Being a teenager isn’t easy. The constant peer pressure to fit in and the social expectation to do well in school and become a responsible, well-informed citizen and future adult can be overwhelming. If we worry about how our life may turn out in the future because of the choices that we make now as teenagers, remember that the Lord hears our troubles. We can lay down our fears before Him through this Catholic prayer for teenagers and pray that our teenage years will be filled with learning, growth, and plenty of memories to cherish.
Prayer for young people
Gracious Father,
I humble myself before Your throne. You see all my flaws, my transgressions, my shame, and my guilt, yet You welcome me with open arms. Cast Your merciful gaze on me, O Lord, and save me from any occasion of sin.
With this prayer for young adults, I lay down my burdens at Your feet, burdens that have troubled me for far too long. As I grow older, I feel more and more lost about my future and even myself. Even my friendships are no longer as solid and loyal as before. I look around me and see all kinds of worldly deeds: vices, crime, violence, and acts of greed and cruelty. I pray that I will never be swayed by the devil’s temptations and that I will always walk in the path of righteousness.
Thank You for the abundance of blessings in my life: for my loyal friends, my education, my family, and life itself. I am beyond blessed to reach this age, growing and maturing each year under Your care.
Help me choose the right friends who will build me up into the best version of myself instead of bringing me down and influencing bad habits. May our friendships, through the care of Your hands, last not only through our teenage years but throughout our lives, even when we go our separate ways. I pray for clarity in my goals and discipline when it comes to my finances and responsibilities. Lord, now that I am older grant me wisdom and passion to pursue what I dream of as long as it is according to Your will.
Amen.
Short prayer for teenagers
Our Father in Heaven, I’ve reached a stage in my life wherein I’m pressured to always do well and to prepare for my future. I’m still unsure about what I truly want for myself or which path I should take. Guide me, Lord, and give me clarity. Protect me from the negative effects of social pressure. May You also help other teenagers who are just as lost, anxious, and troubled as I am. Amen.
The Word of God
“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:34 NRSVUE
My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 NRSVUE
do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NRSVUE
Intercessory prayer to Saint Dominic Savio
Saint Dominic, worthy and kind,
May the Lord reward you abundantly for watching over teenagers and young adults from the moment they first stepped into adolescence up to the moment they grew up and entered early adulthood. Many of them were still lost and unsteady on their feet, but it was you who helped them gain confidence in themselves and spread their wings as they prepared to take flight.
As I turn the page and enter a new chapter in my life, I seek the Lord’s wise counsel and guidance through this prayer for young people. Adolescence brings new responsibilities and while I am eager to embrace more independence in my life, I am overwhelmed with society’s expectations of me: start earning for my future, choosing the right career path, paying bills and rent, being responsible for everything in my life, and so much more. I will soon be thrust into adulthood, but I have so many questions that are still unanswered and so many lessons yet to be learned. I worry about being a failure or committing mistakes since I am now responsible for my actions and liable for my mistakes and their consequences.
I also pray for other teenagers in the world who are stepping into adulthood and adjusting to their new responsibilities. May they feel the assurance and comfort of supportive family members and friends. I pray whenever they have a question or a problem, they have someone who is always willing to give them a helping hand. Saint Dominic, I know that there are other teenagers out there who suffer more than I do. Some of them are depressed, abused, bullied, academically and financially struggling, and so much more; please help and care for them. I pray that I will never have to suffer their fates, and I thank God for the beautiful things in life that give me comfort and happiness, especially the small blessings that I never noticed before: a roof above my head, access to learning resources, and a loving family to take care of me while I grow and learn.
I can never truly know if I am prepared for my future and ready to take control of my life; I can only pray that I will learn from both my mistakes and successes. Only God knows what my future will be like, so I rest my worries on His grace. It may not seem like it now, but I know that all will be well in due time.
Saint Dominic, pray for me. Amen.
Further reflection
People say adolescence is the most eventful phase of our life: from the drama of high school to the changes in our mood and body, it opens doors to new opportunities and new responsibilities. As teens, we learn to be more independent compared to when we were a child. We learn basic chores like cooking, washing our clothes, cleaning, and even things like driving. Later on, we’re given the power to vote for a country’s leader, and we step into university, where we’ll be full-fledged adults.
While each added year in life is something wonderful to celebrate, it’s normal to feel a little lost, confused, and undecided. Whether we just turned into a teenager or we’re just about to leave it behind and step into adulthood, we’re bound to overthink our future sometimes and even wonder who we truly are and the kind of person we want to become. In times like these, turn to God and lay down our troubles before Him through prayer. Know that we’re never alone in this journey of maturity and self-discovery.
