A Prayer About Mentoring

When I think about the next generation of believers

DEAR GOD,

Paul’s admonition to Timothy hits me hard. Sentenced and imprisoned, Paul knew he would soon be executed by the Romans. Yet instead of feeling sorry for himself, he wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy, giving him encouragement and instructions. Paul knew that the spread of the gospel would depend on the faithfulness of the next generation. So he challenged Timothy to teach to others what he had learned. He also told Timothy to teach his protégés how to “pass [those teachings] on to others.” Timothy had a strong mentor, Paul. But he also had the responsibility to come alongside younger believers in a mentoring relationship. I see myself in the role of Timothy, Lord. I need a “Paul” to mentor me, teaching me how to apply your Word to real-life situations. Please lead me to a faithful servant of Christ who is older and wiser and who will work with me. And lead me to those whom I can mentor, I pray. I want to help build up the next generation of believers.

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. 2 Timothy 2:2