A Prayer for When You Can’t Get through to Your Child
By Victoria Riollano
Bible Reading
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” - Galatians 6:9
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I had always heard that raising teen girls was challenging but didn’t believe it. Years ago, my tween daughter started to change quicker than I could keep up. She was easily frustrated, snappy, and no longer the kind-hearted child she had always been. As one with a degree in adolescent psychology, I tried everything I had been taught in the textbooks. Yet, no matter which approach I took, it seemed the behaviors increased. In a moment of desperation, I realized that this problem was beyond my intellect, personal experience, or even the advice from other mothers who assured me, “This is just normal behavior.” The truth is, I knew that if her attitude did not change quickly, more trouble could arise.
In this moment, I knew that I needed the Lord’s help. One day, I pleaded with God to show me how to reach her. Surprisingly, the Lord reminded me of her heart for dancing. Although this reminder seemed like an unusual answer to my heart’s cry, I immediately signed her up for a ballet class. What I didn’t realize is that the ballet class was thirty minutes from home. Yet, twice a week, as we drove to ballet class, I saw her heart soften. A child who was once silent and internally frustrated became full of light and love again. To this day, many years later, our relationship continues to blossom. Certainly, the Lord answered my prayers.
Psalm 34:4-6 says,
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
What a great verse for parents who may feel frustrated in their parenting! Before we pray today, I want to encourage you in these words written by King David so many years ago. First, the psalm says, “I sought the Lord, and He answered.” If you have a child you are struggling with getting through to, ask the Lord for help! The answer may come in the form of sending the resources needed, it may come in the form of God sending a mentor for your child, or perhaps God will help your child have a change of heart. No matter how he chooses to do it, this verse in Psalm 34 is a reminder that he does answer. As Jesus says in Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Let us never be found guilty of complaining about a child we have never prayed for!
The next part of this passage says, “Those who look to him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame.” As parents, this part is so essential. Many times, when we feel like our words are not resonating with our children or they are being rebellious, a sense of shame can overcome us. We start to wonder if we really are good parents and blame ourselves for their choices. Yet, this verse is a reminder that when we look to Him, He gives us hope and joy, even in trials.
Lastly, Psalm 34:6 is an exclamation from David that when he cried out to God, he was delivered from “all of his troubles.” Thus, the culmination of this passage encourages us that not only will God answer, deliver us from fear, and bring us out of shame, but He will also remove what has been troubling us. Years ago, when my daughter seemed hard to reach, the Lord did just this! He gave me wisdom, he took away the fear that she was on a path of destruction, removed the shame I carried, and completely rid my daughter of the hardness that was growing in her heart! What a mighty God we serve!
My prayer for you today is that you would seek the Lord with great intention about your child. May you not give up in your desire to see your child walk according to God’s will. I truly believe that He can meet your child where they are and minister to them in ways that we cannot fathom. A prayerful parent is a powerful one.
Let’s Pray:
Lord, I thank you for being present in my life. I praise you for being a God who hears when I call. You are not distant. Father, I ask that you forgive me if I haven’t surrendered my parenting to you in the past. I ask for your help today with those you have entrusted me with. Lord, give me the wisdom to know what to say and what not to say. I pray that you will fill my mouth with words that reflect your heart when I speak to my child. I ask you, Lord, for a quick turnaround for my child. May they serve you with all their heart. Show me how to model faith well to them and not grow weary. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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