"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)"

Speak to me, oh God!

It is my prayer that you guide me daily throughout my youthful years. As I'm learning; words, actions, behaviors and people help me to keep myself from the things of this world. Put the most righteous teachers in my path to help me, discipline me and instruct me. Keep me from friends at school that curse all of the time. Keep me from the gang members that I see walking and roaming through the streets. Eliminate friends that do not add toward my purpose, and just use me to waste my time. Oh... and when I take the bus to school and back home, protect me from car accidents or from evil people.

When I am an adolescent, and I've experienced hurt and pain, it is my prayer that you strengthen me and do not let my heart grow cold. When the first girl brings pain to my heart, do not allow me to grow bitter toward love. If my parents decide to separate and switch paths, do not allow myself to anger at the thought of marriage. When friends betray me and stab me in the back, allow me to continuously pursue greater friendships that will add to my life.

As I grow up, and encounter deaths, shame, and struggles, keep my mind focused on the beauties of life. Allow me to see the clouds in the sky and reminisce on your greatest creations. Bring to me your knowledge, so that I can appreciate what I have and not be sad about what I've lost. When I grieve, I pray that you never abandon my side. Stand by me throughout the worst of times. When my parents die, please stay next to me. When I graduate next to thousands of students, I pray that you hold my hand, and you give me the encouragement that I need to receive.

Through my defeats and through my victories, I pray that you never leave. When I am on the verge of getting married, I pray that your Holy Spirit dwells within me stronger than ever. When I tell my beautiful wife, "I do," I pray that you give me your grace to meet that promise for the rest of my life. When I lose jobs or get fired from places, I pray that you provide me with a job right away. When I step into this real world, afraid of what may take place when I leave my parents' house, I pray that you teach me the ways of manhood, so that I never have to fear growing up on my own. Teach me to battle crisis. Teach me to become a man. Teach me how to be a splendid father. Speak to me throughout my entire life!

In Jesus's name, this, I pray... amen.