What is the Pray for Me Campaign?

The basic idea of the Pray for Me Campaign is simple. Three adults from three different generations will be assigned as prayer champions for each teenager in the church (These specific numbers don’t always work out because of our size, but this is the goal). For the next year those adults will pray for their student using a prayer guide with 13 weeks worth of daily prayers focused on seven essential spiritual qualities appropriate for teenagers, as well as by regularly asking the student for any specific prayer requests. Additionally, these match ups are an opportunity for the prayer champions and teenagers to build a relationship. Intergenerational relationships are an invaluable way that we disciple our young people and help them to grow in their faith and the P4M Campaign is a structured way to facilitate those meetings.

Why Should I be a prayer champion?

Because “the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective” and we all know that adolescence comes with a whole host of challenges that call for powerful and effective assistance. The Spirit wants to work in our lives and the lives of our youth, and this is great way for us to participate in that work. Moreover, Jesus calls us as older church members to form discipleship relationships with young men and women so that they know they are valued members of the Body of Christ and can observe how to best live out their faith. If we expect young people to stay in the church we need to show them that they are part of the church.

What if I don’t know how to disciple Teenagers?

I promise that if you know how to build a friendship with anyone then you have all that you need to disciple teenagers. Don’t be intimidated by the formality or churchiness of the word “disciple”. No one’s expecting you to educate anyone in the finer points of doctrine or to have any special instructing ability. In this context discipling just means being and older sibling in Christ who is willing to share life with a new friend. Our teens don’t need more teachers. What they need is to see that there are adults other than their youth leaders and parents who are faithfully following Jesus, to see that other older, wiser, experienced people think it’s real and important to know Jesus as Lord. And they need to know that they belong in the church, that they are loved and supported, and that this is place where they know people and have friendships that extend beyond their experience of youth group. So, as I said, if you can make a friend you can disciple a teenager!

Ok! I’m In! Now what do I do?

First, click here to fill out a registration form and become a prayer champion!

Second, click here to order your own prayer book (you can also get cheaper used copies here if you prefer). If you’d rather the church provide you with a copy just please use the CONTACT US button, and let us know you need a book. We don’t want this to be a burden for anyone! You don’t have to use the book if you don’t want to, but I highly recommend it.

Finally, please mark your calendars for Sunday September 29th. All students and their prayer champions will be paired and have the opportunity to meet one another along with the student’s families at a brunch hosted during Interlude. During this time prayer champions, parents, and students can exchange contact information and discuss the best ways for the prayer champions and students to communicate. It’s very important to have this opportunity to meet the students and open the door to a friendship so please plan on attending this event if at all possible.