Whether they know it or not, today’s teenagers face a formidable enemy.
They always have. After all, it’s during the teen years we form friendships, notice every pimple, start dating, and unfortunately, come face-to-face with the mean girls. But our culture has never been as anti-Christian as it is today, dismissing (even ridiculing) truth and accepting happiness as its “holy grail”.
Teenagers need us to stand in the gap on their behalf. If not us, then who?
Having reflected on my own teen years and the damage left behind in my twenties, I had no wisdom to offer my own two sons. So when I became a Christ-follower at twenty-seven (they were two and six), one of the first things I did was to begin prayer journaling. In it, I prayed a variety of prayers for them, many of which have come to fruition, now decades later, thanks be to Jesus alone.
It’s never too soon to start praying for our children, and it’s also never too late.
1. Protection
The enemy aims for the mind because if he captures it, the rest is gravy. We can pray for a hedge of protection around their minds ⏤ what they see and listen to.
See: That they’ll have no desire to view pornography, and will be protected from seeing it or encouraged to view it. And if/when they view harmful things, that they’ll repent quickly and not believe the lie that it’s who they’ve become. May they “see” and believe in God’s nearness instead.
Listen: That he/she will have the desire to fill their ears with godly influences ⏤ people, music, podcasts, etc.
2. To know and believe they are loved by parents
Rebellion has been around since the first piece of fruit was plucked from the tree. Similarly, the enemy whispers in our teenager’s ears, does your mom/dad really love you, care for you, and have your best interest in mind? When praying for our teens, we join forces with the One who created them and knows how to fight this battle. We can pray for the truth they’ve been taught to penetrate the lies, for the Lord to surround them with godly people who will speak truth into their lives, and for them to see us as we are ⏤ broken and scarred, but relentless in our love for them. If we need to ask for their forgiveness or make a wrong right, then we humbly do this, demonstrating what love is truly about ⏤ not being right, but humble.
3. Purity
I wish I’d known as a teenager that remaining sexually pure was God’s way of protecting me, not depriving me. It’s why I fervently prayed for my boys to remain pure so they could enjoy all the benefits and blessings that naturally flow from obedience. We pray specifically for God to lead our sons and daughters to dates/spouses with the same desire to remain pure before they are married. That both would have a greater desire to honor God than temporary pleasure.
4. Wisdom
Yes, for our teens, but mostly for us ⏤ parents, grandparents, and influencers. For wisdom to know how to discipline, when to speak and when to remain silent, and utter dependence on God for it. (“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5)
5. To hunger and thirst for God
Because we know that if this happens, all else falls into place. (“Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33)
In March, I shared this post on praying for our children and also offered a free download for thirty-one specific prayers. These same requests are perfect to also pray for teenagers. In addition, we share weekly prayer prompts in our Creative Pauses Facebook group. We’d love for you to join us!
What’s one way you’re praying for your teen, or have prayed?
Want these prayers at your fingertips? **Download a PDF copy of the above prayer prompts here.
Additional resources:
- 4 Ways to Pray for Our Adult Children
- Cultivate a Consistent Prayer Life in 2021
- Creating Holy Pockets of Stillness
Love this and the focus areas for the prayers, Cathy. I agree, culture and anti-Christian values have never been worse. We often forget prayer is powerful and accomplishes much. Prayer is “really doing something about it” and even before it happens.
Yes and amen, Karen! It’s being pro-active instead of reactive, thanks be to God. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you Cathy for giving these focused themes to pray for our teens. As a grandmother who is long distance these are very helpful.
I’m so glad you found these helpful. 🙂 Blessings!
Wow! You sure hit home with this one Ms. Cathy. As much as I love “the littles” I get to serve in Children’s Church now and again, my heart breaks when I see what teens have to endure today. And truth is, my heart breaks for new and other immature Christians who haven’t yet learned how to wear their armor and depend upon their faith to defend successfully against the ever-encroaching world. I think these prayer examples work for all of the above! Thank you; and God’s blessings ma’am. Will sure miss see you and Mr. Brian at BRMCWC this year.
We’ll miss y’all too, JD! But I’m thankful that healing is on the way for your sweet wife. Praying 2022’s conference will have us all there. 🙂
Wonderful list of prayers for teens! Thank you!
Thank you! Prayers continue for your hubby’s recovery. 🙂
Whew, girl. My prayers for my teens – when they were teens – ran the gamut of praising, pleading, and writhing for aid. Sometimes I covered all those bases in one prayer! But the one I prayed – still pray – most often is that their souls prosper in Christ (3 John 1.2).
Yes, and amen, Charla! 🙂