Scripture Reading: Plea for personal purity— PSALM 143
Personal Prayer & Confession (1John 1:9) Come before God in personal contrition & brokenness
Prayer for our churches, our cities and our nation— JUDGES 2:6-12
USA TODAY, April 27, 2010 article: SURVEY: 72% OF MILLENNIALS ‘MORE SPIRITUAL THAN RELEGIOUS’ (Reported by Lifeway Research and The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life)
This article reported that the research showed that 72% of 18-29 year olds say they are “really more spiritual than religious.” BUT ARE THEY REALLY? The article reported 65% of these people never pray with others and almost never pray by themselves; 65% rarely or never attend worship services; 67% don’t read the Bible or sacred texts; 50% are unsure that Jesus is the only path to heaven. The Pew research says Millennials are ‘less religious.’ Among those who claim to have accepted Christ as Savior, 68% did not mention faith, religion or spirituality when asked ‘what is important in life’; 50% do not attend church at least weekly; 36% rarely or never read the Bible. Only 40 % say they have a responsibility to share the Gospel. At the end of this article Tom Rainer, President of Lifeway Christian Resources says he ‘is encouraged by the roughly 15% who appear to be ‘deeply committed’ Christians in study, prayer, worship and action.’ In another article at christianpost.com, Rainer quotes, ‘For many Millennials, Christianity is a family heirloom rather than a faith commitment’ and that the next generation is slow to embrace a relationship with Christ and even slower to treasure it.’
THE OPINION OF THIS BLOG:
While I join Rainer in his praise of the 15%, I do not take a lot of encouragement from these surveys. It is a pitiful report on the spiritual climate of America among young adults. This is a generation who do not know the Lord. Read Judges 2:6-12 (especially v 10).
In the christianpost.com article Rainer says that research also shows that Millennials are really tuned in to ‘family.’ In addition, they are attracted to groups [is there a hunger here for relationships?]. Rainer states further that, ‘To minister effectively, the church should tap into this priority among Millennials. Certainly churches with a family focus is important. But that is the easy part. The generations coming up DESPERATELY need three things: 1) A spiritual awakening of mammoth proportions, 2) A personal first-hand faith in Christ and, 3) a deepening hunger for God.
It breaks my heart to read current research statistics which show a younger generation that is slipping further from a faith commitment. They avoid, ignore and/or fear personal time alone with God (no prayer life—65%, no worship time—65% and no reading of the sacred Word of God—67%). At the same time they seem hungry for relationships. Pray that your children and grandchildren will develop a hunger for God and a personal faith. Pray for a national AWAKENING OF FAITH.
Focus: That the younger generations will seek to have a genuine hunger for God; that they would strive to make faith in Christ personal; that they see the need to share the Gospel; that they would read their Bible to know God; that they would seek genuine worship; that they would pray to the living God.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
(Contemplate God’s Word to you)
What was the most significant thought you received from this session?
Why do you think God implanted this upon your heart?
What do you think God wants you to do as result of what you have heard?
Is there anything that might keep you from receiving/doing/obeying what you heard?
Ask His help in achieving what He spoke to you.
Thank God for what you have heard; remember and apply it to your life.
