After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.” John 10:4,5
Thought: As our children are stepping out into this new season, we all know that they are stepping out into a world that is full of conflicting voices: voices that are vying for their attention. Alongside all the myriad voices out in the world, there will also ALWAYS be the voice of the Good Shepherd speaking to our children. From the very beginning there is one thing the enemy has used to lure man away from the presence of God and from the purpose God had for them and that was his voice; it is the same today. As our children step out into this new season, let us pray that God will enable our children, through His word, to distinguish the voice of their Good Shepherd from all other conflicting voices and to be led by the voice of the One who will cause them to rest in green pastures and walk beside the still waters.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, this morning we thank You because You are our Good Shepherd and we thank You that our children are the sheep of Your pasture. Lord, as our children are stepping out into this new school year, we thank You that You have already begun to walk ahead of them. Lord, even as You walk ahead of them, we pray that this year You will release all the grace our children need to grow in discerning Your voice from all other voices; yes, Lord, may our children be sharpened in this divine ability. As they grow in the ability to discern Your voice, we also pray that You will give them the strength of conviction to FLEE from all the other voices. I declare over my children that this year, they will live from a place of resting in green pastures and, in the midst of this tumultuous world, be found walking beside the still waters. We thank You that You have heard this prayer and have answered it. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.