5 Important Things to Pray for Your Adult Child’s Relationships

As our young adult children leave our homes – whether off to college or moving out to live on their own – they typically begin new relationships. They interact with co-workers and friends and potentially step into dating relationships. As parents, this is an area in their lives that we want to cover in prayer.

Here are 5 important things you and I can pray for regarding our adult children’s relationships. (Since my children are girls, I’m using female pronouns here, but these apply equally to young men!)

We can pray…

…that the relationship would honor God.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. ~1 Corinthians 10:31

All that we do should bring glory to God. If our child is a Christian, our hope is that they are desiring long-term relationships with fellow believers. Let’s pray that the conversations they have, the places they go, and the activities they participate in will be honoring to God

Dear God, please help each relationship that my child is in to bring honor and glory to you. May she surround herself with others who are walking with God. Use these relationships to draw her into closer fellowship with you.

…that the relationship would make her a better person.

We want our children to continually grow and develop. There’s so much room for this in the young adult stage of life! In every area – spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically – we want to see them thrive.

Dear God, please bring people into my child’s life who will cause her to grow and flourish. May they encourage and bless her, even as they graciously challenge her to move forward and mature. And Lord, help her to be that same influence in their lives.

…that they would have fun together.

Part of good friendships – and good romantic relationships – is pursuing common interests. It’s fun to share hobbies and also to learn new things with friends! A similar sense of humor also adds to memorable times together.

Dear God, help my child to have friends she enjoys being around. Let them have fun together and find good things in life to experience and celebrate. May they share the ups and downs of life, finding joy in their journey.

…that God would give her wisdom in her relationships.

 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ. ~Philippians 1:9-10

Our children need wisdom and discernment as they develop relationships. We want them to have healthy, authentic connections with friends and people that they date.

Dear God, please give my child wisdom and discernment as she steps into new relationships. Reveal what she needs to see about people and give her either a pause or peace in her spirit. May she be kind to everyone, but build deep friendships with those who are loyal and trustworthy.

…that there would be clear and honest communication.

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ…Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. ~Ephesians 4:15, 29

Communication is a huge part of any relationship. It’s helpful when we’re clear and upfront with what we say. Real relationships are built on honesty and trust.

Dear God, help my child to be able to communicate clearly and honestly in her relationships. May her words be kind and thoughtful, never misleading. Let her words and her actions match up, always seeking to honor God and the person with whom she’s building a relationship.

Just as we prayed for our younger children, let’s continue to go to God’s throne, asking for his blessing and guidance for our adult children as they navigate their relationships.

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