PRAYER FOCUS

Adults (40+)

Titus 2:1-6
“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and steadfastness.  Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women, to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” 

As we arrive at middle age and beyond, we may find ourselves retired or “empty-nesters”.  Because of these life changes, we might have more available time to invest in younger Christians. The Bible specifically challenges us to fellowship with and train the next generations.  

Paul and Timothy serve as Biblical models for Christian discipleship. In 1 and 2 Timothy, we read of Paul, the older, more experienced follower of Jesus, who takes Timothy, a devout but younger, inexperienced believer under his wing. Paul calls Timothy “my true son in the faith.” And just as a father loves, teaches, guides, and eventually sends out his son, so does Paul does with Timothy. They travel and collaborate. Paul delegates Timothy to go to Thessalonica to strengthen the church there and later assigns him to pastor the church in Ephesus. 

While we of a certain age disciple those younger and less experienced in the faith, we should be careful that our words and actions are an example.  We must foster the virtues that are the hallmarks of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Younger people are watching and listening. They are quick to notice hypocrisy and insincerity, which may result in disillusion and disappointment; not only in the person discipling them but possibly in the church as a whole. Instead, let them see us praying, studying the Bible, attending church, serving faithfully, and exhibiting Godly conduct in word and in deed every day of the week, not just on Sunday morning.  

Take opportunities to deliberately spend time with younger people. We tend to gather with those close to our own stage in life, and that is natural and enjoyable. But intergenerational fellowship is necessary for Christian growth.  We can enlist those of diverse ages to serve the church together and even engage in Bible study together.

As we connect with these younger believers, we can tell of our experiences and our walk with God — what He has taught us, and how He has proven His faithfulness. We can tell honest, real stories; the good and when appropriate the bad. We can share how we learned from mistakes and how His faithfulness and forgiveness have shaped our lives. We can admit that we don’t know all the answers, but we pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us in difficult timer or in times of doubt. We can share about how we read the Bible and seek wise counsel when we don’t know what to do.  

When discipling, however, we should resist harsh criticism and judging without love.  Any correction should be made with love and concern and after much time spent in prayer. 
And above all, we should pray that we of the older generation will have a heart to disciple younger people. And pray that younger people seek out those whose experiences are examples of Christian maturity in order to humbly learn from them.

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:18 

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