As a Christian parent, one of the most effective ways that you can influence the faith of your teenager is through prayer. Believe it or not, the simple act of praying to God about your teenager is a great way to bring about changes if necessary, or reinforce the steadfastness that they already experience. If you aren’t quite sure on how to exactly pray for your teenager, here are a few hints to help you start.
Get Organized
Prayer, especially for a teenager is most effective when it is preformed on a regular basis. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is through organization. For example, many prayerful parents have a notebook, divided into seven sections, one for each day of the week. In each section, write your teenager’s name, and what they feel you should pray about, as well as any insights given to you during your conversations with God. The items for prayer can be as simple as praying to ensure that your son obeys his curfew, or to pray that your daughter will not give into temptation and try to drink alcohol over at a friend’s house.
Pay Attention to What Your Teenager Needs and Desires
As a parent, you know that the needs of your teenager will always be changing. They are growing and evolving into adults, and your prayer life can be an important part of who and what they become. Therefore, it is important to make sure that your praying for your teen is targeted and reflect their needs at the time.
Pray from Scripture
Like it or not, there will be days when you simply don’t know what or how to pray. Perhaps the day itself has been trying, or the subject matter is just too complicated to put into words. When these times arise, the best course of action to take is to utilize the many prayers contained within the Bible. Prayers found in Ephesians 1:17-19, and Philippians 1:9-11 are some beautiful and vibrant examples.
By being consistent, paying attention to their true needs, and using scripture when necessary, you can create a vibrant, prayer life on behalf of your teenager. With regular, honest prayer, there is a strong chance that you will see the fruits of your efforts before you know it.
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