When You Can’t Fix It, But You Can Pray
Have you ever laid in bed at night, heart aching over your adult children, wishing you could protect them, guide them, or somehow bring them peace again?
A Listening Heart
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You raised them. You poured your heart into them. You prayed over scraped knees and college applications… but now the battles they face feel so much bigger. Addiction. Depression. Confusion. Distance. A crisis of faith. And sometimes, silence between the two of you.
And though your heart longs to reach in and rescue your adult son or daughter, you can’t.
I see you, Mama. And more importantly, God sees you, too.
Today, we’re praying Psalm 23 not just for comfort—but as a powerful intercession for your son or daughter who may be hurting, lost, or distant from God. It’s our prayer of surrender and a declaration that though we are not in control, our Shepherd is.
Let this prayer walk you through Psalm 23 as a mother’s cry and a faith-filled stand for your adult children.
A Mother’s Psalm 23 Prayer for Her Adult Children
Scripture Focus: Psalm 23:1–6
This is a prayer born from a mother’s love, but anchored in the unshakable promises of our Good Shepherd.
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)
Lord, be my child’s Shepherd. I can’t protect them from every storm or control their choices. I can’t untangle every poor decision or carry every burden. But you can. You know them better than I ever could. I release them into your care.
He makes me lie down in green pastures… (Psalm 23:2)
Life has worn my adult children down.
You see the exhaustion in their eyes and the silent battles.
Please lead them to rest.
Surround them with peace.
Restore what life, trauma, and time have drained physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
He restores my soul… (Psalm 23:3)
Only you, Lord, know the depth of my adult son or daughter’s pain.
The secret disappointments. The wounds they hide behind smiles.
I ask you to restore their soul.
Heal what’s broken inside them.
And if they’ve strayed, gently draw them back.
Let your truth light their way.
Give them the courage to walk in the purpose you created them for.
Even though I walk through the valley… (Psalm 23:4)
If my children are in a dark valley, whether it is depression, addiction, fear, or confusion, walk with them, Jesus. Shine light into the shadows. Chase away fear. Speak louder than the lies and softer than the shame.
Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
I can’t always reach their heart…
But you can comfort them in ways I never could.
Be their safety. Their truth.
Remind them they are not alone.
You prepare a table before me… (Psalm 23:5)
Even in this season of struggle,
Prepare a table before them, even now.
Show them your goodness still waits for them.
Let them taste grace and remind them they are not disqualified.
Let them see your favor and new beginnings.
You anoint my head with oil… (Psalm 23:5)
Mark my son or daughter, Lord. Anoint their head with oil,
Not with shame or regret,
But with purpose, identity, and the power of your Spirit.
Let their lives overflow with hope, healing, and fresh purpose.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me… (Psalm 23:6)
No matter where they go—
No matter how far they run—
Let your goodness and mercy chase after them.
Surround them. Soften their heart.
Bring them home.
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6)
More than anything, Lord,
Let my children dwell in your presence.
Let them know your voice.
Let them live in relationship with you for the rest of their days. In Jesus Name, Amen.
You’re Not Helpless, Mama
If your heart is heavy, you’re not alone.
But you are not helpless.
You are a praying mother.
And that means something in the Kingdom of God.
Let Psalm 23 be more than a passage you recite. Make it the anchor of your hope and a weapon in your prayer life.
Looking for support from other faith-filled moms?
Join us in the Hidden Treasures Community (https://hiddentreasuresandriches.com/go/free), a sacred space for Christian women to find encouragement, connection, and spiritual growth. You don’t have to walk this journey alone.
You may also be interested in Trusting God with Your Adult Children’s Painful Choices
The Called to Peace Workbook: A Scripture-based Guide to Healing after Abuse and Trauma by Joy Forrest
