When as a parent you are not sure what to do (or not do), or how to help your emerging adult, there is one thing that you can always do without getting trouble – PRAY.
I grew up hearing stories of parents and grandparents who were prayer warriors. People who would spend hours beseeching God on behalf of others. I hope these “prayer warriors” still exist today.
It is not a small resource to parents. But as one parent said, “Prayer is the only REAL resource we possess. Everything else we use to ‘solve’ our problems (money, influence, talents, etc.) is nothing compared to the power we have in the God of the universe.”
Are you praying regularly for your child? Not just positive thoughts that are sent their way. Not just a regularly rehearsed of words uttered quickly before a prayer. Do you spend time going before the throne of God on behalf of your children?
Some EA’s know that their parents pray for them. One EA writes, “My parents have always been my biggest prayer warriors, and it means the world to me. As a child, they established a precedent of praying about anything -both big (family financial issues) and small (finding a missing item).” While others are doubtful, “I would love it if my mom prayed for me…ever. At all. That would be amazing.”
Knowledge of others that regularly pray for them, gives emerging adults confidence and encouragement in their lives. Here are some things that they requested for their parents to pray for.
1. Expectations
“Patience. Always. There are so many new things in life that happens, so patience to wait it out when we want or are waiting on something and contentment when things don’t work how we planned/imagine them being.”
“For God’s will in my life above my own expectations.”
“that I would walk in contentment no matter what is going on around me.”
2. Their Ministry or Service to Others
“Especially our ministry. I would LOVE that.”
3. Decision-making
“I would like prayer about the things happening in my life and decision-making.”
4. Identity Formation
“One thing would be that they would pray I continue to strengthen my identity in Christ and use that as motivation to love others in my day.”
5. Relationships
“To pray God’s will in my life. Specially pray for the chapter of engagement and marriage.”
“I want my parents to be praying that I know Christ more intimately each day, that my marriage would be strong.”
You took the time to read the article – (which probably took you about 60 seconds). Now take the time to put it into action. Go back through the five topics, and pray for your children. If you don’t know what they are facing in these areas, then make a point to ask them.
Let your emerging adults know you are praying for them. They can refuse your help, ignore your wishes, and resent your advice, but they cannot stop your prayers.
Prayer is always an option. And just as a reminder, it is the BEST one.
