Do we sell youth and children short by not expecting them to be active in ministry? the team at Prayer Storm think we do
Some time ago, someone I work with shared how God challenged them to stop seeing children merely as “kids” and instead view them as the future leaders of the Church. With this mindset shift, we see a call for us not just to raise children, but to train them. God says to
“Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it.” - Proverbs 22:6
And to
“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 11:1
James Aladiran, Prayer Storm’s founder and CEO, once saw a vision of babies in full armour, ready for battle. We believe that’s God’s heart for this generation, to be equipped for spiritual battle. The enemy isn’t waiting for them to grow up; he’s targeting them now. So, we must be proactive in training them to stand firm.
this younger generation is a vital part of God’s plan for this time
This vision is a clear reminder of the urgency of our time. The enemy is still prowling, seeking to devour and he is after our children. We must recognise that this is a season for preparing our children for spiritual battle. That preparation can’t be left solely to children’s pastors, who only see them for a few hours each week. We must look beyond their age and see them for who they truly are: warriors in training, called to fight for the Kingdom.
Four ways to train our children to fight spiritual battles?
- Daily Bible reading - We need to train our children through daily engagement with the Bible. As the apostle Paul reminds us, the Word of God is our sword, an essential weapon in this battle. Whether through a simple devotional or reading the Gospels, start with where your child is and help them grow from there, step by step.
- Teach them to pray - Prayer is the lifeline of every believer! Teach your children to pray the Scriptures and to intercede for their friends, neighbours, family, and themselves. One of the most effective ways to train them in prayer is by modelling it yourself. Children naturally imitate what they see and hear, so let them see you pray. But don’t stop at imitation; help them understand what they’re saying. Encourage them to look up words and grasp the meaning behind their prayers. We call this building their “Prayer Vocabulary.” As their prayer life grows, encourage them to keep praying! Consistent prayer and daily Bible reading will lay a strong foundation in their walk with God, preparing them to stand firm in faith as we draw closer to the return of Jesus.
- Make It a family priority - Establish prayer and Bible reading as a daily family practice. Take a look at your schedule and find a time to come together and seek God, whether it’s before dinner or around the table during your meal. God designed the family with purpose, so lean into that design and watch how it transforms your home.
- Assess spiritual priorities - We need to prioritise their spiritual growth above the earthly goals we often hope they’ll achieve. When you pray for your child’s future, what are you really praying for? “I hope they get into this university,” “I pray they marry the right person,” “I want them to make the football team,” “Which gymnastics club should we choose?” These are all valid desires, but are your prayers focused more on the visible and material, or the eternal and spiritual? Take a fresh look at your child’s schedule. What needs to shift so that time with God isn’t something they squeeze in? But rather, is the foundation their daily life is built upon.
In 2023, Prayer Storm began equipping children in prayer and intercession and we’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation; children becoming bold, confident prayer warriors. Many, aged 7 to 12, had never read their Bibles or prayed aloud before. Now, they’re not only engaging with Scripture but learning how to apply it in their daily lives. It’s been a privilege to watch them fall in love with God’s Word as well as grow in faith and we believe this is just the beginning! We’re passionate about seeing even more children step into the calling to become the praying warriors God has destined them to be.
Read more:
Why didn’t God answer my prayer?
Ten fun Bible and prayer activities to do outside
Answering your child’s questions: What’s the point of praying? Because God doesn’t change
At Prayer Storm Kids, we create space each month for children to put their training into action by hosting one-hour of prayer, led by them! These powerful moments have highlighted a growing need: to provide more opportunities for children who live outside Manchester or can’t attend monthly. That’s why we also host an annual children’s conference, which has become a true blessing to us and to many parents, carers, and youth leaders alike.
So, what’s changing?
This summer, we’re preparing for something much bigger. In response to a prophetic word about family revival we’re holding two simultaneous gatherings in Manchester: one for children and young people, and one for adults.
Our vision is to see a conference with 10,000 adults at our main venue, whilst over 1,000 children and youth gather in our Prayer Storm Kids venue.
The hour we’re in as a nation demands that we stop standing on the sidelines and engage in the spiritual battle before us. We believe this younger generation is a vital part of God’s plan for this time. This isn’t just another conference, it’s a Battle for Britain. In this urgent time, the conference will serve as a spiritual boot camp, preparing the next generation to rise with boldness and take their place, unshaken, on the front lines to fight for the destiny of Great Britain.
