Posted on May 23, 2024

Navigating adolescence is a journey filled with deep quests for identity and belonging. 

As parents watch their teenagers grapple with these transformative years, one question often lingers in their hearts: How to get closer to God as a teenager? And how can we help them?

This crucial phase, marked by vulnerability and exploration, offers a unique opportunity to guide young souls toward a spiritual anchorage. 

Embracing faith during these turbulent times can provide teenagers with a comforting sense of stability and purpose, grounding their values and decisions in something greater than themselves. 

This blog post seeks to explore practical and heartfelt strategies to help teenagers deepen their relationship with God. 

Through understanding, patience, and love, parents can nurture a fertile environment for spiritual growth, helping their teens not just to navigate but to thrive amidst the challenges of adolescence.

Read on!

Understanding Teen Rebelliousness

Teenage rebellion is a natural part of growing up. As adolescents strive to find their place in the world, they often challenge boundaries and question authority. 

Ephesians 6:1-3 reminds us, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise—so that it may go well with you and you may enjoy long life on the earth." This passage highlights the importance of obedience, which when ignored, can lead to rebellion.

This rebellion manifests in various ways:

• Defiance of Household Rules: Whether it's curfew, chores, or academic expectations, breaking family rules is a common form of teenage rebellion.
• Experimentation with Risky Behaviors: This can include substance use, unsafe driving, or premature sexual activities.
• Withdrawal from Family Activities: Teens may pull away from family gatherings or traditions as a statement of independence.

Sadly, teenagers don't always listen to their parents and often face the natural consequences of their choices. As much as we'd like to protect them from learning lessons the hard way, it's important for teenagers to have their own experiences. In the next section, we'll provide tips for parents to help their teenage children grow closer to God.

Tips to Help Your Child Get Closer to God as a Teenager

Guiding your teenager towards a closer relationship with God can be one of the most fulfilling yet challenging aspects of parenting during the adolescent years. As teenagers navigate their path to adulthood, incorporating spiritual practices into their lives can provide them with a sense of purpose and stability. Here are some practical tips to encourage and support your child’s spiritual growth, ensuring they not only grow closer to God but also develop a resilient faith that can guide them through life’s ups and downs.

1. Encourage Open Communication

Create an environment where your teenager feels safe to express their doubts, fears, and questions about faith without judgment. Here's how:

• Be an active listener: Show that you value their thoughts by listening more than you speak.
• Ask open-ended questions: Encourage them to explore their feelings and beliefs deeply.
• Share your experiences: Open up about your own spiritual journey, including your struggles and revelations.

2. Lead by Example

Your own relationship with God is a powerful testament to the role of faith in one’s life. Let your daily actions reflect your beliefs. Follow this advice:

• Incorporate prayer into everyday life: Let your child see you praying regularly, not just during church services.
• Live out your values: Demonstrate the teachings of Christ through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and integrity.
• Discuss the reasons behind your faith practices: Explain why and how certain practices are meaningful to you.

3. Connect Them with a Youth Group

Being part of a community with similar values can significantly influence your teenager’s spiritual life. Here are some ideas:

• Visit different youth groups together: Help them find a group where they feel comfortable and accepted.
• Encourage regular attendance: Regular interaction with a faith-based community can foster spiritual growth.
• Support their involvement in group activities: Whether it’s retreats, missions, or local service projects, being actively involved can deepen their faith.

4. Incorporate Faith into Daily Life

Help them see faith as a relevant part of everyday life and prayer as a powerful tool rather than just a Sunday activity. Here are some actionable tips:

• Create a routine: Establish regular family prayer time or Bible study.
• Encourage personal devotion: Provide resources like a teen-friendly devotional book or Bible.
• Celebrate religious holidays with special traditions: Make these occasions memorable and meaningful with activities that highlight their spiritual significance.

5. Utilize Christian Media

Introduce your teen to various Christian media that can speak to them in their language and on their terms. Consider these ideas:

• Suggest books and movies: Choose engaging and age-appropriate books and films that address faith from a teenage perspective.
• Share music: Introduce them to contemporary Christian music that resonates with younger audiences.
• Explore apps: There are many apps designed to help young people engage with their faith daily.

6. Encourage Service and Charity

Actively serving others can profoundly impact a teenager’s view of the world and their place in it. Here are some ways to do it:

• Volunteer together: Choose a local charity or church activity where you can serve together.
• Encourage them to take the lead: Support them in initiating their own service projects.
• Reflect on the experience: After serving, discuss what you both learned and how it relates to your faith.

Final Words

As your teenager matures, the spiritual foundation you help lay will play a crucial role in their development and decisions. Remember, the goal isn’t to force religion upon them but to guide them gently toward a loving relationship with God that they can rely on in times of both joy and difficulty.

At What You Say Publishing, we understand the challenges and joys of raising teenagers in the faith. We offer Christian books, artwork, and T-shirts that inspire and encourage a deeper faith.

"Everyday Prayers for Teens" is a book filled with specific and impactful prayers tailored to the unique needs and situations of young adults. This book can be a valuable tool in helping your teenager grow closer to God.

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For more guidance or information about our products, please contact us at (810) 577-6556 or via email at [email protected]. We are here to support you in this vital aspect of parenting, helping you equip your teen for a life rich in faith and love.