Prayer for Today's Youth

It can be quite depressing sometimes to witness the behavior of kids these days. Many seem to have a general lack of respect for themselves, for others, for everything. What's the cause of this...? Absentee parents..? Television...? The internet...? Certainly, any and all of the above can be attributed.

As a coach, I work with kids every day. I'm very blessed in that nearly 100 percent of the kids I see on a regular basis are 'good' kids that want to play tennis and are generally well behaved.

When I do get the occasional discipline problem I try to take special care to handle that child in a way that changes their life for the better. Tennis has a rich history of sportsmanship, honor, and good manners. (also known as etiquette) Leave out John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors. They were not good examples of behavior although no one can deny their talent in the sports arena.

Of Course, not everyone has that kind of world class physical talent. And I'm certainly not in the coaching business to find the next Wimbledon Champion. But I do hope to turn out great human beings.

I know that it starts with me. I've got to be the kind of person I want the kids to grow up to become leaders in society. If I don't show respect, how can I expect the kids to show respect...? If I'm not honest, how can I expect honesty from the kids? If I'm not patient, how can I get others to show patience...? They're not going to learn it from pop culture.

So today, I pray for today's youth. And I pray that God will empower adults and older youths to make a difference in their lives.


Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, you said that we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of God. But something is happening to kids these days. They are being poisoned by a society that doesn't know you. And how are they ever going to know you...? If adults don't take an interest in our kids then this country is finished. This world is falling apart and the future is in the hands of the youth. But the youth are growing up without positive, Godly, role models.

I pray today for children all over the world. I pray for their parents and the adults in their lives. I pray that patterns of disrespect be turned around. I plan to keep making a difference, one life at a time. I pray that you always keep my heart tender and my eyes open to opportunities for service and ministry. And Dear Lord, I pray that you raise up others to join this effort.

I thank You Lord for giving me a heart for service. I thank You for all the young people you have seen fit to trust in to my influence. Lord, I thank you most of all for the precious gift of Salvation. Father I love You. And in your Son Jesus Christ's name I pray, Amen.