16 Scriptures to Pray When You’re Anxious About Your Teenager

Nothing reminds us we’re not in control like parenting teenagers.

Life was easier when our children were little. In fact, it was our job to make decisions for them. We controlled what they ate, when they ate it, what they wore, who they played with, and so on. If someone wasn’t nice to them, we took care of it. If they didn’t submit to our authority, we sat them in time out or took away a privilege. If they were scared or sad, a hug made everything better. It was as simple as that!

But something happens when our kids hit adolescence. They begin to separate from us and make their own plans. They develop their own thoughts and opinions. They are even able to prepare their own food, buy their own outfits, and choose their own friends.

This is a good thing, right? After all, we don’t want them to stay children forever! We intend to raise them to be healthy, thoughtful adults who love Jesus and contribute positively to society.

So, letting them lean into their independence really is a good thing. However, this process also brings with it enormous feelings, challenging decisions, and general confusion about things that used to seem clear.

This is true not only for our teenagers but for us as parents as well.

What do we do when our child doesn’t make the team? How do we react when they have friend drama or experience a broken heart? What’s the correct response when they no longer want our guidance? And how should we handle it when (not if) they make a really bad decision? (Because, at some point, they will!)

Remember who’s in control.

While we can and should certainly give our teenagers advice, boundaries, and consequences, the truth is we cannot control their thoughts, feelings, or choices. Letting go can be challenging for parents. My husband and I have learned this first-hand while raising our four teens.

The thing that helps me the most as we navigate these seasons is to remind myself that although I am not in control, God certainly is. I may have no idea what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future. When life with our teenagers gets overwhelming, we can cling to this truth found in Isaiah 46:9-10:

“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'”

Remembering that God is sovereign over every detail of my teenager’s life enables me to step back, take a breath, and release control to Him. They are much better off in His hands than mine, anyway! When I begin to feel anxious or burdened, He gently whispers that there is peace and wisdom to be found in His Word.

What did Jesus do when He was preparing His disciples to continue without Him? He prayed for them (John 17). What did Paul and Peter do when they were separated from the new churches they started? They prayed for them. What better option do we have as parents than to follow Jesus’ example?

Turning to the Lord in prayer with our concerns for our teenagers is actually the greatest influence we can wield. What greater power is there than God’s love, truth, and promises? So, when I find myself struggling to know how to help my teen, I have learned to open my Bible and pray God’s Truth over them, entrusting them to the One who knows them best and loves them most.

Here are 16 scriptures to pray when you’re anxious about your teenager:

• Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
• Job 42:2 – “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
• Psalm 33:11 – “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”
• Psalm 37:23-24 – “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
• Psalm 91:11 – “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
• Psalm 121:7-8 – “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
• Proverbs 19:21 – “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
• Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
• Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
• Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
• Isaiah 58:11 – “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”
• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
• Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
• 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
• 2 Timothy 2:13 – “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”
• James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Prayer:

Father, thank you that you love my teen even more than I do. Remind me that they are safe in your hands, for you are faithful—your plans are for their good and your glory. I trust you, Lord. Amen.