Prayer & Fasting for Teenagers

In my interaction with Christian teenagers in the church, i noted that when there was a church prayer & fasting period, they never joined in for various reasons.

And while fasting by it’s self does not take us to heaven but it helps us humble (bring down) our flesh. (Pslam 35:13;” I humbled myself with fasting;” NKJV). And the “flesh” (our sinful nature and impulses) is the biggest enemy of our daily walk with God.

The bible instructs us (and this includes Christian teenagers) to pray without ceasing. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Prayer generates the spiritual energy we need to live a successful and victorious Christian life on a daily basis.

Therefore as a parent of teenagers or as a teenage church teacher, what are some of the strategies that we can employ to help encourage our teenage children to pray and fast?

Helping Teenagers Understand the Importance of Prayer:

Set an Example: Verse: Matthew 6:6 (ESV) – “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.” Be a role model in prayer. Let them witness your commitment to spending time with God.
Teach about Relationship: Verse: Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) – “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Emphasize that prayer is a way to build a personal relationship with God, not just a list of requests.
Encourage Open Communication: Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) – “pray without ceasing.” Share that prayer is like having an ongoing conversation with God, where they can express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
Highlight Answers to Prayer: Verse: Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV) – “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Share personal stories or testimonies of answered prayers to show them the reality of God’s involvement.
Use Creative Methods: Verse: Psalm 150:6 (ESV) – “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Incorporate creative elements like music, art, or journaling to make prayer more engaging and relatable.

Helping Teenagers Understand the Importance of Fasting:

Explain the Purpose: Verse: Matthew 6:17-18 (ESV) – “But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.” Teach that fasting is a way to draw closer to God, seeking Him with a focused heart.
Choose Age-Appropriate Fasts: Verse: Joel 2:12 (ESV) – “Yet even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting.” Encourage simple and age-appropriate fasts, like skipping a meal, to help them experience the discipline.
Highlight Biblical Examples: Verse: Matthew 4:1-2 (ESV) – “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” Share stories of biblical figures who fasted, including Jesus, to illustrate its significance.
Emphasize Spiritual Growth: Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV) – “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” Discuss how fasting is a spiritual discipline that aids in self-control and spiritual growth.
Encourage Prayer During Fasting: Verse: Psalm 35:13 (ESV) – “But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest.” Teach that fasting should be accompanied by prayer, helping them understand the connection between the two practices.