Morning Prayer Thursday, 21 January 2021
YOUR WORD O LORD IS ETERNAL
“Your word, O Lord is eternal: it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth and it endures”
(Psalm119: 89-90 NIV).
‘Britain has changed and is changing, but the Lord does not change, and the message of the Christian faith does not change. Children and young people are always faced with the challenges of their generation. In the 21st century, they are facing immense challenges, most of which are different from those experienced by previous generations: the stress of 24 hour access social media- its negative images of bullying, pressure into developing acceptable physical bodies, and socially approved behaviours e.g. pressure to become sexually active; grooming on the internet; and victims of paedophiles. They experience anxieties about failure at school; in lockdown some still have no computer access for on line school assignments; anxiety about the job market; drug and alcohol abuse; sadly some experience abuses in the home. The coronavirus pandemic has greatly interrupted their education and that has added to the stress which children and young people are experiencing. They feel that for the most part they have been left out, and let down by society. Recently, the Prince’s Trust conducted a survey among 16-25year olds. One in four, felt unable to cope they were anxious and some had mental health problems. We have much to do if the next generation is to grow up in a strong Christian culture, as major Christian values are being eroded from our national life.’
‘Teaching the next Generation’ by Canon Michael Cole
Yet there is hope, as there are good stories about initiatives of the younger generation. Many are engaged in creative projects which bring cheer and hope to their classmates, families, communities and the wider society. Despite physical challenges, some have been raising funds towards community work, the NHS etc. In a recent Easter address, the former Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu said ‘Young people know in their bones that there must be something better, something more worthwhile than the self-centredness which is attracted by the promise of endless pleasure but which somehow never seems to deliver.’ Many young people are asking “what is the purpose of life?” Others unsatisfied with money and materialism- are trying to find the right priorities for themselves in life. (My comment- some years ago, a young professional person who was working in the city got a hefty bonus. He was at a loss and spoke with a Bishop to get advice on what he should do with all that money?) “The unchanging Christian message has not passed its ‘sell by date’. It is our task and our joy to be able to meet that need and answer those questions.” Provide them with a moral Christian compass. Many young people are enthusiastic and adventurous about life. When they are convinced that wrongs are being committed, they are not afraid to speak up: e.g. with respect to climate change, black lives matter, gender discrimination, unjust economic policies etc.
There are many projects Christian, and otherwise which have been set up across the country to guide and support young people. In 2008, Dr Sentamu set up a Youth Trust. The Archbishop’s vision encouraged them to be part of the answer and not part of the problem facing their communities. The Youth Leadership scheme in schools, and the Young Leaders awards have empowered some 73,000 young people in over 600 schools to serve their local communities. The awards recognize and celebrate what they have to offer.
Let us pray:
Loving God, we bring before you the concerns of the young generation and ask you to give parents, foster parents, grand –parents and carers, patience and wisdom to continue to keep the lines of communication open with the young people in their care. Their education has been greatly disrupted and life has become unpredictable, so it is very important for them to be able to speak about their concerns and anxieties. May those who are Christians inform and guide them in the Christian faith. We pray that as this year advances, our country will become settled with the roll-out of the vaccination programme; so that teaching and learning can be properly restored. Father, we pray for the staff of all educational institutions, please keep them fit and well. Also, we pray for the good health and well- being of all frontline staff, workers and volunteers in the health services. In your strength Lord; make us strong.
Father, we pray for all who are suffering from mental health challenges; and especially children (there are four in every classroom) with mental health issues. We pray for the 95% of children and young people who do not go to church. We ask that churches and youth leaders engage young people to discover your Word, and show them the love of your Son, Jesus Christ. Father, we praise you for what you are doing in the lives of teenagers who attend church. We pray that they will continue in their journey towards faith in you. May we be authentic and honest about our own struggles as we encourage young people and share the gospel with them. Loving God, we pray that when we are able to reopen our churches fully, all churches large and small, urban and rural will be keen to build strong and lasting relationships with children and young people in our communities. In your strength Lord; make us strong. Amen
The Lord is calling us to reach the next generation, so they can reach the generation that follows. “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4)
“I was made a Christian
when my name was given,
one of God’s dear children,
and an heir of heaven.
In the name of Christian
I will glory now,
evermore remember
my baptismal vow.
John Samuel Jones (1831-1911)
Glynne Gordon- Carter
21s January 2020
