A Prayer For Our Graduating Seniors {0}
Yesterday we recognized our Seniors who graduated. Earlier that morning I sat down to write a short prayer them. I know some think prayers should be “on the fly” but I’ll tell you writing a prayer before hand is a great benefit for a number of reasons. When I prepare a prayer before hand I find I pray through the whole process, I ask God what I should be asking God for on behalf of our congregation. I find when I write before hand I am able to really think through what I desire God to do in their life rather than only using prayer clichés and common phrases (not wrong, just not as well thought out). I find I can be more succinct rather going in circles in an attempt to not forget anything. Finally I love doing it because I can look back at the prayer in written form and I can share it with whoever it was for.
So below is the prayer I prayed for the Seniors of 2012. I wanted to be sure the focus was a prayer of praise to God and of request for our student and not accolades for the students accomplishment. I am very proud of what they have accomplished, but since this prayer was in the middle of worship service I wanted to be careful to keep our minds focused on God rather than self. So here it is.
Heavenly father,
We thank you for these covenant children. We thank you for this milestone in their life as so much hard work is finally completed. As they begin this new chapter in their life we ask for your blessing. We are not concerned that they become successful in the world’s eyes. It doesn’t matter if they build great companies or clean the floors of small ones. No, our prayer is of one focus, we ask that they would go on in life trusting in Christ moment by moment. Please make their faith strong, give them a love for your church and boldness with the gospel as they live and proclaim it to their own hearts and into the darkness of a world that has suppressed the truth. May their lives be poured out not for their own kingdoms, but for your kingdom, and would they point others not to their own glory, but to glory of their Creator and their Savior. Oh God, please cause these covenant children whom we love so deeply to love you God more than anything in the world. In Christ Holy name we pray, amen.
