Parenting With Hope: 9 Days of Gospel-Centered EncouragementSample

Day 2 – The Power of His Presence: Prayer

Prayer offers a special kind of intimacy. If you haven’t prayed very often with your teens throughout their childhood, you may feel like it would be awkward to begin making prayer a routine. Or perhaps you felt comfortable when they were little, but you’ve fallen out of the habit of praying with them now that they’re older.

Let me encourage you; It’s never too late to begin. Prayer is one of our most powerful resources as parents. The Lord is available right now and welcomes you into his presence. Start by praying for your teens. The book of Hebrews instructs us, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus is able to sympathize with you and invites you to come with confidence. This is such good news!

You can also invite your teens to pray with you. If your teens don’t want to pray out loud with you at this stage, that’s okay. Sometimes they feel awkward about everything during these years, and they can be timid and unsure of what to say. You can offer to pray out loud for them.

Your faithful prayers will teach them the language of prayer.

Just remember: God welcomes you and your prayers matter. The King of all the earth has the power. Seek him, trust him, and release your cares to him.