The Bible has plenty of young men finding their way: Joseph sold into slavery at seventeen, David facing Goliath as a teenager, Timothy leading a church while people looked down on his youth. Paul told him, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example.” Young men need people who believe in them, and people who pray for them.
Historical Context
A Prayer for a Young Man
Lord, I pray for (name) as he finds his way.
Give him a sense of purpose and the courage to pursue it.
Surround him with good friends and wise mentors.
Protect him from despair, addiction and the voices that would tear him down.
Make him strong and gentle, honest and faithful.
Help him become the man you created him to be.
Amen.
For a Young Man Who Is Struggling
Lord, he’s lost right now.
Find him. Send someone to walk beside him.
Don’t let him give up on himself.
Amen.
For a Young Man Leaving Home
Father, he’s heading out on his own.
Go with him to college, the military or his first job.
Keep him close to you when he’s far from us.
Amen.
A Young Man’s Own Prayer
God, I don’t have it all figured out.
Show me what you want from my life.
Make me someone others can count on.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- At graduation, enlistment or a first job.
- When he’s struggling or has lost his way.
- On 31 January, the feast of St John Bosco.
Scripture Connection
“I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” — 1 John 2:14
John speaks to young men with confidence, not suspicion. They are strong, and God’s word can live in them.
Related prayers
For sons, see the Short Prayer for My Son and Birthday Prayer for Son. For men, the Prayer for Men. For young people, the St John Bosco Prayer.