PDF Summary:Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children, by Jodie Berndt

As our children enter adulthood, many parents struggle to know how best to guide and support them. In Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children, Jodie Berndt emphasizes the importance of turning to prayer during this transition. She provides guidance for praying about issues adult children face, such as finding a partner, establishing housing and careers, developing strong social circles, and maintaining their faith.

Berndt encourages parents to intercede through prayer not only for typical milestones, but also for their grown children's well-being during difficult times like health issues, addictions, and life transitions. Her advice focuses on surrendering control to God while fervently praying for your adult children using scriptural passages.

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Offering prayers for grown children as they embark on the path to parenthood.

Berndt values the chance to pray for her adult children as they begin their journey into parenthood. This new phase not only brings a fresh dimension to our family relationships, but also offers a unique opportunity for us to model what it means to be an active participant in the lives of the next generation. As praying grandparents, we want to ensure we avoid repeating the errors of our earlier parenting years—such as being overly directive, offering advice that isn't sought, succumbing to societal norms of what constitutes a "good parent" or "good grandparent," or inadvertently hindering the opportunity for the divine to manifest His greatness in the experiences of our family members.

Petitioning for divine guidance and the gift of progeny for one's grown children, along with the wisdom required to nurture them.

Berndt recognizes that genuine insights into parenting emerge not from prior expectations or tactical planning, but through the actual journey of raising children. She suggests drawing on the wisdom of James 1:5, which encourages those who are deficient in wisdom to seek it from God, who bestows it liberally and without reproach, while we pray on behalf of our offspring, trusting that the Divine is poised to equip them for some of the most rewarding and significant challenges in life. Divine insight is bestowed upon us. Pursue your quest and it shall be revealed that the Divine will provide the necessary provisions. Regarding the offspring you have raised. Ensure that your prayers also extend to include your grandchildren. You can also serve as a go-between for others by offering your supplications.

Berndt presents a grandmother who diligently seeks spiritual direction, interceding on behalf of her descendants as they raise the next generation. She advises keeping a detailed log of specific prayers for each grandchild and discussing with parents the most effective ways of bolstering their children's spiritual growth, in addition to offering practical help like cooking meals or looking after the kids. The authors also emphasize the significance of events initiated by grandparents, such as yearly gatherings dubbed "Cousins Camps," which are instrumental in strengthening familial bonds, nurturing spiritual growth, and facilitating mentoring interactions among cousins of varying ages.

Seeking divine guidance for the spiritual growth of grandchildren and the fortification of family ties through spirituality.

Berndt underscores the importance of praying for the well-being of our grandchildren. She underscores the unique chance to shape the lives of our grandchildren by fervently seeking divine direction through prayer, which will draw them nearer to God. The heavenly design for family units aims to cultivate harmony across generations, nurturing a relationship in which family members, both young and old, grow to deeply appreciate and comprehend each other, an idea that Berndt highlights as enduring despite the flaws inherent in culture, location, and personal differences. No matter what nickname your grown children use to address you, be it "Ghee," "Nana," or "Grandma," Your prayers for them rise to the divine realm.

Berndt emphasizes that a couple of grandparents composed sincere letters that imparted wisdom on religious matters to their grandchildren, clarifying the idea of salvation and encouraging the young ones to immerse themselves in biblical teachings and to cultivate connections with other believers. While acknowledging the joy and privilege of being a grandparent, Berndt advises against comparing our value to that of other grandparents and warns against looking for affirmation or approval based on our grandchildren's accomplishments or societal status. Our adult children and our own identities should be firmly established in their personal connections with Christ rather than in the bonds of our familial heritage. We must trust in the capacity of the Divine to work through us, recognizing that the plans to enhance the lives of our grandchildren—and our own—often surpass what we could ever imagine.

Other Perspectives

• While prayer can be comforting, it should not replace practical support and guidance that parents can offer to their adult children.
• Trusting in divine purpose does not always provide tangible solutions to real-world problems like housing insecurity or joblessness.
• The emphasis on divine guidance in career choices may overlook the importance of personal agency and the value of making informed decisions based on market trends and individual preferences.
• The focus on aligning vocations with divine purpose might inadvertently devalue certain professions or career paths that do not seem traditionally prestigious or spiritually oriented.
• Encouraging prayers for adult children's path to parenthood might not acknowledge the valid choice of some adults to not have children.
• The idea of seeking divine wisdom for parenting can be seen as undermining the value of secular knowledge and expertise in child-rearing practices.
• The emphasis on spiritual growth for grandchildren may not take into account the diverse religious beliefs and non-religious values within a family.
• The text assumes that all readers share the same religious beliefs and values, which may not be inclusive of those with different or no religious affiliations.

Lifting up prayers focused on the well-being, prosperity, and protection of offspring who have grown into adulthood.

Seeking solace in prayer while dealing with health issues.

Berndt recognizes the significant difficulties parents encounter during health emergencies, particularly when offspring who have reached adulthood function outside of our direct control and our ability to provide comfort or direct help is limited. She encourages reliance on the familiar promises of God's presence, asking for His help to provide our children with the strength, patience, and peace needed to confront fears, uncertainties, or significant health assessments and procedures.

Trusting in the divine scheme and its impeccable timing, we face the uncertainties ahead.

Berndt suggests that what we wish for our children's well-being and rapid recovery may not align with the spiritual timeline and agenda. Isaiah 41:10 assures us that we are safeguarded by the Lord, thus dispelling any cause for anxiety or unease. In difficult moments, my prayers will be rooted in the belief that I will gain fortitude and assistance, and that a fair force will sustain me. The author encourages us to recall biblical narratives where weary parents sought heavenly assistance—such as the synagogue leader with his sick daughter, the Canaanite woman who implored for her demon-afflicted child, and the distressed father who approached Jesus for help and forgiveness for his skepticism—reassuring us that our appeals do not go unnoticed by God.

Berndt provides deep comfort by highlighting the promise that the initiator of the good work within the faithful will continue to nurture it until it is fully realized when Jesus Christ returns. We can trust that the divine plan will be realized, without giving in to apprehension or worry regarding the unknowns that lie ahead. She motivates us to place our confidence in the Divine during moments of trepidation by concentrating on Jesus' ultimate sacrifice and remembering the hardships He endured on our behalf, shifting our attention from fleeting challenges to the eternal victory secured through His demise and subsequent resurrection.

Seeking divine assistance for serenity, fortitude, and steadfastness amid challenges

Berndt encourages us to pursue spiritual support for the virtues of calmness and persistence, drawing inspiration from the conviction that the Lord imparts fortitude to His followers and graces them with peace, a promise echoed in a specific Psalm. Praying for those facing health issues goes beyond simply asking for their healing. We should also implore the Divine to grant them fortitude to withstand the lengthy, shadowy evenings of suffering, the distressing consequences that accompany medical procedures, and the tumultuous emotions associated with confronting an uncertain future, likely characterized by a series of challenges and triumphs.

Berndt shares the moving story of a mother facing the dire forecast after her daughter, who was 48, suffered a severe stroke. The mother's faith in a divine plan that ensures everything in life works to the advantage of those meant to achieve His heavenly purposes brought her comfort and hope, particularly during her challenging recovery. She encourages us to seek guidance from a passage in Hebrews, urging us to pray for the development of unity and resilience in our children and their families, while urging them to remain steadfast on the path laid out for them, focusing on Jesus, who willingly and devotedly faced the cross.

Advocating for the mental and emotional health of others.

Berndt argues that there is a widespread belief among Christians that mental illness is a cause for shame, reflecting a lack of spiritual strength or emotional resilience, and implying that people should deal with it independently rather than seeking help. She emphasizes that the common belief is a misconception, using research and practical examples to underscore that emotional challenges frequently have their origins in physical conditions.

Seeking assistance within the religious community, while setting aside the stigma and adverse labels associated with mental and emotional challenges.

Berndt underscores the necessity to discard any feelings of shame and stigma. She encourages transparent dialogue, keen insight into the obstacles they face, and the seeking of professional advice when the situation calls for it. She also suggests drawing on the united power of the faith community, which includes support groups, mentors, and dependable family members, to offer both encouragement and dedicated prayer initiatives, along with shared accountability.

The writer emphasizes that God stands as the supreme healer. He shouldered the difficulties we face and experienced our pain. We pave the way for God's involvement by bringing our children's challenges and pain, encompassing both their bodily and mental hardships, before Him, acknowledging the reality of their tribulations and our own limitations in addressing them.

spiritual awakening and metamorphosis in the lives of adult offspring.

Berndt suggests that the challenging situations our offspring face can act as catalysts for positive transformation and mark the commencement of a new spiritual path. Prayer, while seemingly a way to request or guide the Almighty, actually stems from divine inspiration. God often performs His most impactful works alongside us, especially during periods when both we and our offspring face difficulties. Paul's advice in his letter to the followers in Rome indicates that our challenges cultivate perseverance, which subsequently fortifies our character, and it is this fortified character from which hope emerges. Events that seem catastrophic in our eyes are often just laying the foundation for an extraordinary spiritual odyssey, carefully orchestrated by a divine force.

Jodie Berndt shares the story of a mother who learned that her son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This mother, weighed down by feelings of guilt and worry about her possible responsibility, confessed her apprehensions, acknowledging her family's background with mental health struggles and her personal difficulties with having faith that God would secure a favorable result. She encourages individuals to let go of self-reproach and a sense of inadequacy, recognizing that these feelings frequently originate from an urge to influence outcomes. She advises turning to sacred texts like Psalm 51:10 to cultivate a clean heart and to foster steadfast determination within our offspring.

Seeking divine safeguarding against injury.

Berndt recommends maintaining vigilance over the numerous hazards that could affect our grown children's physical health, emotional stability, and spiritual development. Our children, while forging paths in military aviation or carving out their professional lives in city settings, need protection from physical dangers. We instinctively strive to protect their psychological health, maintain their individuality, and ensure their personal honor remains intact while they navigate the intricacies of marriage, demanding jobs, and the ever-evolving landscape of social media. We frequently said these prayers when they were children. Currently, it may be crucial for our prayers to be delivered with greater fervor.

Seeking divine intervention for the comprehensive well-being and safeguarding of grown children, which includes their physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

Berndt encourages us to pursue spiritual protection by means of supplication. She conveys her message through the narrative of a mother whose constant worry was that her son, a helicopter pilot stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, might perish. The mother experiences an agonizing period of anticipation, fraught with worry, until she at last hears from her offspring following the news of the helicopter mishap. Ever since her son was young, she has found comfort in the words of Psalm 91:11, confident in the promise that heavenly guardians will be assigned to safeguard him on his path. She knew that Psalm 91, commonly known as the "Soldier's Psalm," was traditionally used to implore for God's safeguarding over her offspring. God's might surpasses all forms of peril, be they of a physical or emotional nature. He remained steadfast in the promises he made. We can consistently depend on His steadfast love.

Berndt illustrates the relentless efforts of numerous parents to secure spiritual protection for their children. She advises praying for the protection of their children's psychological and emotional well-being from potentially dangerous people or situations. Jodie Berndt encourages us to pray for the protection of our adult children's mental health, recognizing the significant damage that problems such as pornography, self-harm, depression, anxiety, and uncertainty can inflict.

Turning to a higher power for comfort and protection when overwhelmed by feelings of helplessness.

Berndt underscores the significance of entrusting the safety and welfare of our children, as well as our personal peace of mind, to divine protection, particularly when they face dangerous circumstances that are outside our control or that provoke significant worry within us. We were never designed to confront these challenges alone; indeed, the ultimate protector and creator is the Divine. Jodie Berndt leads us to a state of peace by teaching us to place our worries in the hands of God, who, as affirmed in 2 Corinthians 12:9, provides sufficient grace for all our imperfections and demonstrates His power most completely in our weakness.

Berndt references the biblical story in which numerous enemies surrounded King Jehoshaphat, prompting him to proclaim a time of fasting across Judah. He understood that true liberation for himself and his community would stem not from the force or tactics of warfare, but from the omnipotent strength of the Divine. We can support our children by recognizing that it is God who takes on the challenges they face, not us or them, as we recall the prayer he made before the confrontation. Seeking divine help empowers individuals to overcome any obstacle, be it temptation, illness, or any other kind of barrier.

Other Perspectives

• While prayer can be comforting, it may not always lead to the desired outcome, and relying solely on prayer without taking practical actions can be ineffective, especially in health emergencies.
• Trusting in divine timing can sometimes lead to passivity; it's important to balance faith with proactive measures and personal responsibility.
• The belief in divine assistance can be empowering, but it's also important to acknowledge and seek out human support systems, such as medical professionals, counselors, and community resources.
• Advocating for mental and emotional health is crucial, but it should also be recognized that spiritual practices are not a substitute for professional mental health treatment when it is needed.
• While seeking assistance within a religious community can be beneficial, it's important to ensure that such communities are equipped to provide appropriate support for mental and emotional challenges, and that they encourage seeking professional help when necessary.
• Spiritual awakening and transformation can be a positive outcome of challenges, but it's also important to recognize that not everyone may interpret or experience these situations through a spiritual lens.
• Seeking divine safeguarding against injury can provide comfort, but it should not replace practical safety measures and precautions, especially in high-risk professions or situations.
• Turning to a higher power for comfort and protection can be a source of strength for many, but for others, finding solace may come from different sources, such as personal resilience, community support, or other belief systems.

Interceding in prayer for the well-being of grown children as they face various challenges.

Seeking divine fortitude to withstand cultural pressures.

Berndt emphasizes the importance of remaining alert to the wide array of difficulties and pressures our children face while transitioning into adult life, which range from the allure of the college environment to the complexities of their work life, social circles, and other various situations. The pervasive influence of alcohol, the ready availability and societal acceptance of explicit content, the common occurrence of casual sexual interactions, and the deceptive notion that personal happiness and fulfillment stem from self-serving decisions, all threaten the well-being of our offspring, as opposed to conforming to the sacred plans meant for their lives.

Seeking spiritual direction for adult offspring to discern between transient contentment and the lasting delight that stems from a bond with Christ.

Berndt recognizes that today's society abounds with numerous misleading temptations that can trap our offspring. These temptations captivate us with their promise to satisfy our sensory desires, provide entertainment, and help us gain social approval and respect, while also allowing us to project an image of affluence to our peers. Our experience of joy should stem naturally from the plentiful presence of His Spirit, a type of contentment that persists through all of life's circumstances. We must implore the Divine to steer our children towards recognizing the genuine sources of real happiness and contentment, so they may soon discern that seeking happiness in substances like alcohol or narcotics, or through unethical deeds, does not truly liberate them.

Berndt champions the use of intercessory prayer to protect our children, seeking divine protection against the widespread cultural influences of sexual permissiveness, explicit content, and addiction, and earnestly beseeching the cultivation of a lifelong pursuit of genuine joy in their lives. She tells the story of a mother whose son, during his last year at college, faced legal troubles for driving while intoxicated and continued to struggle with his alcohol consumption. The mother fervently prayed, not to control her son's decisions, but for heavenly guidance to illuminate his path and steer him away from misdeeds towards a virtuous life, rescuing him from the clutches of wickedness and towards a life under divine direction. She offered prayers for her son to discover friends who engaged in leisure pursuits that did not revolve around drinking alcohol. I find myself especially attracted to that style of prayer. I might also come to understand the importance of presenting that supplication.

Offering prayers for our adult offspring to maintain purity and withstand different temptations.

Berndt emphasizes the crucial role of parents in championing not only the general welfare of their adult offspring, which encompasses their professional and residential circumstances, but also in protecting their mental and physical well-being, and most importantly, maintaining their complete emotional and spiritual integrity. We should earnestly petition God to instill in our children the importance of honoring His presence by regarding their bodies as sacred temples. We should steer them clear of actions that compromise their sexual integrity and indeed, any form of wrongdoing, such as spreading rumors, theft, or engaging in behavior that is cruel or belittling. We aspire for our children to recognize their errors, not for the purpose of chastisement, but to pave the way for mending, absolution, and renewal, and possibly to welcome a wealth of favor that might have been delayed.

Berndt recounts the tale of a mother whose daughter entered into a romantic relationship with another woman. The mother, struggling with her views on homosexuality and suitable responses, chose to follow Jesus' example of interacting with the Samaritan woman through empathy and conversation, an approach which led to a spiritual reawakening among many in her community. This mother honored her daughter and her friends, while fervently praying for their spiritual safeguarding from any influences that might undermine their belief or interfere with their bond with the divine. She also implored the Almighty to attract compassionate believers into their existence to guide them towards genuine belief.

Pursuing deliverance by praying for emancipation from habits of addiction.

Berndt acknowledges the myriad of difficulties and lures confronting our offspring, ranging from substance misuse to detrimental associations, which frequently develop clandestinely, resulting in parents being oblivious to their existence until the issues intensify or the repercussions of poor choices emerge. She narrates stories of parents who fervently prayed for their children as they struggled with issues of substance abuse, such as alcohol addiction, drug use, and involvement with explicit materials.

Fervently seeking divine intervention to break the bonds of addiction and restore their adult children to wholeness.

Berndt acknowledges the substantial difficulties associated with addiction, yet she emphasizes that through sincere prayer and the application of spiritual principles, we possess the capability to surmount obstacles and set people free. She provides comfort by emphasizing that as we advocate for an adult child battling addiction, we are supported by the abundant grace of God, which serves as a divine pillar of strength. He is aware of the profound impact on an individual's feelings. He is completely empathetic to the profound longing for the return of a cherished one who has strayed. He yearns to join forces with us through prayer, with the goal of revitalizing our children's lives and at the same time filling us with hope and healing our spirits.

Jodie Berndt encourages the use of scriptures such as Isaiah 42:6-7 to implore God to "open [our children's] eyes, to free [them] from the dungeon, to free [them] from the prison." She likewise motivates us to hold fast to the deep conviction that Romans 12:1-2 encourages us to defy worldly pressures and transform our existence by refreshing our mindset. We beseech the Almighty to wrap our offspring in His gentle compassion and free them from the bonds of their dependencies, thus allowing us to recognize and confirm His divine intentions, which are benevolent, agreeable, and without imperfection. These prayers implore for a transformation that lies solely within the realm of divine capability to effectuate.

Holding onto the belief that God possesses the power to effect change and remaining hopeful for children who may have lost their way.

Berndt encourages parents to trust in the healing strength of divine affection. She offers an example of a mother who remained steadfast during her offspring's prolonged struggle with substance dependence. Upon discovering her son's struggles and his path to a recovery program, the mother was thankful for the unveiling of his circumstances and the chance for him to start afresh, while she earnestly prayed for his release from addiction. She recognized the moment when her child ceased resisting God and admitted his need for help as the beginning of his journey toward recovery. God excels in turning adverse situations into favorable results, frequently granting blessings that appear to alter previous difficulties. The scripture being referenced is Joel 2:25.

Berndt suggests coming to terms with the reality that we cannot control the growth and emancipation of our wayward children from their difficulties. She suggests embracing a viewpoint inspired by a renowned 12-step program, which involves recognizing that one is neither the cause of the issue nor possesses the ability to manage or fix it, thereby overcoming the immobilizing concern that our efforts may have fallen short or that the challenges appear overwhelming. The writer underscores the importance of demonstrating belief and empathy in our parental duties, reminiscent of the father's reaction to his wayward child in the scriptural story. She encourages us to trust in the invisible but constant divine direction that molds the paths of our children, comforting us with the knowledge that these heavenly purposes remain unchanging as we participate in and bolster His redemptive plan through our prayers. She motivates us to find encouragement in the words of a mother who, in the face of her daughter's difficult path, shared her thoughts: "I am unable to comprehend God's intent for my daughter's existence or her decisions, but it seems she is crafting a distinctive story of faith that could be deeply impactful."

Practical Tips

• Create a shared online journal with your adult children where you can both post thoughts, challenges, and achievements, fostering an environment of open communication and support. This digital space allows for asynchronous interaction, respecting each other's time and privacy, while giving you insight into their lives, which can inform your prayers and understanding of their challenges.
• Develop a personalized prayer calendar that assigns specific days to focus on different aspects of your adult children's lives, such as career on Mondays or relationships on Fridays. This structured approach ensures that you cover the various facets of their lives systematically, and it can also serve as a reminder to have conversations with them about these topics, reinforcing your support and presence.
• Volunteer at organizations that support individuals struggling with addiction or other life challenges to gain a deeper understanding of these issues. By engaging with these communities, you can learn more about the paths to recovery and wholeness, which can inform your prayers and actions when supporting your own adult children, as well as provide you with practical knowledge to share with them if they face similar struggles.