Going Deeper In Prayer With Your Ministry

Last night was a powerful evening of prayer. Instead of our usual format we hosted an hour and a half of Adoration that was open to anyone in the parish. Teens, adults and kids gathered to sing worship, reflect on scripture and silently sit with the Eucharist. 

I think we can all agree that our students need to grow in prayer.  It’s one of the essential responsibilities of a youth ministry.  If you want to grow disciples you need to show them how to go deeper in their relationship with God.  The problem is that many students do not know how to engage in it, especially if not supported at home.  To bring prayer into a deeper level in your ministry you need to::

• Give Them The Tools: Prayer can seem intangible to a lot of teenagers.  Give them tools like devotionals, and lectio divinas that encourage the conversation with God.  Don’t be afraid to go digital or hand them a hard cover prayer book.  Equip and encourage your volunteer leaders to recommend what helps them go deeper in their relationship with God. 

• Provide Opportunities: Hosting an evening where all you do is pray is important.  It doesn’t have to be a lesson on how to pray the rosary.  Just give them an opportunity where they can sit in silence (Something a little rare in their lives).  Create an atmosphere where they can check out of the world and check-in with God.

• Weave It Into The Culture: Where does prayer appear in your ministry?  How do students see you and your volunteers pray?  On top of providing opportunities, look at making it a part of your format.  Start the evening in prayer, talk about prayer and never leave the night without it.  When it becomes a part of the culture it will feel more natural.

• Show Them Support: Prayer is personal; therefore, one method is not going to work for everyone.  Get to know your students before recommending a specific tool.  Create accountability systems where your leaders are asking their teens about their prayer life.  Make sure you are creating systems that are going to set them up for success.

Showing your teens the power of prayer will help your ministry grow deeper and wider.  As a group you’ll learn to trust God more when tragedy hits the community.  You’ll be able to engage in more challenging projects like a missions trip.  You’ll see your students transform because they now know how to connect with God.

How do you provide an environment of prayer in your ministry?