Desperate Prayer

There have been several new students coming to youth ministry.  I've heard stories of cutting, years of addiction and abuse in families, suicide, loneliness, getting locked up...  Then this beautiful girl comes and tells me that now she knows there is a purpose for her life because she feels special when we smile at her (those of us at church). 

My heart is just broken...I am so humbled and so scared.  Father, it's such a tremendous responsibility to love these kids that come here looking for love and acceptance.  And there's such a fine line in maintaining a connection with them.  It doesn't take much for them to feel disappointed and unwanted.  They go through so much at home - they almost expect us to let them down.  Sometimes I feel so inadequate to the task...

Father, please grant me the grace to do what needs to be done.  Please fill me with supernatural anointing to be the things that I know I cannot be without You.  Please surround me with godly people who passionately love You and will walk alongside me.  Please help us (the Body of Christ) to selflessly love each other so that we're not distracted by our differences or offenses and hindered from accomplishing the Kingdom work that must be done to save lives.  Please give me the strength to stand when the burden is so heavy. 

I'm humbled by Your presence and Your request of the use of my life.  I want to walk boldly in what You've asked me to do.  Some days, boldness eludes me.  So I will walk humbly at those times.  And when the Holy Spirit grants me boldness, I will pour it all out for You. 

I just have this one life...and it's Yours.