Disengaged, Indifferent, and Turning Away
“Only 11% of Gen Z are considered “Scripture Engaged,”” according to the American Bible Society (1). That means, 89% of Gen Z are uninvolved, having no commitment to fellowship in church or spending time in the Word. 89%. That’s a significant number. As a parent, that should at best, make us pause, and at worst, drive us to our knees in prayer.
There used to be a time when most people seemed to have regard for God and respect for Scripture, even if they were not “church-going” people. Parents often recognized the importance of instilling values in their children and were not opposed to them attending Sunday School or VBS, even if they did not attend themselves. How far we’ve moved from that standard. It’s not the norm any longer and those who embrace that are often labeled as ‘antiquated’, or worse.
“Our youngest adults—those in Generation Z—have more fears, greater anxiety, lower self-esteem, and less affirmation from peers than any older generation.”
The result is that, according to John F. Plake, the CIO of the American Bible Society, “Our youngest adults—those in Generation Z—have more fears, greater anxiety, lower self-esteem, and less affirmation from peers than any older generation.” (1) We can see it, can’t we? Even our own sons and daughters are struggling, though they may not readily admit it.
The further we distance ourselves from God and Scripture, the greater the anxieties and fears that plague us and we experience more unrest, both mental and emotional. We’ve shifted from God’s truth to our own truth, that which no one can contradict because it’s subjective and personal. Yet, individual truth leaves a gap of morality and safety. No one knows what the rules are and the expectations continually change. So we’re left with an ‘every man for himself’ approach that leaves people craving affirmation from others rather than God, seeking tangible things to fill the spiritual hunger, and running after idols that look like relationships, titles, possessions, and experiences.
We have the most powerful weapon in our arsenal: prayer.
So what can we do? Where do we turn? As parents, we no longer have the opportunity to wake them up on a Sunday and get them ready for church. We can’t cart them off to AWANA and then review their memory verses with them for the following week. There is no adult VBS where they can meet with their friends, play games and learn God’s word in a fun summer program. No, our options are limited, but we have the most powerful weapon in our arsenal: prayer.
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” James 5:16b-20
There is incredible, spirit-moving, kingdom-building power in prayer! We have access to the Throne of the Almighty, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is our Father, our Savior, our Friend and He listens intently to the prayer of our heart. We can pray with confidence. Satan doesn’t stand a chance because Christ has already won!
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:15
Ephesians 6:10-12 tells us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
So let’s agree to pray together for this generation of young adults who so desperately need to turn to the Savior and rest in Him. Let’s pray that they will hunger and thirst after righteousness and crave time in His Word - God’s Word is transformational! Pray they will sense the stirring of the Holy Spirit and turn to embrace Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
This week we’re doing something a little different by having scripture and prayer for every day of the week. Let’s bathe our sons and daughters in prayer using God’s Word and ask Him to move and work in their hearts and draw them into active, vibrant fellowship with Him. Each Scripture is focused on the phrase “Your Word” and the message is powerful!
Sunday
“Oh Lord, my heart is heavy. This generation of young adults is drifting away from You and many don’t even know You. Almighty God, Lord of all, I bring (name) before You today and ask that You would draw them into right fellowship with You. Give them a hunger and thirst for Your Word. Even today, Lord, open their eyes to see their Bible and urge them to pick it up and begin reading. I know I can’t motivate this, but You can. Change what their heart craves because I know that only by living according to Your Word, (name) will keep their way pure (Psalm 119:11). I pray that (name) would delight in Your decrees and would not neglect Your Word (Psalm 119:16) I pray that Your Word would be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path (Psalm 119:105) Jesus, I pray that You would be what they crave and they would fall in love with You in ways that words can’t describe. Draw them to You. It is in Your name I pray, amen.”
Monday
“Sovereign Lord, there is so much in this world that would pull us away from You. I bring (name) before You today and ask You to work in their heart and mind. I pray that You would Turn (names) eyes away from worthless things; preserve [their] life according to Your Word. (Psalm 119:37) There are so many influences and temptations that have potential to ensnare (name) in sin and trap them in bondage to the brokenness of this world. I pray that they would seek Your precepts so that they might walk about in freedom.(Psalm 119:45). Only You can change their desires and motivate change. I ask that You would protect them, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Tuesday
Oh Lord, “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your Word.(Psalm 119:28). Help me to trust in Your mighty protection over (name). I pray that they would engage with You today in prayer, in praise, in worship, and in Your Word. Strengthen them through Scripture and let those words sink deeply and effect change so (name) “can answer anyone who taunts [them], for (name) trusts in Your Word (Psalm 119:42). Bring a change of heart, of attitude, and of direction in (name)’s life, even today. I know You can do it, Lord, I pray that You would, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Wednesday
Father God, I pray that today You would “direct (name)’s footsteps according to Your Word; let no sin rule over [them] (Psalm 119:133). But to live according to Your Word, they have to know Your Word and to know it, they have to spend time there. Stir a desire to read their Bible, to listen to teaching, and to be involved in a church fellowship. Today I ask that You would bring to mind the verses they memorized as a child, You promised that by hiding Your Word in our hearts, we would not sin against You (Psalm 119:11). Protect (name) from sin. Lord, do a work in (name)’s heart and mind today. Change them. Make them more like Christ. In His name I pray, amen.
Thursday
Heavenly Father, “I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in Your Word” (Psalm 119:147). You are the hope of eternal life and in Your words I find life. You are the only hope for redemption in this dark and difficult world. Open (name)’s eyes to love Your Precepts. Give them a longing to spend time in prayer and fellowship with You so they can say, “See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, LORD, in accordance with your love” (Psalm 119:159). Help them, like Peter, to recognize there is no one else who holds that power, “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). I know this world is hard, life pulls at us from all directions and I see the pressure on this generation and on (name) specifically. They’re longing for peace and to find what satisfies them. I ask that You would help (name) to “remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them” (Psalm 119:52). Only You can quench their thirst and fill (name) with good things. I pray that You would. Lord, please show me You’re working. I trust You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”
Friday
“Oh dear Savior, I know that (name) is weary, they’re struggling against all of the negative influences in this world…or caving in to the pressures of them.
[Their] soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen [them] according to Your Word (Psalm 119:28). Help them to turn to You and to Your Word for strength, encouragement, refreshment, and solace. Lord, I know when they do that, they will be strengthened to “answer anyone who taunts [them], for[they] trust in Your Word (Psalm 119:42). Show them they can trust You, Lord. Show them You’re listening to their cries. Be near to them, lean in and surround them with Your favor as with a shield (Psalm 5:12). May my [parent] cry come before you, LORD; give me understanding according to Your Word (Psalm 119:169) and do the same for (name) in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Saturday
“Lord, God, my prayer is that (name) would “reach out for your commands, which [they] love, that [they] may meditate on your decrees. (Psalm 119:48). I pray that (name) would pray, “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your Word” (Psalm 119:114). May it be true that their hope is in Your Word. And let it be that “those who fear You rejoice when they see (name), for (name) has put [their] hope in Your Word.(Psalm 119:74). Lord, You have the power to change (name) and draw them into fellowship with You, yet You’ve also gifted them with the freedom to choose- oh how I pray they choose You, again and again. Holy Spirit, give them a hunger and thirst for You and lead them to the living water that satisfies beyond anything this world can offer. I pray all this in Jesus’ name, amen.”
God is not done working and He is able to do more than we could ever imagine. Lean into Him and wait expectantly- He will do it!
Pray without ceasing.
New research shows Gen z is the least scripture engaged generation. American Bible Society. (2024, September 12). https://www.americanbible.org/news/press-releases/articles/new-research-shows-gen-z-is-the-least-scripture-engaged-generation/?utm_campaign=The+Culture+Translator&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9oBgy6dp8kdNK8QRJBh3oZb-mVzLanwWwMD6As3LcgvpHvIPyziv5UdV32gu4PWGBwjeXuKsZ9IrKViqHFrwyKB3QizA&_hsmi=332877897&utm_content=332877897&utm_source=hs_email