How to Serve Teens in Your City and Why*

It starts with prayer—it did for me, anyway.

Last year, a friend of mine and I started praying for direction with our teen daughters. We saw more was needed to sow God’s love into their lives.

She and I began by praying, desiring God’s guidance and will.

God sees every person and situation with absolute clarity making him the most trustworthy guide.

Out of those prayers for our teenagers, we began a bible study. Last year met weekly, a little ambitious without much planning time. This year, in prayer again, we switched things up to capture our hope for them as they step into adulthood.

This is what our bridge into adulthood goals were and are:

To love God’s word.

To always serve.

To intentionally gather and eat together, mini celebrations of relationships throughout the year.

We meet three times a month to do the above the best we can.

Once a month, we gather to study God’s word.

Once a month, we gather to serve together at a local food bank.

Once a month, we gather our families for a barbeque.

What I have learned from teens:

The fewer words, the better. This is a season to ask questions and listen. It is hard to stop giving advice all the time. (Where did this know-it-all come from? Oh—right—parenthood.)

Encourage and guide gently. Use words to encourage and right a wrong where needed.

Welcome them with love and joy. They can pick up on a bad mood just like we can, so let it all go and embrace the gathering.

Teens have a unique pressure upon them that will be lifted soon enough, but they can’t yet comprehend the end of this process.

What I have learned about teens from God —in no particular order.

Keep engaging. Don’t give up, no matter what.

They are intimidated by life and the pending responsibility of adulthood.

Don’t be put off by a strong pushback. In other words, don’t take offense.

Pray and pray again.

Engage with a humble heart.

What can you do for teens in your City?

Pray first. (I bet you saw that coming. 😊)

There are many creative ways to serve teens in your own town.

Is there a youth group at your church? Do they need an extra hand? Are they planning a summer camp you can help with or provide a scholarship for?

Is there a youth program in your City where you can volunteer?

When you’re running your errands, can you smile at the teens in the stores? (One of my kids experienced adults actually frowning at her once she got older and were still grocery shopped together.)

Once you start praying for the teens in your City, you will notice more and more of them. A smile and a kind word can do some much for them. Even if they don’t know how to respond, keep it up! It isn’t about what you get back but what you plant in them.

God, help us see the teens in our City the way you do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do you know some issues facing teens in your City?

I am convinced prayer leads to action.

First, in the heavenly realm. God can answer the prayers or start a ball rolling here on earth, encouraging people to take action and create provisions for the requests.

Second, in the person praying. When a person prays, they see they can be that answer to prayer or help in some small way.

Prayer brings something to the one praying, peace—when done right—

Peace between you and God.

Peace between you and your City.

Peace within yourself.

Announcement!

I have added a visual on my website that you can see from a PC or Laptop. It shows you my up-to-date progress on my devotional about praying for your City. I hope you find it helpful.

Until next week, keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

PS My teen approves of this message.

PSS If you like this blog post, will you share it with one friend?

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29

Photo by Laurentiu Iordache on Unsplash (eggs)

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash (post-its)

Photo by J W on Unsplash (coverage)

Photo by Hoover Tung on Unsplash (electrified city)