By Joel Choong
In youth evangelism, we approach young people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sometimes this leads to them putting their faith in Jesus. But we know our eloquence or persistence do not change them; it is God who turns their hearts to Him.
In this issue, we invite you to pray with us for young hearts to be receptive to our Great Shepherd who reaches out to them and calls them to Him. We focus on specific youth archetypes, identified in a survey SYFC and CRU Singapore had conducted from 2023-2025.
Let’s pray for our youth archetypes!
As a suggestion…
• Find a quiet room or space.
• As you read, underline key points about the archetype to prayerfully focus on. If the Lord leads you to pray for a specific young person, write his or her name down. It can be a relative, friend, friend’s child or neighbour. Later, use this as a reminder to text or have a meal with this person.
• If you are praying in a group, take turns to pray for the different archetypes. Let each person have silent prayer before praying aloud in the group.
• Commit daily to spending time to pray for youth in Singapore.
Those who are “almost Christian”
• They have been attending church with Christian friends, and are receptive to the gospel. They view Christian values and the church positively. • But they are not sure what happens after becoming a Christian, and might need a personal connection to the faith.
Pray for God to turn their hearts around to put their whole trust in Him; for divine appointments; and clarity in His call to them.
The Neutral Pragmatists
• Religion is not key for these youths and their families. Instead, life’s meaning and value comes from monetary success and societal achievements. Christianity and other religions are “teaching everyone to do good”. They might pray for blessing, and will pray to as many gods as they can.
Pray for their hearts to be set on God’s eternity instead of their brief lives on earth; for good, deep conversations about Christ with Christians; for Christ to speak into their lives.
The Willing Participants
• They attend Christian events but shy away from understanding the Christian faith. They might have heard the gospel multiple times at multiple events, but have not made a decision for Christ. • They think they have no dire need for God. Thankfully, they would engage in conversations about Christ.
Pray for them to be moved by God’s call while attending Christian events; for moments of need where only God can answer; for well-equipped Christians to share the gospel at these opportune moments.
The Filial Pietists
• They are keeping family harmony, by following their families’ ancestral religion. They might have Christian experiences, but will always come back to their family’s faith. • Sometimes, their understanding of their family’s faith is not strong either. But they would participate in religious rituals for family members where necessary.
Pray for God to reach out to families, not just the youth. Thank God for young people who care for their families, and pray their families will hear God’s call for them.
The Religious “Victims”
There are occasions where young people were hurt by well-meaning Christians who might have said or did something in the name of Christian goodwill and action. The young person is upset and scarred by such experiences, and rejects Christianity outrightly.
Pray for these wounds to heal; for the right person to come along to speak at the right time. Ask God to help the Christians who have caused these hurts to see how they had been insensitive. Pray for reconciliation, and for peace.
A Closing Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for working in the lives of our young people. May You hear our prayers for them today, and hear their cry for you. In Jesus Name, Amen
