As Christians, we might say that we will pray for someone, an event, or a situation, with the best of intentions. But it isn’t always easy to follow through with remembering to pray. Or it can be difficult to pray more than a sentence about the prayer request, especially if we don’t have a lot of details.
Praying for the youth of our family, church, and nation is so important. These youth prayer points are helpful for aiding you in spending more time in prayer about these tweens and teens. We’ve included a printable guide at the end of this post with some of these youth prayer points, to facilitate praying on a regular basis for the next generation of believers.
Youth Prayer Points to Pray for Tweens and Teens
These prayer points for youth can help you get started in praying for a teenage daughter or son, or for a niece, nephew, youth group member, or family friend. Each youth prayer points topic has a relevant Bible verse, a list of prayer concerns, and a sample prayer you can pray along with, or use to inspire your own prayer.
Prayer for Youth who is struggling
“He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might.” Isaiah 40:29
The first of the youth prayer points is prayer for the youth who is struggling. It is so hard to see a teenager who is dear to us struggling in difficult times. As a child matures, their problems often get more complex, and there isn’t always an easy solution. Additionally, our ability to fix problems for them gets more and more out of reach.
Pray for their:
- Strength, that they would look to God during tough times to strengthen them when they are weak;
- Thoughts, that they would not dwell on lies or worries, but on God’s truth about them and their situation;
- Support, that they would have friends and family members who would offer helpful encouragement and perspective.
O Lord,
We thank you for this young man or young woman who means so much to us. We pray that you would help them through this difficult time, and that you would redeem this trial by drawing them closer to You than ever.
Please give power to them, and increase their strength, so that they might be victorious over this struggle.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Rebellious Teenager
“But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior.” Titus 3:4-6
The second of the youth prayer points is prayer for the rebellious teenager. As young people go through the process of sorting out who they are and what they believe, some of them rebel. All of this can be confusing and heartbreaking for parents and other concerned adults who love them. Prayer is a powerful tool to make a real difference in the life of a rebellious teenager.
Pray for their:
- Heart, that they would not harden their heart, but would be open to the Holy Spirit;
- Friends and other people that they meet, that the Lord would bring people in their lives who reflect God’s love to them;
- Protection, that they would not make mistakes with long-term consequences.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You know our concerns for this precious teen who has wandered away from You or has not met You yet. We pray that in Your grace, that You would renew their heart and mind in You.
Please show them Your truth and demonstrate Your compassion and mercy in their lives. We ask that You bring people into their lives who can communicate Your love to them. Please keep them safe today.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Youth making decisions
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
The third of the youth prayer points is prayer for the youth making decisions. When you think about it, teenagers have to make, or agree to, decisions that can have life long consequences, all before the age of 18. Who to date, what to do about college, who to hang around with, whether or not to try drugs or alcohol, their future career, are all decisions they are faced with at a young age.
There is a lot of potential for a bright future, but it can be hard to choose the right path. They need our prayers as they navigate making small and large decisions that they might not feel equipped to face.
Pray for their:
- Discernment, that they would pray about their decisions and would have wisdom beyond their years;
- Willingness to ask for help, that they would reach out to those with experience or wisdom in these areas who could add perspective to this decision, and could point to the right direction;
- Walk with God, that they would embrace decisions that help them walk in the way of the Lord.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for this teen. They are facing a decision right now that is overwhelming them. I pray that You would trust You to guide them and help them to lean on Your wisdom. Please give them the information and support to make a decision that honors You.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Youth to Grow in Their Faith
“That we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15
The fourth of the youth prayer points is prayer for youth to grow in their faith. While 3 John 1:4 says “I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth,” it might not always be the case that your teen is embracing a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. They may be rejecting it outright, or seem to have a halfhearted walk with God.
It’s good to remember that our walk with God isn’t always a straight line, that we all have times of growth and attrition. The Lord can use all these times in your teenager’s life for the testimony He wants them to have.
Pray for their:
- Time in God’s Word, that quiet times or devotions would be important to them, and would foster spiritual growth;
- Connection with other believers, that God would provide Christian friends or a youth group who want to live for the Lord;
- Choices, that they would choose activities and media that don’t draw them away from the Lord, or promote the lies of the world.
Dear Lord,
We pray for this teen today to walk closely with You. I know that it would give You great joy as well to see them draw close to You.
I pray that they would not be captivated by the lies and philosophies that present themselves as truth in the world, but instead, would learn and meditate on Your truth. May they discover the joy of a close walk with You!
In the holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Prayer for Youth to be Holy
“Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
The fifth of the youth prayer points is prayer for youth to be holy.
Some people from previous generations are ready to write off the younger generation for now or forever. This discounting of Generation Z, or “Gen Z”, is an unfair one. Each generation has its strengths and weaknesses, as well as its own challenges. This compassionate and creative generation is an important part of the body of Christ, not just in the future, but today.
Gen Z has access to a lot of information and social media that they aren’t ready for, or should never have to see. They face peer pressure stronger than ever! We need to be praying for them to live holy lives as they navigate their teen years, and that they would set a good example to the next generation.
We also need to be praying for the next generation, Generation Alpha, or “Gen A”, as they approach their tween and teen years.
Pray for their:
- Strength to walk away from temptation, that the Lord would show them the way out He provides them;
- Desire to please God would be stronger than their need to fit in;
- Example to others in faith, love, and purity would be encouraging to others, and they would find others who pursue holiness and have a positive influence.
Dear Lord God,
It can be so hard in this world today to have a holy walk with You. I pray that this teen would pursue holiness to honor You. I pray that they would have at least one good friend who does not encourage sin. May they be strong enough to stand alone when they have to. Please help them in this fallen and dark world!
In the name of Christ Jesus, Amen.
Prayer for Youth for Protection
“How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7
The sixth of the youth prayer points is prayer for youth for protection.
Praying for your teen’s safety would probably be one of the most common prayers of a parent. Whether the mom, dad, or concerned adult is worried about them being a new driver, about someone hurting their child, or about them staying away from dangerous situations, substances, or people, a prayer for protection is often at the top of their mind.
The will of God does not always allow us to bubble-wrap our children into pristine safety, constantly behind a hedge of protection. But we can take our concerns and fears to the Lord and trust in God’s will to be accomplished! He will use all of it to work together for the good of those who love God (Romans 8:28). Praying is far more productive than worrying for your teenager.
Pray for:
- God’s protection to be evident when they pray;
- Wisdom to avoid unsafe situations;
- Protection from evil, that they will not be subject to sinful people.
Dear Lord,
We come to you today to ask you to keep our teenager safe. Thank You for all the times You have protected them, many times that we don’t even know about!
We don’t always know what they are facing or what decisions they are making, but You do. Please give them wisdom to stay away from dangerous situations, but also help them to not live a life ruled by fear. I pray that they would take refuge under the shadow of Your wings.
In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
Prayer for Youth for Spiritual Warfare
“For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
The seventh of the youth prayer points is prayer for youth for spiritual warfare.
We live in a spiritual world, beyond what our eyes can see. Sometimes we are struggling because God’s trying to stop something in our lives, or because of the consequences of our own actions; but other times, we are working against the evil in this world, against Satan, and those who aren’t serving the Lord.
The youth of today also face these struggles, and might not have the experience or knowledge to identify it as spiritual warfare. We can pray for them as they face this struggle for their hearts and minds.
Pray for:
- Clarity of mind, that they will not embrace lies presented as the truth by this world;
- Protection against evil, that they would be protected by the sacrifice on the cross made by Jesus Christ;
- Victory in these spiritual battles.
Dear Lord,
It can be overwhelming to think of these teens facing these spiritual struggles. We pray that You would protect them, that You would bind these evil spirits, and that You would show these teens Your mighty power in these situations.
Help them to be equipped with Your Word, with faithfulness, righteousness, and prayer.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Youth in our church
“Not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
The eighth of the youth prayer points is prayer for the youth in our church.
The word exhorting has more of a connotation of scolding or lecturing. But the Greek word parakaleō includes in its definition: encourage, strengthen, console, call to one’s side, admonish, comfort, according to the Blue Letter Bible.
We should be exhorting each other, including the youth in our church, who are a necessary part of the body of Christ. They are a beautiful part of our church, and we can make a difference in our lives. Determine to make that a positive difference in their lives, that they would see church as a place to grow in Christ, and not a place where today’s youth aren’t valued or accepted.
Pray for their:
- Unity, that they would enjoy a harmonious and tight-knit youth group;
- Connection, that they would feel like a part of the local church;
- Doctrine, that they would hold fast to the Word of God.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the youth in our church. We pray that You would help them grow in You. Help them to enjoy a personal relationship with You.
May the church be a blessing to them, and may they be a blessing to the church. Help them to feel accepted here.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Youth in our country and around the world
“Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8
The ninth of the youth prayer points is prayer for the youth in our country and around the world.
Many Christian values used to be broadly accepted as truth in society, but that is no longer the case. The relativity of truth, and the shifting away from these values as a given, mean that many teens struggle to accept the truth of the Bible. It isn’t easy to be a Christian in many places, and even getting access to the Good News of Jesus Christ is a struggle or nearly impossible.
Thankfully, we can turn to our Lord in prayer. In John 16:33, He says, “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.” Let’s be praying this way for our teens here and around the world.
Pray for their:
- Perseverance, that they will stand strong against opposition;
- Strength in the Lord, that they will turn to Him for strength, and will be strengthened by His Word;
- Provision, that the Lord will provide what they need each day, and will help them with resources and encouragement to know Him better.
Dear Lord,
We lift up the teens around the world, who we don’t know. We don’t know what they are facing today, whether it’s religious freedom, an apathy to Your Word, or an opposition to Christianity.
We pray that You will be with them today. May Your Word reach them, and may they believe in You this very day! Strengthen the believers to grow close to You each day.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Short Prayer for Youth
“Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
The last of the youth prayer points is short prayers for youth.
Sometimes we aren’t sure what to pray for our youth; other times, we want to quickly pray for them throughout the day. Here’s a list of several concerns you can pray through quickly, as well as a short prayer for youth.
Pray for their:
- School concerns
- Health
- Friendships
- Family life
- Mental health
- Future plans
- Wisdom
- Perseverance
- Insecurities
- Provision
Dear Lord,
You know what this teen is facing today. Please give them the strength they need today, and may they bring You glory. Walk closely with them today.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Free Youth Prayer Points Guide – Instant Download
This printable prayer guide with youth prayer points is a great resource for parents of teenagers, youth pastors, and other concerned adults to organize their prayer time for tweens and teens. Download it here.
Another resource for praying for students during their teenage years, and children of any age, is Moms in Prayer. They have prayer sheets that help you pray Scripture for your child. Women can find out if there is a prayer group in their area here.
It can be so tempting to worry over the struggles and problems of teenagers, during times of trouble. Taking these concerns to the Lord in prayer is the best way to handle these worries and make a difference in the lives of our youths.
While many of these youth prayer points and powerful prayers are good for young adults as well, you might want to also check out Praying for Adult Children and Bible Verses for College Students over on our sister site at Hope Filled Faith. If you want to pray for more people in the church, see Praying for Church Leaders here at Church Ministry Help.
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