A prayer for the youth group

Oh, Lord,

Our teenagers are at retreat this weekend.
They are playing and laughing and joking around.
They are listening to leaders,
singing praise,
and saying prayers–
perhaps for the first time in a long time.

God, send your Spirit to hover over their waters,
to create new life and new perspectives,
to inspire and renew and affirm.

I ask that you encourage those who are sad.
Empower those who are afraid.
Comfort those who are grieving.
Befriend those who are lonely.
Strengthen those who feel defeated.

Move them.
Draw them.
Convict them.
Inspire them.
Protect them.

These are future leaders and change-makers.
Holy Spirit, move them to confess their sins,
ask forgiveness of others,
release bitterness,
accept one another,
believe truth,
engage in worship,
serve one another.

Make them a generation of love and mission.

Mark this weekend as a pivotal time in their spiritual growth.
Set them on a new path toward the destiny and purpose you have for them.

In Jesus’ holy name,
Amen.

Psalm 24:6–Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.