I think somewhere along the way of American Christianity the concept of prayer has become nonchalant. We often reply to people who share their needs and requests with “I’ll be praying for you” with no actual plan to pray. That phrase has become a good gesture like “sending you good thoughts” instead of a commitment to go humbly and boldly before the Lord.
And the same goes for praying for revival. Parents and leaders will often share their concerns about today’s culture and say “We are praying for a revival in this generation!” But, what does that actually look like? How do we take it beyond well-meaning intentions to going to the Lord on behalf of this generation of teen girls?
Robby Gallaty recently said, “All movements of God begin by not moving.” If we want to get serious about seeing revival with our teen girls, we must get serious about stopping and praying for our girls. And while prayer doesn’t magically make God change the hearts of our girls, it does change the posture of our hearts and shapes the way we approach, lead, disciple, and parent our teen girls.
So let’s lead the way in praying for our girls. If you’re not sure where to start, here are 7 prompts that you can use in your time of intercession for this generation of girls.
Let’s get on our knees and let’s plead on behalf of our girls for the Lord’s mercy and grace!
Pray that she sees her desperate need for a heart change.
Pray that our girls recognize their sin for what it is—wicked and evil, keeping them separated from their gracious Heavenly Father. Pray that the enemy would no longer be able to deceive them into thinking that living in sin is okay. Pray that they recognize their need for the only One who can change their heart!
Ephesians 2:1-3: And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also.
Pray that she recognizes the abundance of grace and mercy offered.
Pray that our girls will see that they don’t have to keep living in their sin, but that God graciously made a way for them to be set free. Pray that they recognize His love and mercy extended through His Son, Jesus. Pray that they fully understand the gospel that is offered to them.
Ephesians 2:4: But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!
Pray that she walks in genuine repentance.
Pray that they turn from sinful habits and addictions to the freedom offered from their merciful and gracious Father. Pray that they are freed from any guilt or shame. Pray that they daily walk in repentance, and that revival wouldn’t just be temporary.
1 John 1:7-9: If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Pray that she makes her faith her own.
Pray that their faith wouldn’t be dependent upon a parent’s or pastor’s faith. Pray that they strive to seek God for themselves and experience the personal relationship that He offers. Pray that she has a hunger for God’s Word and recognizes her need to daily seek Him prayer.
Psalm 63:1-2: God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you. I thirst for you; my body faints for you in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water. So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory.
Pray that she experiences His joy and peace in all circumstances.
Pray that our girls would know where their true joy and peace come from—Christ alone! Pray that they wouldn’t seek after fleeting and temporary fixes.
Philippians 4:4-7: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Pray that she remembers where her help comes from.
Pray that our girls will never feel alone or helpless because they know the Lord is with them. Pray that when they are weak they will experience His strength. Pray that when they feel lost that they’ll recognize the Spirit is with them guiding every step of the way. Pray our girls seek His wisdom, rather than the world’s advice, in every situation.
Psalm 121: I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side. The sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Pray that she doesn’t stand alone.
Pray that they will stand strong in their faith as the world progressively goes against what God’s Word might say. And as they stand strong, pray that they will know and see the body of Christ standing behind them and for them. Pray that they will be surrounded by other friends, pastors, leaders, and parents who will cheer them on in their walk with the Lord. Pray that as they grow weary that they will have people to carry them and encourage them every step of the way.
Ephesians 4:15-16: Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
1: To watch this message from Robby Gallaty, pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqQ3h08FkTI&t=2296s
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.