A Prayer for College Students
By Emma Danzey
John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Whether you have children in college, grandchildren, friends, or just care about the next generation, it is so important that we pray for them at this time of year. The start of a school year can really create a trajectory of an entire year. What clubs, ministries, and organizations that a student chooses put them around certain people and environments? This can either help them in their faith or pull them down.
We are reminded in John 1 that Jesus is the Light, and He has overcome the darkness. When believers live out daily life with Christ, they have opportunities to shine His light in dark places. College is definitely a place filled with darkness. From anti-Christian professors to party scenes, to identity crises, anxiety, depression, and independence gone wild, college is a make-or-break time in the life of many young people. This is a time when alcoholism develops, drug addictions take root, sexually transmitted diseases occur, and more. We need to seriously pray for college students today. The enemy is after them and uses this time for a lot of damage, however, our great God can use this time for a lot of good and strengthening individuals' faith. It is such an amazing mission field for those who love Jesus. The light shines bright in the dark places.
Let's Pray:
Dear Father,
Thank you that You care about college students. Even when they are in a place of great trials and temptations, You are the Light who will guide those who are seeking You. We pray over those who know you to not be drawn away from walking with You for temporary pleasures and popularity. We pray for strong identities in You. We ask that You would be the anchor for believing students to be respectful and loving to others but remain firm on the truth of Your gospel and Your Word. Help them to seek out and find college ministries and groups that encourage their faith and motivate them to walk the narrow path with You. Help them to be witnesses to their classmates, professors, and those younger than them. Please protect them and guide them as they make decisions each day.
Lord, we pray for those who do not know you in college. Would the light shine so brightly in the students and professors who do know You that they would desire that change within themselves? Help them to be approached and given the gift of the good news of Christ. We pray for boldness for evangelism, friendships, and sharing the truth in love. We ask for You to lead the students away from tempting situations and towards the things that are of You. Protect them from damaging choices. We pray over concerned parents and family members that they would have peace in You and not stop praying for their loved ones.
We pray for the student who knows You as Savior but has not truly grown in a relationship with You. God, they are teetering in these kinds of environments. Help them to make the decisions that You would want for them out of learning of Your great love. If they should stumble and go their rebellious ways, convict their hearts gently and help them to turn back to You. Your grace is given, grace upon grace.
Remind students who fall that You are there always to pick them back up, and Your love for them has not changed even in their sins. We pray that other believers who are stronger in their faith would come alongside these students and love them well. Help them to have positive friend groups that sharpen them and motivate them to seek You. We pray for parents and family members who are concerned about these students. Help them to have peace and trust in Your working in their lives. Remind them that You see and love their child more. Give them hope that You hear their prayers.
Lord, please bless the college students of today. In a culture of confusion, help them to find all their answers and identity in You. Amen.
Photo credit: ©SalemDesign/BethanyPyle
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