“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.” (Ps. 73:23) “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be” (Luke 12:34); “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
Lord Jesus, whether we’re connected to them by DNA, the bonds of love, a shared history, or some other providence, we pray today for those preparing to graduate from high school. It’s truly one of the most exciting, everything-changing, vulnerability-fueling transitions in life.
First of all, thank you for loving each of these “kids” much more than we do—those who already know you, and those who have yet to discover the greatness of your grace and love. Our singular, unwavering prayer is that you will continue to reveal yourself to them. Knowing you and the Father IS eternal life (John 17:3)—a quality of life that can be found nowhere else.
By the work of your Holy Spirit, may they (and we) may be able to say with the Psalmist, “When I think of heaven, I think of you, Jesus. Knowing you has changed what I call treasure—what I consider worth seeking, delighting in, and spending my short life for.”
Indeed, Jesus, make your truth, goodness, and beauty irresistible and compelling to each of them. As for us, free us to trust you, Jesus. You know the plans you have for them—plans that may be quite different from stories we would write. You know the unique passions, gifts, dreams, and callings you have for them. You also know the tears they’ll need to shed, the pain they’ll need to experience, and the humility they’ll need to learn—all as a part of your grace-work in their lives.
Jesus, help us love with knees-bent and hands-off—engaged but not controlling, encouraging but not hovering. May they experience more of our faith, and less of our fears. And, during this new season, should “mistakes” be made, and first choices don’t prove to be the best choices—free us to offer your welcoming heart, fresh grace, and wisdom from above. So Very Amen.
