Praying the Scriptures for Wayward Sons and Daughters

There are so many hurting parents and grandparents as they watch their children and grandchildren stray from the godly way in which they were taught.  We all know there are no perfect parents, but even God, the most perfect parent of all, watched as his own children, Adam and Eve, strayed from Him.  Satan knows his days are short and I believe he is working overtime to destroy our families. 

There are three things I believe that we as parents can and should do when one or more of our children is wayward. 

(1) Keep the lines of communication open.  

(2) Love him unconditionally.  

(3) Pray constantly for him, using scriptures as you bring him before the Lord. 

As you learn of families in this situation, keep a prayer list of those who have gone astray, and pray for them (and the parents) regularly.  We in the body of Christ need to uphold others in prayer.  We are all in need of the prayers of others.

Here are some examples of praying the scriptures for wayward sons and daughters:

Give him a singleness of heart and put a new spirit within him. Take away his heart of stone and give him a tender heart instead, so that he will obey you. Let him know that he belongs to you. - Ezekiel 11:19-20

As our children have been taught by the Lord, give them Your great peace. - Isaiah 54:13

Help him to have his shame replaced with double honor, and in place of confusion cause him to rejoice in his portion. - Isaiah 61:7

Remove any trace of a veil from his eyes. Take the blinders off of his mind – wherever he is prone to unbelief – so that he might understand the gospel and see the light of your glory.  - II Cor. 4:3-6

Cause him to seek You and call upon You while You are near.  Let him forsake his wicked way and his unrighteous thoughts.  Let him return to You and receive Your mercy and pardon. - Isaiah 55:6, 7

Give him the same Spirit that Jesus had as a young man. Let him be an eager listener and an active participant at church, and bless him with wisdom and understanding. - Luke 2:46-47

Lift him out of the slimy pit he is in, out of the mud and mire. Give him a firm place to stand, and put a new song in his mouth – a hymn of praise to you. Bring people into his life who will gently instruct him. Grant him repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, so that he will come to his senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken him captive to do his will. - Psalm 40: 2-3; II Tim. 2:25-26

Help him to realize that his body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives, and that it belongs to you, Lord God. Remind him that he was bought with a price and that he should honor you in the way he treats his body. - 1 Cor. 6:19-20

Ah, Lord God!  Behold you have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm.  There is nothing too hard for You. - Jeremiah. 32:17, 27

Beth Moore has written a wonderful book which I highly recommend entitled, Praying God's Word.   This is the same idea.  Search the scriptures for guidelines to use in your own personal prayers concerning any need.  Don't forget to also praise the Lord, using His Word as you thank Him for His many attributes.