“Lord, teach me how to pray for my adult children. I know You are greater than anything they face. Thank You that my prayers for them have power because You hear me and will answer. I pray You will guide and protect them and help them to become all they were created to be.”
Stormie Omartian‘s book, “The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children,” has been my constant resource as I learn appropriate boundaries with my four married adult children.
Parent? Counselor? Friend? Confidant?
I have gotten in such a bind discerning how to relate to these maturing adults respectfully and appropriately.
I must confess that knowing how to relate as the parent of adult children at times has been painful. I have found my “foot in my mouth” more than once. I have eaten a lot from the “I’m sorry” stew pot!
Recently, there was a sticky incident where my quick response, via phone texting, soured a relationship. Unfortunately, not speaking by telephone exasperated the situation, which was far from my intent.
[verse reference=”Ephesians 4:32″]Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.[/verse]
I now have declared a moratorium on texting or emails when verbal communication is needed. On another occasion, I was reminded that adult-to-adult conversation is warranted. It is inappropriate to treat another adult as if he or she is an adolescent. As adults, they are responsible and accountable for themselves. I realize my tone of voice and conversation content should be marinated with respect for who they are growing to be. Regrettably, sometimes I forget.
Well, the adage, “talk to God before you talk to others,” is an apt reminder. My commitment to pray for my adult children is awakened.
Remember, grace is needed by all as we navigate the waters of emerging adult relationships.
Karen Loritts has served alongside her pastor husband in ministry for over three decades as a teacher, mentor and international speaker. She served as the keynote speaker for the True Woman conferences held by Revive Our Hearts. Karen is a mom to four and a grandmother of 8 who continues to host Grandparent Camp each summer in her home. She is a Founding member of a community outreach program that gives away thousands of dollars each year to those in need who are working towards a better future. Karen has been a mom for 40 years and she and Crawford have been married for 42 years.