Sanctify Them By The Truth
A few weeks before my eldest daughter started school, we paid a visit at lunchtime for her to get familiar with the place. Imagine my surprise when we found music playing loudly from stereos and these primary-aged girls dancing on the tables. Based on their dance moves, it was clear what kind of adult entertainment they were mimicking. What kind of world was I sending my daughter into! Up until then, I was her primary influence, but now others crowded in and it wasn’t always going to be safe.
When Jesus knew it was time for him to leave, He sat his disciples down for a lengthy talk. He had been their primary influence in their lives for an intense three years. The bond was deep and Jesus had shared with them everything the Father had given him. His prayer for the disciples when they no longer had him around has become my own:
“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them, I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.” (John 17: 15-19)
Conversations about God’s truth continue in our home, but it is as my children engage with a world full of the enemies' lies that I pray for God to make it alive and personal for them. Only the Holy Spirit can sanctify their hearts and give them discernment, yet Jesus had confidence the Father would enable the disciples to remain secure in his truth. Likewise, we can pray the same prayers as Jesus for our children to remain in His truth too.
Pray from the Scriptures
Father,
Thank you for the truth you have revealed to us through your Son. Just as Jesus protected the disciples and kept them safe while He was with them, I ask you to continue to do so with my children. Sanctify them by your truth, so they will be secure in your love and choose your ways. Holy Spirit, give them discernment and your power to resist evil. Let them discover your goodness so that they may be a burning light in this world, for your glory.
Amen
"Prayers For a Generation invites you to stand in the gap by offering beautiful prayers and Scripture verses for you to personalise over the young people in your life, centered around the major issues that impact them such as identity, relationships, mental health, and faith."
You can order your own copy from The Devoted Collective here or from Amazon.
www.thedevotedcollective.org