Prayer for a new assignment

[Jeffonc]

After a year and a half away from regular youth ministry I'm getting back into the groove tomorrow as a Sunday School teacher for a 7th and 8th grade class. In the past my efforts were largely recreation-focused with a real burden to make sure kids looked forward to coming to the church and could leave with a long-lasting association of positive memories with time spent in Christian activities (which is pretty much the opposite of what I had as a kid).

This is a good group of kids - probably around a dozen, most of whom I've coached or led in some capacity before, so we'll have a good head start, but time spent cooped up together in a small room has a way of wearing on everybody.

This morning I'm praying for my own responsibilities in preparation, my enthusiasm and my endurance over the next year(s), and I'm asking the Lord to help me find ways to hold the attention of this age group in a class setting while effectively equipping them with solid, scriptural training. I'll need His help dealing with distractions and demonstrating my own testimony and His love through the unique opportunities this age group can create. And I'm praying that the kids will show patience for me and for each other, will be welcoming to visitors, that we will enjoy our time together in the word and that they will grow stronger and more confident in their relationship with the Lord.

I'd count it a blessing to be remembered in prayer by my brothers and sisters out here.