Helping Your Teen Build a Relationship with Jesus (Through Guided Journaling)

It goes without saying that God-fearing parents want to lead their children to Christ and His word. So much so, that parents may overwhelm or pressure their children without knowing. 

The age of adolescence is a tricky one. Emotional volatility, physical changes, identity exploration, rebellion and even an onset of anxiety and depression are typical within the age range of 10-19 years old. But the defining mark of a teenager is also their development of critical thinking and emotional independence. In other words, they begin to think freely and often have deeper questions about God, the world and themselves. This is a crucial time for parents to encourage their teens to read and understand God's word,   and talk to Him about anything and everything. 

How is journaling beneficial for your teenager?

Journaling is a great starting point where teens can do three things: 

1. Explore and unpack their emotions and thoughts freely without judgement or external pressure.
2. Navigate their curiosity about Jesus, the Bible and the world we live in. 
3. Talk to God about anything that is on their mind and heart, even things they may find difficult to share with their parents. 

Overall, journaling provides privacy, freedom and most importantly, a dedicated space for teenagers to actively build a relationship with God by writing to Him and getting to know Him daily. 

Let's talk specifically about why having a prayer journal and/or a Bible study journal is helpful for teens who are seeking Jesus. 

How writing in a prayer journal can be helpful for teens

Writing in a guided prayer journal can be incredibly transforming for your anxious teen. It provides the following benefits:

• Builds trust in their Heavenly Father and a relationship with Him that is not imposed by the parent, but rather out of their own desire to connect
• Gives teen confidence in God and His promises
• Alleviates anxiety as they find peace, rest and comfort in God's presence
• Reminds them of God's faithfulness as they also write about how God has answered their prayers
• Encourages teens to reflect

If you're looking for an age-appropriate prayer journal, our Teen Guided Prayer Journals include simple prompts that will naturally direct their prayers without making them feel overwhelmed. Inside this prayer journal, they learn to be thankful, meditate on God's promises, pray for their friends and family and talk to God freely. 

How Bible study journals are great spiritual tools for teens

Your teen will most likely not know where and how to start reading their Bible. A guided Bible Study Journal can be a great foundation as it provides the following benefits: 

• Helps teens digest God's word in a way that they can understand, making the Bible less intimidating
• Helps teens respond to God's word through prayer and application in their daily lives
• Teaches teens the important of context so that they don't "put their own spin" on the Bible, but allow it to interpret itself in its self-sufficiency
  
• Helps teens build a rhythm of reading their Bible and applying God's wisdom
• Encourages teens to ask questions and discover answers in God's word through the guidance of the Holy spirit, or a parent or youth leader
• Gives teens direction, wisdom and purpose as they learn about God's will for their lives

Our Guided Bible Study Journal for teens is the perfect tool to guide your teen on their spiritual journey. It includes simple context analysis, reflection on scripture, application, prayer and a space to ask questions. 

Journaling along with prayer and Bible Study will leave a positive and eternal impact on your children's lives as they grow closer to Jesus and stronger in faith.