home or just things. They know that whatever is in their heart that they feel the need for prayers for, they can come to God with the requests.

The prayer requests are different for guys and ladies. I found that alot of the time, the ladies will request prayers for sport events and health. Like several of the Teen ladies are participating in track and soccer. Their requests are usually to do good in their games/meets. One of the ladies requested that she get her resume done so she can find a job for this summer, she'll start college in the Fall. The Teen guys usually have requests for vehicles. Like one requested that his truck pass inspection this week, the other's requested that their derby cars get done in time for the derby this weekend.

To us these may be small and unusual requests. But to these teenagers, this is what's in their lives right now. That's what they need help with most. You have to understand...these teenagers are putting their full faith in God, they're taking every part of their lives and trusting that God will be there and God will have His will in their lives. They're not expecting God to zap a magical wand down and say your wish is granted. They know, it's God's will, not theirs.

What I've learned from them is God doesn't judge our prayers. He listens and has His will for them. I used to only pray about "important" things. Now I pray for about the tiniest things and huge things. They're belief and faith in prayer is so incredible to me. They know that their God is an Awesome God. They know that He is there for them 24/7. Whether it's a prayer about their family, friends, car, truck, homework, track meet, health needs or a date. They know He's there listening and guiding them. What an incredible testimony all these teens have.

Alot of people don't give teens enough credit. What more could you want? A teen with a big heart and the faith to match! I have such a big heart for teens and their willingness to put all their hopes, dreams, faults and everything about them on the line just to show God how much they love and trust Him. That is incredible in itself.