Prayers for my teenage son. Rebellious Relationship with Parents. Have you ever laid awake at night wondering, where is my son? What is he up to? Who is he with? Is he safe? The worries of a parent over their rebellious teenage sons is never ending. Teenagers can be in the wrong place at the wrong time and before you know it they are faced with peer pressure, gangs, hanging around streets and areas that speak ‘danger’. It is for this reason, prayers for my teenage son and for improving his relationship with parents is a must currently.
This article aims to explain reasons why we should pray for our teenagers, why this age group is key and equally challenging. This article also aims to outline how our prayers can help and change the very atmosphere over the lives of our rebellious teenagers and improve relationship with parents.
What is prayer?
Prayer enables us to communicate directly with our heavenly Father. Prayer is indeed a heavenly language and is available to those who trust and believe in Jesus Christ. The word of God reminds us to “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Prayer allows us to approach God, concerning those issues that burden us as parents; our teenage sons. Prayer releases an atmospheric change and causes the forces of darkness to submit to the power of the almighty God. It is for this reason that we should pray for our rebellious teenagers and against the strongholds that encompasses them. Our prayers are not like the weapons of the world, but they have the power to demolish strongholds and every false argument that Satan uses against us and our teenagers.
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
Why we should pray for our teenagers and how our prayers help?
God is the source in whom we can rely on
- Prayers for my teenage son is a way to present my requests before God, with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6).
- Prayers for my teenage son moves the heart of God as well as it teaches the fundamental principles of intercession.
- Intercessory prayer develops my relationship and communication with God and enables me to intervene on behalf of my rebellious son by standing in the gap and pleading with God through unrelenting prayer.
- We should also pray for our teenagers, because we are reminded that God is the hearer of prayer and to You people of all sorts will come (Psalm 65:2).
- Praying for my teenage son will demonstrate dependence on God. As parents, we may never understand the challenges and the difficulties faced by teenagers. However, offering prayers for my teenage son, gives strength and comfort, knowing that God is the source in whom we can rely on.
- Prayers for my teenage son, invites God to act on his behalf. We must invite God to work through us here on earth. Failure to do so, will result in evil forces to legally dominate mankind. Therefore, by inviting God to act (through prayer), counteracts “the God of this age blinding the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Therefore, the lives of others, such as my teenage son(s) can be saved, rather than lost, and relationships with parents can be improved.
Why this age range is specific and challenging?
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Family Database, in 2015, teenage suicide rates was perceived to be the highest in Canada, Estonia, Iceland, New Zealand. 10 or more suicide cases per 100 000 teenagers (15-19 years) were reported during this period. According to WebMd, suicide is suggested to be the third predicted causes of death of teenagers aged between 15 and 24. Teenage males account for 84% of all suicides from 5,000 lives lost every year. Equally, the suicide rate for teenage boys (15-19 years) has increased significantly by 30% from 2007-2015.
The cause of the increase in suicide cases among teenagers can be stress, depression, mental and mood disorders, history of physical or mental abuse, substance abuse, confusion and bad relationship with parents.
Some teenage sons may find it difficult in coping with hormonal developments encompassed with body changes, ‘identity crisis’ and having to develop a sense of self-independence. As such teenage boys can often become rebellious, confused, anxious and carry low self-esteem.
Therefore, as parents and guardians, we must remind our teenage sons that God knows the plans He has for them. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). We must pray and remind our teenage sons to stay on the path of purity and live according to His Word (Psalm 119:9).
Prayers for my teenage son – Rebellious Relationship with Parents
Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. I thank you for your divine blessings in my life. I thank You Father for my teenage son. Your Word says, that before You formed my son in the womb, you knew him. Father, help my teenage son to understand the authority that you have place inside of him. Help him to not accept negative talk, negative actions, negative deeds over His life, but help him to recognize the ‘Christ-like identity’ that You have placed inside him.
Father, will you release my son from the strongholds that may plaque his life right now? Will you release him from emotional, physical and spiritual hurts, and grant Your emotional, physical and spiritual protection over my son? Please keep evil far away from him and help him to trust in Your Word, because you are his refuge and strength; a very present help in times of trouble. Guard his mind and every thought that is not of You. Help my son(s) to find rest in You, this I ask. Amen.
Being able to understand the purpose of praying for your teenage son, will enable you to pray fervently as a parent. Knowing why you should pray for teenagers and the specific challenges faced, will also enable you to pray strategically, purposefully and according to the will of God.
Sources used for statistical information:
Teenage SuicidePreventing Teen Suicide
- Also read:
- PRAYER FOR FAMILY – bring the needs of your loved ones to God
- PRAYER OF ENCOURAGEMENT and Strength for a Friend or Myself
- PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH in Difficult Situations
prayray.com
Letting go, doing all that you can and nothing more; this is a trial for any parent watching a teen abuse drugs. Pray for understanding, for grace and for healing.
Lord, sometimes I don’t know where my job as a parent ends and Your heavenly gift as Savior begins. Grant me understanding, so that I may do all that I can, and nothing more.
Lord, keep my faith burning bright. I believe in you and I believe in your power and love, but sometimes I am tempted to act in your stead. I hurt so much watching my son destroy himself. Grant me faith, so that I may receive your grace and act as Your instrument of love.
Lord, save me from despair. I get overwhelmed sometimes. My wife and my kids need attention, love and support, and so do I. Grant me clarity so that I may serve my family, even in this dark hour.
Lord, show me the path I must walk. Show me what good works I can do to serve You. I need your guidance, and although sometimes I feel rage, Lord, transform my anger into love, and use me as an instrument of Your purpose.
Lord, let my son feel Your love. I believe that only You can heal his wounds. He is troubled, He harms himself, please; bring him home.
Amen
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QUESTION: What are some prayers for teens?
ANSWER:
Consider these prayers for teens.
When you need friends: “There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
Heavenly Father,
You are a gracious and loving Lord. I don’t have any friends, and I really miss having them. Please bring some people into my life that I may share with them memorable times. Open my eyes to see the good qualities in people around me. Help me be the type of friend to others, as the type of friend I seek. I thank You, Heavenly Father. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Helpful Resources: Psalms 119:63; Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 27:10-11; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Malachi 3:16-17; Acts 20:35; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 1:3-7.
When you need guidance: “The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8).
Heavenly Father,
I know you are the great counselor! I am in need of guidance, for I don’t know what to do. Help me to do what You want done in this situation. Please send someone to show me the steps I need to take. I depend on You, and I thank You, Heavenly Father. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Helpful Resources: 2 Samuel 22:9; Psalm 31:3; 25:9; 48:14; 78:24; 107:7; Proverbs 3:5; 16:3; Isaiah 30:21; 48:17; 58:11.
When you need money: “And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!” (Luke 12:28).
Heavenly Father,
Help me to have faith that You will provide what I need, when I need it. Open up a job that will fit the hours I have available outside of school to pay for my expenses. I trust in You, Lord. Thank You for providing for my family and me. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Helpful Resources: Psalm 23:1; 34:10; 37:25; 111:5; Isaiah 33:15-16; Joel 2:26; Malachi 3:10; Philippians 4:19.
When you feel tempted: “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow” (James 1:2-3).
Heavenly Father, I know You are strong. I need help right now, because I am being tempted to join activities that I know are not good or appropriate for me. Give me strength to say ‘no thanks’ to this pressure. Help me to find something else to keep myself busy in place of the activities my peers want me to participate in. You are my strength in this, Lord. I thank You Heavenly Father for understanding all the temptations that face teenagers today, and what it takes to refrain from being lured in the wrong direction. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Helpful Resources: Psalm 1:1-3; 119:11; Luke 22:31-32; Ephesians 6:10-11; Hebrews 2:18; 4:15-16; James 1:12-14; 4:7; 1 Peter 1:6-7; 1 John 4:4.
When Your family needs prayer: “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:9).
Heavenly Father,
I know You see everything and know how each situation turns out. I will trust in You. My family needs help. Show me what I can do to make life easier for them. Help my family find Your salvation so we don’t fight like we do now. Help me to show them You in my life. I thank You, Heavenly Father for your love and concern. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Helpful Resources: Acts 11:14; 16:31.
When you need a sense of purpose: “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name” (John 15:16).
Heavenly Father,
I look to You in my time of need. I don’t feel like I matter much to people in this world. My self-confidence is really low right now, and I don’t know where to turn. Do You really have a specific plan for my life? That is an awesome thought.
Help me to see myself, as You see me. Teach me the things I need to learn to fulfill that purpose. I place myself into Your hands, because I trust in Your opinion of me. Thank You, Heavenly Father for believing in me. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Helpful Resources: Jeremiah 1:5; John 14:13; 16:24; Romans 8:28-29; Romans 12:4-13.
When you feel threatened:“Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don’t become weary and give up” (Hebrews 12:3).
Heavenly Father,
I don’t know who else to turn to for making the bullies stop their aggression. It seems no one can stop them. They intimidate and frighten everyone. I don’t like being afraid, and it upsets me when I see them beating on others. Help me to know when to make a stand and when to ignore the threats. Please send us someone who can get them to stop.
If I cannot help them by showing them You in my life, Lord, then get them out of my way. I thank You, Heavenly Father, for protecting me and keeping me safe. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Helpful Resources:
Psalm 18:3; 91:4-15; 34:4; 138:3; Isaiah 41:10; 54:17; Jeremiah 39:17; Luke 12:4-7; John 10:28; Romans 12:14-21; Colossians 3:25; Hebrews 13:6.
When you have thoughts of suicide: “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don’t even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words” (Romans 8:26).
Heavenly Father,
I feel like giving up, for it seems there is no hope in me. I don’t want to go on. I don’t feel like fighting anymore. I need something to hang on to or I’m going to lose it. Show me again, Lord, how much You love me. Please, give me Scriptures that speak of Your promises for me.
I’m very tired, and I need rest. I’m afraid of these thoughts about suicide. Protect my mind, Lord, and clear my head. Help me to think good thoughts about the good things in my life. Remind me of Your goodness to me. I will keep my thoughts on You and praise You.
I thank You, Heavenly Father, for reaching down into my world and drawing me close to You. Thank You for allowing me to soak up your strength during moments like these. I’m clinging to Your strong arm this hour. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Galatians 6:9; Ephesians 6:13; Philippians 4:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 3:14; 10:23; 10:35-36; 1 Peter 5:8-9
If you’d like to make a difference in the life of a hurting teen, please consider Compassion International. You can effectively help a child in spiritual and financial need through a monthly sponsorship.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
– We have all
sinned
and deserve God’s judgment.
God
, the Father, sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment for those who believe in Him.
Jesus
, the creator and eternal Son of God, who lived a sinless life, loves us so much that He
died
for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserve, was
buried
, and
rose from the dead
according to the
Bible
. If you truly believe and trust this in your heart, receiving Jesus alone as your
Savior
, declaring, “
Jesus is Lord
,” you will be saved from
judgment
and spend eternity with God in heaven.
What is your response?
Yes, today I am deciding to follow JesusYes, I am already a follower of JesusI still have questions
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