Pick a Senior

It feels like eons ago, but back in August I asked you to pick a freshman. If you knew a freshman entering high school or college, I encouraged you to commit to praying for him or her for the first 2 months of the school year. As we round the bases and look at this academic year moving into its final stages, I come with another request. Would you please pick a senior?I’m happy to say that I don’t have a senior yet, so this isn’t to get you to pray for my son or daughter… although I’m sure I’ll make that request when we get there (and any day between now and then… prayer is always appreciated)!Just as the beginning of a school year is especially challenging for those new to school, the last months leading up to graduation bring a unique set of circumstances that need to be covered in prayer.For some, the pressure of the ACT, SAT, and AP exams is daunting. The college decision seems overwhelming as essays are submitted and financial aid filed. Annika’s college counselor recently talked about test fatigue as some students try over and over for those extra few points that may be the difference in being able to receive enough money to attend a school (or even be admitted) or not.For others, the charmed senior life is tempting. Maybe instead of feeling the pressure, he or she is suffering from senioritis and is persuaded to cut corners and compromise values, all within the misguided idea that becoming an adult equates to complete freedom. The struggle for all seniors as they spread their wings is real. The process of preparing to leave home for the next phase of life brings a weird combination of courage and fear.[bctt tweet="The struggle for all seniors as they spread their wings is real."]Consider praying over these topics for your senior:

• That their relationship with the Lord would actually become stronger in these months ahead, in spite of all the distractions.
• That they would have favor with testing and applications that weigh so heavily for those planning to attend college.
• That their relationships with their family would be strengthened and anchored in the final months many of them live at home before tasting independence.
• That they would trust God’s timing and not go ahead of Him.
• That they would make wise choices in how they conduct themselves.

Additionally, consider praying these specific scriptures into their lives:

• Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2)
• A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. (Proverbs 13:1)
• Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7)
• He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
• … so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:4)

If you don’t have a senior to pray for, let me know. I’m happy to find a senior for you. Do you have a senior who needs prayer? Please comment with his or her name and graduation date and I’ll be honored to pray.Let’s carry these students through their walk across the stage.