A Moment with God for Graduates

by Maribeth Walker

Overview

Celebrate the end of one chapter of your life and the beginning of a brand new adventure, all the while taking a moment with God.

Graduation is a milestone and a crossroad for everyone. They are beginning a new phase of their life. Give your graduate a simple way to keep God at the center during this transitional time with these fifty-eight moving prayers with accompanying Scriptures written now using the Common English Bible translation. Brief bursts of inspiration allow busy youth to take time to pray in just a few short, inspirational minutes. The beautiful design and size make it a gift that will be treasured and remembered.   

Some of the prayers included are:
Making Plans
Facing the Future
Hope
Distractions
Real Job
First Impressions
Surprise Endings
and more!

Check out some of our prayer books in this series in the Related Products Section below.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781426748349
Publisher:	Abingdon Press
Publication date:	02/01/2012
Series:	Brotherhood of the Conch #02
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Maribeth is the author of A Moment With God for Graduates for Dimensions for Living and is director of Education and Youth at First United Methodist Church in Gallatin, TN. She has worked in youth ministry in local churches for almost twenty years.

Read an Excerpt

A Moment with God for Graduates

Scripture & Prayers

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By Maribeth Walker

Abingdon Press

Copyright © 2011 Abingdon Press
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4267-4834-9

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CHAPTER 1

Knowing You

"I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope."

—JEREMIAH 29:11 (emphasis added)

YOU KNOW, LORD. I think I know myself—my heart, my plans—but I'm only guessing, and sometimes I surprise myself. You know all about me and love me more than I can imagine. You knew yesterday who I would be today, and you know today who I'll be tomorrow. And yet, you could never love me any more or any less than you do in this moment.

Maybe I don't need to know myself as well as I thought. Maybe I really need to focus on knowing you; who knows, I may even discover myself in the process. Teach me to know you, God, and show me what it is you see in me.

Certainty

"I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope."

—JEREMIAH 29:11 (emphasis added)

WHEN I THINK about the future, I think about wishes, hopes, dreams, plans. And I have to admit, Lord, I also think about questions, worries, and fears. I only wonder about what will happen next; but you know. I find a lot of comfort in that, God. I know I'm not just wishing on a star or keeping my fingers crossed, because you know. I pray that I'll keep trusting in what you know.

I only wonder about what will happen next; but you know. I find a lot of comfort in that, God. I know I'm not just wishing on a star or keeping my fingers crossed, because you know.

Making Plans

"I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope."

—JEREMIAH 29:11 (emphasis added)

DEAR GOD, everyone I talk to asks about my future plans—family, friends, even people I barely know. Sometimes I'm not sure what to say; the few plans I've made seem practical one day and ridiculous the next. How wonderful to realize that you have plans for my life!

Someone told me that planning should really be prayer with a pencil in your hand. That's what I want, Lord. I want to find and follow your plan. Help me seek it every step of the way.

Make Me Rich

"I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope."

—JEREMIAH 29:11 (emphasis added)

I KNOW MONEY doesn't buy happiness, God, but still, I wouldn't mind being rich and having all the things money can buy. This seems to be what a lot of people expect from me now: I'm a graduate; I'm supposed to work toward having lots of money and things.

But your promise is even better than that, Lord. You promise to prosper me. That means not necessarily being rich in money, but something even better: having a rich life. Keeping my eyes on you and on your spiritual riches will take a lot of focus. But I know I can do it if you'll help me.

No Harm, No Foul

"I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope."

—JEREMIAH 29:11 (emphasis added)

MERCIFUL GOD, I can't understand your forgiveness. I haven't always followed you as faithfully as I should. I have even tried, from time to time, to reject you and what I've been taught. I have a real stubborn streak, and I want to go my own way.

But thanks to Jesus Christ, none of that matters to you. He makes me acceptable to you. You don't want to seek revenge. You don't want to throw rocks on me when I feel like I'm down in a hole. You just want to love me. I really appreciate that.

Hope

"I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope."

—JEREMIAH 29:11 (emphasis added)

SOMEHOW I've come this far, God. But—what if? What if things don't work out like I planned? What if I fail? What if all of this was for nothing? What if something happens that I could never have dreamed of in a million years? What if I don't know what to do? What if ...?

You give me hope. What a wonderful word, and what a wonderful gift. Some days I just can't manufacture hope myself, God. But you give hope to me; like a beautifully wrapped present with a big bow on top, it's mine for the unwrapping. And that's what makes me able to carry on: you, me, and hope.

Facing the Future

"I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope."

—JEREMIAH 29:11 (emphasis added)

SOMETIMES FUTURE is a scary word, to me, Lord; too many uncertainties. Uncharted paths, unfamiliar waters, the great unknown; all these cliches seem to apply when I think about the future. It seems like this vast expanse of years stretching out before me, and I have no idea at all about how to approach it.

But then I remember: You have plans to give me a future. One day at a time or even one step at a time, I am never in this alone. When I think of the future in this way, some other clichés come to mind: bright, shining promise; filled with potential; great adventure; excitement. Let's go, God—into the future!

No Strings Attached

Watch me with the very pupil of your eye! Hide me in the protection of your wings.

—PSALM 17:8

ACCOMPLISHMENTS are great; it is good to have a goal to reach for. But, Lord, it's greater still to know you love me for who I am. You don't care what abilities I have or what weaknesses I bear. You love me just because you love me—no strings, no conditions. No one else loves like that. I don't earn it, I don't deserve it, and I certainly don't understand it. But I do cherish it, Lord. Thank you for knowing me best and loving me most.

Pressing On

It's not that I have already reached this goal or have already been perfected, but I pursue it, so that I may grab hold of it because Christ grabbed hold of me for just this purpose.

—PHILIPPIANS 3:12 24

EVERYONE is so proud of me for hanging in there. I'm glad I did. It would sure be easy to sit back and rest, and to coast on all the "congratulations" for a long time. And I think I will relax—for a little while. But help me take the long look, Lord. This may seem like an ending, but it's also a beginning. I want to keep pressing on, just as Jesus did.

Strange Days

Our citizenship is in heaven.

—PHILIPPIANS 3:20

SOME DAYS are really trying, Lord. Nothing seems to go right: The six o'clock news is especially upsetting; people give me strange looks; I don't even feel "normal." Those days, I have to remind myself that I really am an alien here. My true citizenship is in heaven. This world seems upside down sometimes because it actually isn't my true home.

Don't misunderstand me, God; I'm in no rush to get "home." But on days like today, it surely is comforting to know I'm on my way.

Gratitude

I thank my God every time I mention you in my prayers.

—PHILIPPIANS 1:3

I'VE BEEN pretty self-absorbed, looking only toward reaching one goal. Now that I've graduated, I can look back and see so many people who have helped me along the way. Family, friends, teachers, and church members—they all believed in me and invested in me.

I want to be that kind of person, Lord. Shape me into someone who helps others reach their goals. And one other thing, Lord: Teach me to express my gratitude for those people you placed in my life. I want to say "thank you" both to you and to them.

I Need Wisdom

The LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

—PROVERBS 2:6

I'M GRATEFUL for my education, Lord. It will help me in so many ways, but I know life's difficulties will require more: I need wisdom. You are the source of wisdom, O God. Help me grow in wisdom and stature, just as Jesus did.

Making a Difference

All of us are looking with unveiled faces at the glory of the Lord as if we were looking in a mirror. We are being transformed into that same image from one degree of glory to the next degree of glory. This comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

—2 CORINTHIANS 3:18

IT SEEMS to me that, in some ways, it's easy to make a living but it's hard to make a difference. Lord, whatever I do in the years to come, I want to reflect you. I want people to know I am yours, and I want to lead others to you. Your Spirit can help me make not just a living, but also a difference.

I'm Hurting

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; don't rely on your own intelligence.

—PROVERBS 3:5

I'M HURTING, Lord. I know there is more to life than what we see, more than what we know, and more than what we understand. It's that last part I struggle with—situations and circumstances that are beyond my understanding.

I know you have a plan, God; help me trust you even when I can't see it.

Making Decisions

But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without a second thought, without keeping score. Wisdom will certainly be given to those who ask.

—JAMES 1:5

I'VE DONE the research. I've made a list of the pros and cons. I've weighed the options. After all of that, I still don't know what to do. And Lord, I don't even know what I want to do.

So here I am, asking for a word from you. You promise wisdom to those who ask, and I'm asking: What is your will? Will you open a door, send a friend, arrange a circumstance? I'm listening; help me hear your voice. I'm confident you will show me the way.

Nursing a Grudge

Make sure that no one misses out on God's grace. Make sure that no root of bitterness grows up that might cause trouble and pollute many people.

—HEBREWS 12:15

I'M PRETTY SURE I have just cause to be mad, Lord. They had no right to do what they did to me. But I also know that if I stay mad, it will only hurt me. Bitterness is a deadly cancer. I need to allow people to make mistakes. I need to accept circumstances I can't change. My prayer today is for the grace and acceptance toward others that you have demonstrated toward me.

Going to Church

Don't stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.

—HEBREWS 10:25

LORD, I know you designed me to need fellowship. It's not just fun, it's something I have to have to promote my spiritual growth. And yet, it would be so easy to stop going to church, Lord, and to get out of the habit.

Please remind my spirit that I need the fellowship, encouragement, challenge, accountability, and corporate worship that church has to offer. Lead me to the place I can best worship you. And remind me too, Lord, that I have something to offer to the church as well.

Ready for Prayer

Finally, let's draw near to the throne of favor with confidence so that we can receive mercy and find grace when we need help.

—HEBREWS 4:16

I HAVEN'T talked with you in a while, Lord. Sometimes I get too busy, too caught up in myself, too stressed out. Other times, I feel too guilty to talk to you. It seems that pressure and guilt push me away from you. And yet I know it's those times when I need to talk to you most.

Remind me, Lord, that you always want to hear from me. I don't have to "get ready" or have all my ducks in a row to talk to you. You always meet me right where I am. I will always find love and mercy when I share my heart with you.

Temptation

But God is faithful. He won't allow you to be tempted beyond your abilities.

—1 CORINTHIANS 10:13B

LORD, you know I have faced temptation in the past, and I'm sure I'll face more in the days to come. I know some of the temptations will be different from those I have faced before. Will I know what to do? What to say?

Help me remember that you are still a source of strength to me, no matter what new challenges I face. With you in my heart, I don't have to do anything I don't want to do. Lead me not into temptation, Lord. And help me see those escape routes.

In the Know

The righteousness that I have comes from knowing Christ, the power of his resurrection, and the participation in his sufferings. It includes being conformed to his death.

—PHILIPPIANS 3:10 46

I SUPPOSE graduating indicates some degree of competency, and that I've acquired some measure of knowledge. I have studied, and I have learned some things. But, Lord, there is so much more to discover about life, about relationships, about you. I want to know you, God. I want to understand your nature and reflect your character and follow as your Spirit leads. I realize the way to know you is to spend time with you. Give me a hunger for your Word and a thirst to spend time talking with you. I'd like to get to know you better.

Finding Purpose

We are God's accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives.

—EPHESIANS 2:10

DEAR GOD, I sometimes wonder if what I do is important. Does it matter to anyone? Is any accomplishment of lasting value? Remind me, when I have these thoughts, that I am your creation, Lord. You have very important things prepared for me to do, things that may make an eternal difference for someone. Show me what you would have me do, and give me the desire to do it.

New Friends

Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other.

—ROMANS 12:10

I HAVE some of the best friends in the world. They have been supportive, encouraging, and faithful. It's hard to entertain the thought that I should be open to making new friends when I already have the best! But, Lord, I know I need fellowship to survive. Give me a heart that is open to every person you place in my life, not just to those I've already found it easy to love. Give me the kind of fellowship that will challenge and nurture me just as you do. Help me grow to be a person who values love and honor, and teach me what it means to be such a friend.

Expressing My Anger

Know this, my dear brothers and sisters: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry. This is because an angry person doesn't produce God's righteousness.

—JAMES 1:19-20

I GET so upset! Sometimes it's about circumstances that make no sense; sometimes people are unkind or just get on my last nerve. I find myself near the boiling point, and once in a while, I even explode. Then I feel guilty.

Lord, I know that you designed us to have emotions—joy, pain, and even anger. But I need to know when and if I should express my feelings. I want to be controlled not by my anger, but instead by your Spirit. Give me a spirit of grace and acceptance regarding people and circumstances that are beyond my control. When I speak and when I act, let me do so in a godly way.

Social Action

It is a sin when someone knows the right thing to do and doesn't do it.

—JAMES 4:17

DEAR GOD, They say you can tell a lot about a person by looking at what he or she gets upset about. Someone who gets angry about his or her own concerns does not have the same strength of character as the person who gets angry about injustice toward others. I want to be a person of strong character and compassion. I want to be someone who attempts to right wrongs and to act on conviction. Don't let me have a passive faith, God. Let me demonstrate faith in action.

Foot in Mouth

Don't let any foul words come out of your mouth. Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say.

—EPHESIANS 4:29

I STUCK MY FOOT in my mouth, and I said something unkind. How is it that I get my mouth in gear before my mind? I fail to recognize the power my words have—for good and for bad. Funny thing is, I've never failed to notice how powerful are the words others say about me.

God, there's no way to control my tongue without your help. Through the power of your Spirit, make my words powerful and positive. I want to be someone who encourages and builds others up.

Sing a Song of Praise

Speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; sing and make music to the LORD in your hearts.

—EPHESIANS 5:19

LORD,

What a wonderful gift is music! Thank you for the means to express my mood, lift my spirits, and praise your name. You have truly put a song in my heart today; I lift my song to praise you for who you are.

Walking in the Spirit

If we live by the Spirit, let's follow the Spirit.

—GALATIANS 5:25

I'M A GRADUATE now. Does that mean I'm smarter? More successful? Or just more educated? Some people treat me differently since graduation, as if I gained maturity with the diploma. I don't feel any more mature.

I'm not really sure how I'm supposed to feel, I just know how I do feel: confident one day and apprehensive the next. I know I've accomplished something, but I'm unsure about what happens next. But I'm certain of one thing that hasn't changed, God: I need you in my life. Whatever I'm supposed to feel or do or be, I pray that I will be led by your Spirit.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from A Moment with God for Graduates by Maribeth Walker. Copyright © 2011 Abingdon Press. Excerpted by permission of Abingdon Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Contents

Knowing You,
Certainty,
Making Plans,
Make Me Rich,
No Harm, No Foul,
Hope,
Facing the Future,
No Strings Attached,
Pressing On,
Strange Days,
Gratitude,
I Need Wisdom,
Making a Difference,
I'm Hurting,
Making Decisions,
Nursing a Grudge,
Going to Church,
Ready for Prayer,
Temptation,
In the Know,
Finding Purpose,
New Friends,
Expressing My Anger,
Social Action,
Foot in Mouth,
Sing a Song of Praise,
Walking in the Spirit,
Trust,
Trouble,
No Fear,
New Ideas,
Loneliness,
Distractions,
Hand-Me-Downs,
Undercover Christian,
A Real Job,
Best Book,
First Impressions.,
Armor of God,
Earning Extra Credit,
Inconvenience,
Changing the World,
Meeting the Requirements,
Blank Slate,
Gentleness,
High Anxiety,
Praiseworthy Things,
Silent Prayer,
Doubts,
Living Praise,
A New Day,
Surprise Ending,
Amazing Grace,
The Gift of Laughter,
Accountability,
Priorities,
A Childlike Faith,
Obedience,