If you’d prefer to listen to this blog, click on the link below and listen for free on Podbean. Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.
https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/praying-for-our-adult-children-hope-love-and-perseverance/
When I was young, my mother would gather me and my three siblings and take us to church. I loved the singing – always have. During the service, I joined in with the rote responses we were taught, though if I’m honest, my attention often wandered.
Sometimes I’d notice my mother’s worn hand clasping mine. I remember hoping I wouldn’t end up with hands like hers – veiny, with gnarled fingers. Yet fifty-something years later, here I am with those very hands. I’d glance around and notice the elderly lady with her walking cane, her head bobbing gently like a bobblehead toy, or catch the eye of a baby facing my way and smile, careful not to draw attention to my distraction (or risk my mother’s disapproval later!).
Looking back now, I deeply applaud my mother’s dedication. Raising four children and faithfully ensuring we grew up knowing God was no small task.
Years later, I met my loving husband at a Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group in the late 1980s. At the time, I was a single mum. Together, we raised our children in the faith, bringing them to church every week for over a decade, and praying with them nightly. But eventually, hurt and offense led us to walk away from our local church.
Now, as we reflect, there are things we wish we’d done differently. Stepping away from church life meant our children missed the blessing of being raised within a strong Christian community. When I see the young people in our church today – those with a family history of faith – I notice the difference. They have a deep sense of identity, purpose, and belonging. They are woven into the fabric of the church and burning bright for God.
Our own children, now in their 30s, are wonderful people with kind hearts. They have spouses, families of their own, and lives filled with good things. Yet, they don’t know Jesus. They’re making their own choices, as adults do. So what can we do?
Jesus gives us the answer:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35 (NIV)
So, we love them. We bless them. We show up with acts of kindness. We listen. We babysit the grandchildren. We plan family holidays. We drop off meals. And above all – we pray. We pray for them to encounter God’s love in a real and personal way. We pray for their salvation, for blessings, protection, strong marriages, good health, and thriving careers.
Scripture reminds us:
“This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour,
who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth.”
1 Timothy 2:3-4 (AMP)
Friend, I hope this encourages you in your own journey with your adult children. You are not alone. I’d love to hear how you are walking this out in your family. Please feel free to share this post with your friends and family. I invite you to comment below or subscribe so you don’t miss any future posts.
God bless you and your family!
Sources: All bible quotes are from https://www.biblegateway.com
Jesus 4 Generations 
Leave a comment