Simon Peter, James, and John, heard the calling of God when they encountered Jesus by the Sea of Galilee. They left everything in order to follow Christ. Most youth already know that God calls people. Youth are led to understand that Jesus finds and accepts us as we are, calling us from that point in life. Responding to the claims of Christ is merely the beginning of the Christian journey.
Adolescence brings new and troubling questions for which childhood beliefs are no longer sufficient.
If the disciples needed help with prayer, surely we need the same insight. Although some youth may have learned to enjoy being alone with God in prayer, other teenagers may not yet feel comfortable with periods of silence. Still others may say only what they think is supposed to be said in prayer, rather than speaking honestly. Followers of Christ must learn to move outside their comfort zones and, with each act of mission they perform, risk sharing the message of Christ. Actions can speak louder with words.