Sometimes the teenagers we love go through season of pain and suffering, and we quickly reach the limits of our human ability to help. We long to pour out our hearts to God, but it can be hard to find words when we are worried or afraid. Thanks be to God, we who have the Holy Spirit do not have to form perfect phrases, because “the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Rom. 8:26). But there are times when it is a comfort to us to speak words, to pray out loud from the Scriptures, because as we pray we are reminded of the promises and character of God who loves our teenagers more than we can imagine. Over the next few weeks we will offer you prayers you can use as a starting point to lift up the teenagers you love to the Lord. We hope these will encourage you to remain steadfast in prayer, for “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (Jas. 5:16).
God, I am so scared. I am so scared of what my teen has been exposed to and I can’t control it. Lord have mercy, God have mercy. Lord, please have mercy. Please deliver me from fear and my teen from pornography. Deliver us.
Father, I know that I’ve spent much more time this week fearing for my child rather than depending on you. Forgive me for trusting so much in myself and so little in you. I cannot sanctify my child, only you can, by your Spirit. Show me my sin that I may confess it and turn from it. Use the revelation of my child’s sin to show me my own sin, not as a means to feel despair, but to humble me into total dependence on you (Matthew 7:7).
God, you are doing a mighty work! I can’t see it, but you have promised it. Therefore, I praise you. Your love is everlasting, your presence is promised, and your ways are incomprehensible. Please give me wisdom on how to speak with my child and lead them.
Lord, lead my child to flee from youthful lusts; teach him/her to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22).
Father, teach your child to walk by the Spirit so they will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
Father, I cry out aloud to you on behalf of my child and you will hear me. In the day of their trouble may they seek you, in the night may their hand be stretched out with wearying; and their soul refuse to be comforted until you have delivered them.
I am so troubled I cannot speak. Will you spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has your steadfast love for my child forever ceased? Are your promises at an end for all time? Have you forgotten to be gracious? Have you in anger shut up your compassion?
I appeal to the years of your right hand, the right hand of the Most High.
Instead of focusing on my teens’ struggles, I will remember the deeds of the Lord; Yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all of your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph.
When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled.
The clouds poured out water: the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters: yet your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a clock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. So now lead my teen out of bondage to this sin (Psalm 77).
God, may my child delight themselves in you, for you will give them the desires of their heart (Psalm 31:4).
God, I am afraid that my child is enslaved to sin. Please deliver them. I can’t deliver them, only you can. Do it Lord. Do it for the sake of your name. Make your name great in their mouth for your deliverance from their hidden sin (1 Peter 5:7).
Lord, I’ve caught my teenager in their sin. Help me to restore my teen in a spirit of gentleness. Protect me Father, lest I too be tempted (Galatians 6:1).
Persevere, by God’s strength alone,
Amen.
