We all went through it.  The dreaded Tween Years.  Driving our parents absolutely NUTS.  Ugly years for most, a breeze for a few.  No matter what stage of life your child is in, there are ugly moments and there are beautiful ones.  Our job is never done!  When they lay their head down for the night, you don’t get a very long break.  Morning comes too quickly, and the attitude is still there.  You wish it would vanish, but it seems to be getting worse.

So how do we press through this phase?  How can we cherish the not so beautiful moments, and let God turn ashes into beauty?

Pray For Them When You Touch Them

The healing power of touch.  These are the years where your child may seem like they don’t want your gentle touch… but they do.  When you pass them in the hallway of your home, pray a quick prayer as your hand breezes by their shoulder.  When you give them a hug, let the hug linger while you pray over them.  The hug and prayer will go a long way.

Lord, may you touch them through me.  May my touch be a glimpse of your amazing love.

Pray For Them When They Aren’t With You

When they aren’t with you, pray the Lord would watch over their mind and body.

Heavenly Father, be with them right now.  Watch over their growing mind and body.  May your presence be made known to them.

Pray For Them When You You Are Annoyed

There will be plenty of annoying moments.   Instead of letting your annoyance escalate, pray the Lord would do a work in their heart.  Pray the Holy Spirit would speak to them in a personal and powerful way.

I lay my emotions at your feet.  Help my love for them to overshadow my annoyance.  Please do a work in my heart as well is their heart.  Please speak to them in a personal way this very moment.

Pray For Them When They Sleep

Before you go to sleep, pray over them.  Pray that God would do a work in them, even while they sleep.

While my child sleeps, I pray that you do a work with their crazy hormones.  Help them to know You are with them during this stage of life.

Pray For Them When They Wake Up

Mornings can be a time that the enemy might get a foothold in your home.  Pray that your mornings together would be peaceful and harmonious.

May you guard the door of their mouth today.  I pray you make our home peaceful and harmonious.  When chaos seems to be escalating, I pray you step in and bring quiet moments to our home.

Pray For Them When You Want To Yell Or Cry

Emotions can easily get the best of us.  When you want to yell or cry, pause…. and take a moment to pray for wisdom and strength.  The Lord will give it to you if you ask.  Pause and pray before you have your own ugly moment.

I just want to yell at my child, Lord!  Please calm my heart and show me what my child needs from me even now.

Pray For Them When You Have No Words

There will be moments of great frustration and anguish as parents.  We desperately want the best for our children, but that doesn’t mean they will always follow our advice or instruction.  When you have no words, pray… even if it’s simply saying the word JESUS…. let the Holy Spirit fill in the empty space.

I have no words.  I’m empty Lord.  Jesus… please come to my rescue.

I hope these simple prayers help you!  This doesn’t have to be a terrible time of life!  Prayer is powerful!  Start today.