Powerful Prayers For Your Son By Rob & Joanna TeigenShembull

Day Seven

Teach Me to Pray

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Father,

I don’t know how to pray for my son. All I know for certain is that he needs you. This world is full of pain, violence, and sin. Sometimes it seems like a foolish wish to hope that my son will be able to know you and walk in your ways. Today, when I’m confused and doubtful that he’ll find his way, I trust that you know. 

Thank you for your Spirit who prays for my son when he can’t pray for himself. When I become discouraged and wonder if he’s going to make it, I praise you that your heart is with us. When I grieve over his mistakes and their consequences, you remind me of your patience and forgiveness. When he’s wounded or weak, your Word tells me you’re our healer. When I feel like we’re in a daily battle with one another, you declare that you’re our peace. Thank you for your wisdom when I’m foolish, your knowledge when I don’t have a clue, and your outpouring of mercy when I’m ready to quit. 

Show me how to pray. Open my eyes to see what my son needs most. I can fall into praying for an easy, happy life for him, but “what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36, ESV). Guide my prayers so I can lift up his very soul to you. 

Make me faithful in prayer for my son. I want to lift him up to you at all times. I want to be joyful and thankful even when he’s troubled or rebellious. I want to place him in your hands so I don’t bear the weight of his future on my own shoulders. 

Thank you for the gift of prayer. You are always with me. You never fail to listen and respond when I cry out to you. You care when I’m hurting and afraid. You cover my mistakes as a parent with your perfect love. And most of all, you love my son and know him through and through. I praise your name for the hope we have in you—we are saved and we are yours forever. Amen. 

Do you ever feel the weight of your son’s future on your shoulders? What Scripture verse could you hold on to during those times?