Praying for Teen Girls: Partnering With God for the Heart of Your DaughterSample

Lord, light her path.

One simple question total strangers felt free to ask my girls was “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The fact that these were the same people who told me how hard it was to raise girls doesn’t bother me at all. Well, not much, at least. It is a common question kids get. I find it funny that at six years old my girls knew exactly what they wanted to be—a cupcake shop owner, a fashion designer, or a professional mermaid (I’m assured they do exist). By the time they graduated from high school, my girls, like so many others, hesitated when asked that same question. Where did that confidence go that was one-hundred-percent sure she wanted to be a Disney princess? Where is that girl today?

Recently I organized a very unofficial survey for teen girls regarding prayer. I thought as I was writing this book it might be a good idea to ask a few teen girls what they thought about prayer and what they wanted most from those who prayed for them. I shared with them the theme of each chapter and asked, “In what area do you need prayer most?” Overwhelmingly, respondents said, “I need prayer to find my purpose.” It was nearly double the next two categories of prayer for friends and prayer to feel loved and pursued by God. But what else captured my attention was this: 64% of the girls who took the survey agreed with the statement “I need all the prayer I can get.” I hope that encourages you to pray today. This prayer journey is not for the faint of heart. But your teen girl wants and needs you to pray for her, even if she doesn’t tell you herself.

Keep praying. Don’t stop.

A prayer based on Psalm 119:105:

Father, you don’t leave _____________ in the dark, but you give her your Word so that she can see where to take the next step. Keep the pathway lit, so she doesn’t stumble or fall. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A prayer based on James 4:13-15:

Father, I pray that _____________ will live her life seeking and trusting your will more than her plans. Show her your path and plan so she can follow you wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.