Our 2025 Middle School Fall Retreat is in the books! This year our theme was Lifted. Over the weekend, our students explored what it means to lift prayers to God by looking at the example of Jesus. In the first session, they learned that prayer is something to be practiced daily; Jesus gave us a model in the Lord’s Prayer to shape how we talk with God about His holiness, His will, our needs, and forgiveness. The second session highlighted that prayer is about building a relationship with God; just like any friendship, it’s not one-sided but involves both talking and listening. Jesus modeled regular rhythms of prayer, and students were encouraged to reach after Him daily, listen for His voice, and approach Him with childlike honesty. The final session encouraged students with the truth that Jesus prays for them; before the cross and even now. They were reminded that God is for them, that nothing can separate them from His love, and that prayer connects them to that deep encouragement.
Here are some potential follow up questions for your kids who were on the retreat to get them talking about it:
- When you think about the Lord’s Prayer, which part of it stands out to you most right now: praising God, asking for His will, daily needs, or forgiveness? Why?
- What’s one practical time or place you’d like to start (or keep) building a regular prayer habit?
- The retreat taught about prayer being more than talking, it’s also listening. What are some ways you could create quiet space to hear from God?
- How does it make you feel knowing that Jesus prayed for you and still prays for you today?
- What’s one way you’d like to see God work in your school, friendships, or family if you keep reaching to Him in prayer?
Check out the videos below to see the baptisms and messages from the retreat:
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