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

Prayer has profound power to shape the lives of teenagers navigating turbulent years filled with temptations, uncertainty, and identity exploration. In Praying the Scriptures for Your Teens, Jodie Berndt understands the joys and sorrows of parenthood—and offers guidance for seeking divine wisdom and protection over your teen's relationships, mental well-being, spiritual growth, and future.

The book explores how Scripture-guided prayers can help address common challenges of adolescence: romantic entanglements, mental health struggles, self-harm, defiance, and addictions. Through stories of families finding strength in earnest prayer, Berndt shows how seeking God's intervention is essential when facing trials that weigh heavy on a parent's heart.

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• School counselors and mental health professionals play a crucial role in identifying and supporting students who may be struggling internally despite outward success.
• Self-harm is often a coping mechanism for dealing with emotional pain, stress, or trauma. It can manifest as cutting, burning, or other forms of self-injury and is not typically a suicide attempt but rather a way to express or manage distress.
• Parents often seek various strategies to support their children, including therapy, open communication, and community support groups, to better understand and address their children's needs.
• The idea of names being engraved on God's hands symbolizes permanence and intimacy. In ancient cultures, engraving was a method used to ensure something was not forgotten, signifying an unbreakable bond.
• The idea of a strong identity in Christ refers to the belief that one's self-worth and purpose are rooted in their relationship with Jesus, which can provide strength and resilience.
• The Bible contains numerous verses that emphasize God's love and care, which can be a source of comfort and reassurance for believers facing personal or familial struggles.
• Integrating spirituality with mental health practices can offer holistic support, addressing both emotional and spiritual needs.

Utilizing prayer to confront and support mental well-being, particularly in dealing with conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Praying for your adolescent's peace, joy, and strength amidst periods of emotional distress.

Berndt acknowledges that teenagers often encounter different types of emotional distress, including anxiety and depression. Despite her academic and social achievements in college, Paula's daughter Lily was struggling with intense anxiety. Camille watched with a sense of powerlessness as her daughter Hailey's enthusiasm for school, sports, and social activities diminished, a pattern that pointed to depression, though at first, Camille mistook these signs for typical adolescent mood fluctuations.

As Camille sought guidance, she found solace in the biblical promise that encouraged her to remain steadfast, avoiding all feelings of trepidation or fear. God engages alongside you in overcoming your foes and ensuring your victory. Camille realized that entrusting Hailey's challenges to God's capable hands was her duty, rather than attempting to resolve them by herself. Berndt emphasizes the importance of seeking professional guidance when needed, similar to the approach taken by Camille and her friend, and also depends on the unwavering strength and assistance that comes from divine support in difficult moments. She encourages those who care for young people in their teenage years to pursue divine guidance, ensuring that these adolescents are blessed with peace, joy, strength, and success throughout this critical developmental stage.

Practical Tips

• Start a peer support text group with friends where you check in daily with how you're feeling using emojis or a number scale. This normalizes talking about emotions and can provide a support network that's easily accessible, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding.
• Develop a 'comfort zone expansion' plan that involves trying one new, low-risk activity every month. This could be as simple as trying a new food, starting a conversation with a stranger, or attending a community class. The goal is to gradually build resilience and confidence in unfamiliar situations, which can help manage anxiety.
• Start a "Steadfast Journal" where you write daily entries focused on moments you chose to remain steadfast rather than succumb to fear. This practice will help you recognize patterns in your behavior and reinforce your commitment to the principle of steadfastness.
• Develop a habit of reflective journaling after professional interactions. Note down what advice you received, how it made you feel, and the outcomes of following it. This practice helps you evaluate the effectiveness of the advice you get and refine your approach to seeking guidance in the future.
• Develop a routine of joint relaxation exercises such as meditation or yoga that incorporate elements of spirituality or mindfulness. By doing this together, you not only promote physical and mental well-being but also create a peaceful environment that can be conducive to spiritual reflection and guidance.

Offering prayers on behalf of your wayward teenager.

Entrusting the redemption and restoration of your wayward teenager to God's capable hands.

Berndt narrates the harrowing experiences of Lara, whose daughter Samantha frequently vanished as she fell prey to the lures of drug misuse and prostitution. Despite her daughter's seemingly perfect life, which encompassed enrollment in a Christian school, academic achievements, and a renewed commitment to Christian beliefs after an initial attempt to distance herself, Lara felt completely helpless and heartbroken due to her daughter's continuous defiance. Lara gained solace and strength by joining a community of mothers devoted to prayer, realizing the profound impact that weaving scripture into her appeals to the divine could have.

Lara's faith grew stronger through prayer, as she embraced scriptural promises that enveloped her soul with the certainty of being redeemed, personally transformed, and forgiven. After a hiatus of five weeks, Samantha's return home profoundly highlighted the unwavering presence of divine companionship. Lara's steadfast dedication to prayer and the profound influence of spiritual grace led to her daughter Samantha embracing her beliefs with full conviction, motivating her to earn a doctorate in psychology with the aim of offering counsel and assistance to those whom society frequently considers irredeemable. Berndt encourages parents to persist in their unwavering love and to remain optimistic as they await the profound changes that prayer can effect in the hearts of their offspring.

Context

• In Christian theology, redemption refers to the deliverance from sin and its consequences, often seen as being brought about by Christ's sacrifice. Restoration involves returning to a state of spiritual wholeness and alignment with God's will.
• Drug misuse often involves the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. It can lead to addiction, which is a chronic disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking. Prostitution, often linked with drug misuse, can be a means of supporting an addiction, and it involves engaging in sexual activity in exchange for money or goods.
• Such communities often share resources, such as books, articles, or workshops, that can provide additional guidance and support for dealing with specific issues related to parenting and faith.
• This concept involves a profound change in an individual's character or life direction, often attributed to spiritual growth or divine intervention. In a Christian context, it can mean becoming more aligned with the teachings of Jesus and embodying virtues like love, patience, and humility.
• In many religious traditions, divine companionship refers to the belief that a higher power is always present, offering guidance, comfort, and support, even when it feels absent.
• Maintaining optimism can have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety. It encourages a proactive approach to problem-solving and can improve overall well-being, which is crucial for parents dealing with difficult situations.

Advocating for the development of your teenager's spirituality and their bond with the sacred.

Aiming to deepen the spiritual connection between your teenager and Christ.

Ask God to nurture a deep and enduring spiritual path in your teenager as they strengthen their relationship with Jesus.

Berndt emphasizes that even though teenagers may participate enthusiastically in religious activities and openly share their convictions, there can still be a gap between their external religious behaviors and their internal spiritual life. Parents whose faith practices are more demonstrative may find it especially challenging to trust in the subtle workings of the Divine. Berndt motivates parents to continuously pray for their teenagers, aiming for a profound and genuine relationship with Jesus that changes their perspective, actions, and goals, with the assurance that God will guide them towards a life marked by true faith and commitment. This involves advocating for a change in their innermost being, a deep understanding of His teachings, less vulnerability to temptation, and for their lives to reflect the values instilled by the divine presence.

Other Perspectives

• Spiritual development is a highly individual process, and what constitutes a "deep and enduring spiritual path" can vary greatly from person to person.
• The concept of a gap may stem from an adult perspective and might not accurately reflect the experiences or self-perceptions of teenagers themselves.
• The concept of divine subtlety is subjective and can be interpreted in many ways, potentially causing confusion or inaction among parents seeking clear guidance.
• A profound and genuine relationship with any religious figure, including Jesus, is a deeply personal journey that may not necessarily lead to a change in perspective, actions, and goals for every individual.
• The concept of changing someone's innermost being assumes a one-size-fits-all approach to spirituality, which may not be appropriate given the diversity of beliefs and values in society.
• Some teenagers might find that a deep understanding of Jesus' teachings conflicts with their personal experiences or with other knowledge they have acquired, leading to cognitive dissonance or spiritual struggle.
• Temptation is a natural part of human life, and learning to cope with it can be more beneficial than simply trying to avoid it.

Crafting prayers centered on the dynamics of digital communication and social media engagement.

Seeking heavenly protection for your teenager's online engagements and their impact.

Berndt explores the ever-evolving challenges parents face as they help their teenagers navigate the intricate world of digital communication and online social networks. She recognizes that while these instruments can be beneficial, they also present considerable risks, especially regarding exposure to explicit content, the prevalence of online harassment, and the promotion of poor self-esteem, worry, and despondency. Sharon became more aware of her son's involvement with pornography when he began to justify it as behavior that was normal and widely accepted by his friends.

While Sharon recognized the significant influence that peers might exert and the simplicity with which inappropriate content could be encountered, she also accepted her responsibility to protect the purity of her offspring. Berndt recommends that caregivers establish guidelines for technology use and ensure they can monitor it by keeping the passwords. She also emphasizes the importance of guiding teenagers to safeguard their emotions and manage their time effectively to avoid the dangers of unfocused internet use and trivial distractions, as well as the temptation of instant gratification that comes with technological progress. Ultimately, Berndt encourages the cultivation of a family atmosphere that values direct personal interactions and profound, substantial relationships over fleeting and superficial online exchanges.

Other Perspectives

• The assertion that parents face challenges may not account for the varying degrees of engagement and interest parents have in technology, with some being quite tech-savvy and well-equipped to handle these challenges.
• The emphasis on the risks of instant gratification associated with technology might not take into account the ways in which technology can foster patience and long-term commitment, such as through the pursuit of online learning or the development of skills in digital creation.
• While peers can indeed influence teenagers' behavior, it's also true that teenagers can be influenced by a variety of other factors, such as family, media, and personal experiences, which can sometimes play a more significant role than peer influence.
• Keeping passwords does not address the root cause of why teenagers might engage in risky online behavior, such as a lack of education about the consequences or a need for social belonging.
• While guiding teenagers to safeguard their emotions and manage their time effectively online is important, it may not fully equip them to deal with the complexities of the digital world. Teenagers also need to be taught critical thinking skills to discern the credibility of online information.
• Valuing direct personal interactions over online exchanges could lead to a lack of understanding or appreciation for the cultural significance of digital communication among youth, potentially widening the generational gap.

Advocating for the maintenance of chastity.

Ask for divine support to safeguard your adolescent's psychological well-being against the allure of sexual enticements.

Berndt underscores the complexity of teenagers' journey through sexual development, stressing the critical importance of parents' fervent prayers for their children's purity. She underscores the worry parents feel when comparing their seemingly perfect family to others, relying on the values instilled during their own upbringing and their involvement in faith-based communities to steer their teens towards making prudent decisions. Clare, for instance, attended a Moms in Prayer-organized retreat where she acquired understanding from a speaker regarding the typical difficulties that families face during their children's teenage years. Clare, confident that her family was among a select minority, neglected the counsel emphasizing the necessity of pursuing spiritual direction for her son's purity.

Upon returning home, Clare was shocked to learn that her son had been involved in improper sexual conduct with a fellow student. Clare turned to prayer for guidance and comfort as she struggled with profound emotions of resentment, humiliation, and confusion upon realizing the misconceptions she held about her family. While Clare recognized the need for consequences, she also knew that, more importantly, Troy needed the forgiveness and grace that solely God could bestow. Berndt encourages parents to pray for divine assistance in guiding their children to maintain self-control in intimate situations, to honor their bodies according to sacred values, and to pay attention to the moral compass that alerts them when they stray from spiritual doctrines, as well as to seek forgiveness following mistakes, and above all, to constantly experience God's infinite love, avoiding the damaging effects of guilt and condemnation.

Practical Tips

• Develop a "support toolkit" with your adolescent that includes contact information for trusted adults, counselors, or youth leaders they can reach out to when facing sexual enticements. This toolkit could be a physical box with notes and reminders or a digital list on their phone. Encourage them to add to it whenever they find a new resource or piece of inspiration.
• Create a daily "purity moment" with your child where you discuss values and decision-making in a relaxed setting, such as during a walk or before bedtime. This practice fosters open communication and allows you to impart the importance of purity in a natural, ongoing conversation, reinforcing the concept through daily life rather than only through prayer.
• Develop a personalized family mission statement that outlines your family's core values, goals, and definitions of success. Refer to this statement when you find yourself making comparisons, to realign with what truly matters for your family's unique journey.
• Develop a decision-making framework based on your values to use when facing dilemmas. Write down a step-by-step guide that incorporates your values into the decision-making process. For instance, if one of your values is responsibility, your framework might include considering the long-term impact of your choices on yourself and others before making a decision. Use this framework consistently to reinforce the role of values in prudent decision-making.
• Develop a 'role-reversal' day where parents and teens swap responsibilities and routines for a day to gain perspective on each other's daily challenges. This can lead to a deeper appreciation of the difficulties that both parents and teenagers face, and can open up conversations about mutual support and understanding.
• Create a teen-focused spiritual journaling app that prompts reflection on daily experiences with spiritual insights. By providing a digital space for teens to connect their daily lives with spiritual concepts, they can explore their behaviors and feelings in a structured way. The app could use gamification to encourage regular entries, such as earning badges for consistent journaling or sharing insights.
• Set up a daily reminder to pause for a moment of prayer or reflection at a specific time. This can be as simple as an alarm on your phone or a note in your planner. The key is consistency; by integrating this practice into your daily routine, you can create a habit of seeking guidance and comfort regularly. For instance, every day at lunch, take five minutes to step away, reflect on your morning, and pray for the strength to tackle the afternoon.
• Create a family values vision board with your children to visually reinforce the concept of self-control in relationships. Gather magazines, stickers, and markers, and spend an afternoon with your kids cutting out images and words that represent self-control, respect, and healthy relationships. This activity not only promotes a shared understanding of these values but also serves as a daily visual reminder for the whole family.
• Start a tradition of body-positive affirmations with your children during morning routines. Encourage them to look in the mirror and say something they appreciate about their bodies, such as "I am strong" or "My body is capable." This practice can help instill a sense of sacredness and gratitude for their bodies from a young age.
• Engage in role-playing scenarios with a trusted friend or family member to practice responding to situations in ways that adhere to your spiritual doctrines. Take turns presenting each other with challenging ethical dilemmas and discuss potential responses. This exercise can help you prepare for real-life situations where your moral compass is tested. For instance, if faced with a scenario where someone asks you to lie for them, practice how you would respond in a way that remains true to your spiritual convictions.
• Develop a "forgiveness first" policy in your personal relationships by always being the one to initiate apologies after misunderstandings. This can be as simple as sending a heartfelt message or having a face-to-face conversation to express your regret and ask for forgiveness.
• Start a 'love journal' where you record moments throughout the day when you felt loved or showed love to others. This can help you become more aware of love's presence in your life. You might jot down small acts of kindness you received or moments when you felt a sense of peace and acceptance.

Requesting heavenly protection from the misuse of addictive substances.

Seeking divine intervention to safeguard your adolescent from the dangers of addiction.

Berndt delves into the complex problem of teenage substance abuse, examining the various elements that entice adolescents to experiment with illegal drugs, including the pressure exerted by their social circle, the desire to be accepted within their peer group, the search for comfort in dealing with emotions, and the belief that drugs can enhance their performance or mood. Janie, a mother of five boys, faced the harsh truth of prescription drug misuse when her son Isaac required pain medication after a serious assault. Isaac, an outgoing individual who regularly engaged in religious community events, developed a dependency on his medication and, when his prescription was depleted, turned to substances that were not legally permitted.

Janie's escalating worry deepened each time Isaac relapsed over the three-year period, confronting the daunting prospect that he might not survive his recurring pattern of addiction and efforts to recover. During her journey, she persistently offered prayers, seeking reassurance from the divine that there was a plan to nurture his success and ensure his safety and well-being in the days to come. She was earnestly hoping that Isaac would recognize the supremacy of God's power over his addiction and the steadfastness of God's love for him. Understanding the turmoil that addiction can wreak on a family, Janie sought solace and spiritual backing from her devoted friends, relying on their intercessions as she and her husband devoted themselves to helping their son. Isaac has become an outspoken advocate for rehabilitation, showing the transformative power of love, prayer, and divine grace on lives. Berndt encourages parents to passionately pray on behalf of their teenagers, aiming for their freedom from addictive habits, while keeping trust in the divine power to change and rescue, and to resist the mistaken notion that their family is beyond repair.

Practical Tips

• Develop a personal achievement tracker to reinforce the value of natural performance. Encourage teenagers to log their accomplishments and progress in areas like sports, academics, or hobbies without relying on substances. This could be a simple journal or a digital spreadsheet where they record milestones and the effort it took to achieve them, helping to dispel the myth that substance use enhances performance.
• Set up a monthly check-in with a friend or family member where you discuss your medication use and overall health. This adds a layer of accountability and provides an opportunity for someone close to you to notice any warning signs of misuse. You might share your medication diary with them and use the time to talk about any stressors or issues that might tempt you to misuse your prescriptions.
• Start a virtual gratitude circle with friends or community members where each person shares something they're grateful for related to their recovery journey. This can be done through a simple group chat or a dedicated online forum. Sharing positive experiences can uplift the group and reinforce the spiritual connection.
• Volunteer for a local rehabilitation program as a mentor or support buddy, offering emotional support and companionship to individuals in the process of rehabilitation. This hands-on approach allows you to be a direct vessel of love and support, potentially aiding in someone's transformative journey. You might share your own experiences with overcoming challenges or simply listen and be present for someone in need.
• Volunteer for community service with the intention of being an instrument of positive change, attributing the outcomes to a higher power rather than personal accomplishment. Choose an activity that aligns with your abilities and interests, such as helping at a food bank or tutoring children. Approach each act of service with the mindset that you are a conduit for divine work, which can reinforce your belief in the power of divine intervention in everyday life.
• Start a family journal where each member can express their feelings, experiences, and hopes without judgment. This can be a physical notebook or a digital document that everyone contributes to regularly. It's a safe space for communication that can foster understanding and support, helping to break down barriers that addiction may have built.

Lifting up prayers that will support the immediate and long-term well-being of your teenager.

Interceding for the types of music they select.

Seek divine assistance in influencing your teenager's musical tastes and their effects.

Berndt explores the profound influence of music on teenagers, acknowledging parental worries about song lyrics and the viewpoints shaping their children's preferences. Parents such as Lisa, who appreciates contemporary Christian tunes, hope to surround their children with what they deem positive influences, whereas other parents, the author included, wish for their adolescents to steer clear of music that glorifies self-centered desires or behaviors that are at odds with spiritual values. Regardless of our beliefs as parents, Berndt advises engaging in conversations with our teenagers about the music they enjoy and guiding them to discern the underlying messages in their favorite tunes.

The author describes a pivotal moment when she and her husband noticed a marked change in their daughter's behavior, prompting them to consider the importance of evaluating her music preferences. Upon recognizing that numerous popular songs promoted a negative perspective, they started to carefully examine the music their children often enjoyed, thus guiding them towards a more positive way of thinking. Berndt encourages parents to pray for heavenly guidance to ensure their children encounter only content aligned with divine values, safeguarding their emotional and moral essence as they navigate the tension between their spiritual nature and worldly flaws. She proposes a simple standard for assessment: Does the music honor God, or is it focused on the individual? Does it promote a mindset centered on purity and virtuous conduct, or does it provoke self-centered desires or cravings?

Other Perspectives

• The exploration might inadvertently support a one-size-fits-all approach to parenting and music censorship, which doesn't take into account the unique maturity levels and critical thinking skills of different teenagers.
• Lyrics that parents find concerning may actually provide a platform for discussion and education about important topics, helping teenagers navigate complex issues in a safe environment.
• Some contemporary Christian music may not appeal to all teenagers, and forcing a particular musical taste on them could potentially alienate them from enjoying music as a form of personal and spiritual expression.
• Correlation does not imply causation; the change in the daughter's behavior may not be directly caused by her music preferences but could be coincidental or due to other factors in her life.
• Examining a child's music preferences might be seen as an invasion of their privacy and could potentially damage trust between parent and child.
• Encountering and grappling with content that does not align with one's values can be an important part of developing resilience and understanding in a pluralistic society.
• Exposure to a variety of musical genres and themes can foster critical thinking and cultural awareness in teenagers.
• Not all individuals share the same beliefs about God, so using this as a standard for assessing music may not be universally applicable or fair.
• Art, including music, can be valuable for exploring and understanding complex and sometimes challenging aspects of the human condition, which may include self-centered desires.

Requesting heavenly direction regarding the apparel selections of your teenager.

Pray for your teenager to be guided by the Divine in choosing clothing that reflects wisdom and modesty.

Berndt delves into the world of teenage fashion, recognizing that the choices teens make regarding their clothing are a substantial indication of their self-perception, their quest for acceptance by their peers, and their understanding of scriptural principles. The author recommends that parents pray for wisdom and insight to guide their teenagers in selecting attire that reflects a commitment to revering God and showing consideration for the people around them. Scripture offers clear guidance on modesty, particularly for females, and Berndt underscores the importance of considering factors like comfort, confidence, and current social norms, instead of merely following rules or clothing codes.

Berndt suggests that parents should be observant of their teenagers' clothing choices and initiate discussions regarding the implications of their fashion decisions. When conflicts arise from unclear choices, parents can turn to heartfelt supplications, seeking divine guidance for their teenagers to choose clothing that honors others, to reflect on their style choices through a lens of faith, and to differentiate between clothing that expresses individuality or creativity and clothing that aims to draw inappropriate attention or express defiance. As Berndt underscores, we should pursue guidance from above for every facet of our lives, assured that God is observant of even the minutiae, such as the decisions we make regarding our teens' clothing, and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling our needs remains steadfast.

Other Perspectives

• The concept of modesty is culturally and subjectively defined, and what is considered modest in one culture or family may not be seen the same way in another. Thus, praying for modesty in clothing might impose one's own cultural or personal standards on teenagers.
• Clothing choices can also be a reflection of economic status or accessibility, rather than an indication of wisdom or modesty.
• It could be more effective to empower teenagers with the skills to make wise decisions on their own, rather than praying for divine guidance to influence their choices.
• The emphasis on modesty for females can contribute to body shaming and the objectification of women by implying that their bodies are inherently provocative and need to be covered.
• Social norms are not static and can vary greatly between different cultures, communities, and social groups, which can make them a confusing standard to follow.
• Teenagers may perceive constant observation as a lack of trust, which could undermine their confidence in making decisions not just about clothing but in other aspects of their lives as well.
• The emphasis on divine guidance for clothing choices may place undue moral weight on a relatively personal and often trivial decision, potentially leading to feelings of guilt or shame over natural desires for self-expression through fashion.
• Teenagers may belong to a diverse set of beliefs, and not all may subscribe to the same faith or any faith at all, making a faith-based lens on style choices irrelevant or inappropriate for some.

Lifting up your young one in prayer as they participate in athletic endeavors.

Entrusting the moral and overall welfare of your teenager to the safeguarding of the divine.

Berndt explores the spectrum of emotions experienced by parents as they watch their teenagers compete in sports. Parents universally aspire for their teenagers to cultivate resilience, integrity, and perseverance, whether they shine in athletic pursuits or typically do not participate actively in them. Parents hope that their teenagers will steer clear of the potential risks and emotional turmoil that can come with involvement in sports. During his initial high school football season, Kenzie's son, Duncan, endured a severe pulmonary embolism and sustained fractures in both legs, underscoring this truth.

Despite her son suffering from multiple injuries and confronting serious health challenges, Kenzie's resilience was evident in her absolute trust in the Almighty's power and her consistent commitment to pursuing heavenly aid for his healing and protection. While praying, Kenzie received divine affirmation that this significant phase in her son Duncan's life was laying the groundwork for a hopeful outlook on his future years. Berndt sees a parallel between Kenzie's steadfast faith and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the three teens who refused to comply with the king's command, trusting that even if God allowed them to be thrown into a fiery furnace, He would ultimately deliver them. In mentoring young sports enthusiasts, it's important to believe that their spiritual victories are of greater importance to God than their athletic achievements, and to recognize that the most difficult obstacles can provide essential opportunities for growth and manifest God's unwavering faithfulness.

Other Perspectives

• The statement assumes that all teenagers are involved in activities that naturally cultivate these traits, but some teens may not have access to or interest in competitive environments like sports that are traditionally associated with fostering resilience and perseverance.
• Avoiding risks and emotional turmoil entirely may not be realistic or beneficial, as it could lead to an overly sheltered experience that doesn't prepare teenagers for real-world challenges.
• The narrative implies a direct correlation between faith and positive outcomes, which may not always hold true in every situation, potentially leading to feelings of guilt or inadequacy in those whose experiences differ.
• The concept that adversity is necessary for a hopeful future could inadvertently minimize the pain and suffering experienced by those going through difficult times, suggesting that their struggles are a required part of a larger plan.
• Focusing solely on spiritual victories might not resonate with all young athletes, especially those who do not hold strong religious beliefs or come from diverse cultural backgrounds where spirituality may be interpreted differently.
• While difficult obstacles can indeed lead to growth, it is not always the case that they manifest any particular deity's faithfulness; individuals from different religious backgrounds or those who are non-religious may attribute their overcoming of challenges to personal resilience, community support, or other factors.

Championing the forthcoming chapters in your teenager's life.

Asking for heavenly assistance and support for the future of your teenager, encompassing their academic journey, career ambitions, and choices regarding marriage.

Jodie Berndt highlights the perpetual aspect of prayer, continuing well past significant events such as the completion of high school or when our offspring establish their own homes. She motivates parents to view their prayers as a joint venture, working alongside the Divine as His redeemed offspring to bring about His redemptive purposes on this planet, especially in matters concerning educational choices, career paths, service chances, and finding a partner for life. The author emphasizes the power gained by weaving scriptural words into our supplications, letting sacred texts shape our desires and guide our petitions.

For example, in her quest for heavenly direction regarding her children's educational paths, Berndt earnestly implored for her progeny to steer clear of schools that strayed from the Lord's plan and for the emergence of mentors who could unveil opportunities that were at first not apparent. She sought divine guidance for the professional paths her offspring would take, drawing insight from a companion named Susan, who dedicated herself to equipping her children for all potential careers, whether that involved local charity work or serving their nation overseas. Berndt sought inspiration from Abraham's example, praying for her children to find life partners whose qualities align with the divine intentions for marriage. As our teens venture into the wider world, we can be assured that God will accompany them, bestowing upon them bravery and fortitude, echoing the promises made to the Israelites, as noted in Joshua 1:9, rather than yielding to trepidation or worry. We, as parents, have faith in the divine promise that our prayers are heard by God, and in response, He bestows His guidance and favor upon our children.

Context

• Many faith communities encourage collective prayer, where parents can join together to pray for their children, creating a support network that reinforces shared values and goals.
• Engaging in this joint venture can lead to spiritual growth for parents, as it encourages them to deepen their understanding of their faith and its teachings, fostering a closer relationship with the divine.
• Studies have shown that prayer can have psychological benefits, such as reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being, which can be particularly helpful during transitional life stages.
• Many biblical figures, such as David in the Psalms, used scripture in their prayers, setting a precedent for this practice as a way to communicate with the divine.
• The concept of avoiding paths that stray from divine plans is rooted in biblical teachings, where followers are encouraged to seek wisdom and discernment to stay true to their faith.
• For those who integrate faith into their lives, career decisions are often viewed through the lens of how they can serve others and fulfill a spiritual calling. This perspective can influence the types of professions considered, prioritizing roles that align with moral and ethical values.
• In many Christian teachings, marriage is seen as a covenant reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church. This perspective emphasizes love, sacrifice, and mutual respect, which are considered divine intentions for marriage.
• The idea of God bestowing bravery and fortitude is often linked to biblical passages such as Joshua 1:9, where God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous. This reflects a broader biblical theme of divine support in times of challenge.
• Faith plays a crucial role in the belief that prayers are heard. This is based on the idea that faith is a fundamental aspect of a relationship with God, as highlighted in Hebrews 11:6, which states that without faith, it is impossible to please God.