What is the next level? How do we get to the next level? These are questions that the kids prayer group at my church are facing. We have a group of kids that have had prayer training since Kindergarten. This is wonderful because they know the basics and can't wait to pray (even out loud). Now we are praying and trying to find things to help these kids get to that next level. You know the one - where it is more than just taking prayer requests and praying aloud.

Our church is really focusing on living faith, operating in the gifts of the Spirit, and taking the message outside of the four walls of our church. We have been praying and trying to find ways to teach this to the kids prayer groups at our church. One thing that we have done many times is prayer walking. Our next step is to take prayer drives in the neighborhoods surrounding our church and possibly to the schools of the kids in the group. We also taught them how to give a home Bible study geared specifically to their age group.

Another way to help the kids reach the next level is to teach them about the gifts of the Spirit and help them identify which gift(s) they have. What can they do to spread God's word using their gifts? Along with teaching them about this we are going to have to teach about spiritual warfare and the importance of making sure they are wearing the full armor of God.

I am sharing what our leaders are going through because I know that some of you may be facing the same questions we are. If you are not at this point you may be in the future. I have learned to take what God is telling others and hold on to that nugget. When the situation arises when I may need that bit of wisdom it's already there, I just have to pray and build on that nugget according to what God tells me to do with it.

Children are going to be key in these days. They are part of God's army and He has a great plan for them. It is our responsibility to be the generals and pass along the strategy and tools to help them win their battle.