Praying for a Youth Mission Trip

Lately we've spent time on Sunday Evenings seeking God and praying for some Kingdom concerns. We have a group of youth leaving Saturday morning to serve as "World Changers" in Fort Walton Beach, FL on a short-term mission trip. We prayed for them Sunday night. I wanted to share with you the verse we prayed through for them and how we did it. What a blessing it was for me to lead our church it this. This is an example of praying Scripture (which I'm doing more and more of and am loving it!)

2 Cor. 4:5 says, "For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond servants for Jesus sake."

1) "We do not preach/proclaim ourselves". We prayed that these young people would be protected against pride, they wouldn't brag to their friends when they returned home, they would guard their tongues from boasting while there, and that they would take compliments and "thank you"s well.

2) "but [we proclaim] Christ Jesus as Lord". We prayed that God would give them opportunities to share why they were there, boldness and courage to say good words for Christ, and open doors to share their testimony. We prayed that others would not look down on their youthfulness but that the would be an example of believers.

3) "and [we proclaim] ourselves as your bond servants". We prayed they would have servant hearts and servant attitudes and strength and health to work and serve. We prayed against a lazy spirit and that they would have a great work ethic, working like slaves for Jesus.

4) "for Jesus sake". Lastly we prayed that the primary motivation for them going would be for Jesus. Not for fun, friends, a good time, or to just take a trip. We prayed that they would go for God not for themselves, not even for those whom they serve. We acknowledged that it is easy to serve others when they are appreciative, grateful, and kind. But if those who are being served are not kind and even mean, we must be doing our service for Jesus and not others in order to persevere with joy.

What do you think? What are some examples of how you've prayed Scripture lately?

Quotes from Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Here are a collection of quotes from R.M. M'Cheyne that are humbling, convicting, and encouraging. I hope they bless ya'.

"If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me."

"Rose early to seek God and found Him whom my soul loveth. Who would not rise early to meet such company?" [Journal: 23 February1834]

"A man is what he is on his knees before God, and nothing more."

"Set NOT your hearts on the flowers of this world. They shall fade and die. Prize the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley. He changes not! Live nearer to Christ than to any person on this earth; so that when they are taken, you may have Him to love and lean upon."

From a hymn entitled "I Am Debtor"
When this passing world is done, When has sunk yon glaring sun,
When we stand with Christ in glory, Looking o'er life's finished story,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know -Not till then - how much I owe.

When I hear the wicked call On the rocks and hills to fall,
When I see them start and shrink On the fiery deluge brink,
-Then, Lord, shall I fully know -Not till then - how much I owe.

When I stand before the throne, Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see thee as thou art, Love thee with unsinning heart,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know -Not till then - how much I owe.