As a mother of four adult children, this book has exceeded my expectations, and I appreciate the privilege of getting an early preview copy to review.

Yes, Jodie includes Scripture-based prayers on twenty different topics to pray over our grown children and the unique circumstances that mark their various seasons of life, but she also includes true life testimonies from parents who have faced, prayed over, and seen God work in their own adult children's lives. These fellow empty-nesters come from Jodie's friends & acquaintances as well as Bible characters and how each has sought God through prayer on behalf of their adult children. Life situation topics include relationships both friends & marriage, milestones such as jobs, finding a place to live, and having their own children, health, safety, well-being and victory over temptations.

One mom shares her struggle to accept her son's choice of a wife to marry; the young lady was not what she had expected. Her wise husband shares how our role as parents has changed from protectors of our children to turning to God in prayer and trusting Him. At this season of life, praying for our children is the greatest way we can continue to protect and love them.

Another family struggles with praying for their forty-eight year old daughter who is left in a comma for four months after a stroke. God does not always choose to heal immediately. Jodie shares, "I have to believe it is because God is not just interested in results; He wants relationship. He knows how we feel when our children are hurting, and He wants to carry that weight."

From relationships, to health issues, to addictions and more, our adult children face hurdles in life. This book both equips and urges us as parents of adult children to call out to God in prayer. He can do what we cannot.

Jodie begins each chapter with a powerful Bible verse and wisdom she as gleaned from other Bible teachers, scholars & mentors. Within each section "Prayer Principles" are highlighted and set apart for quick reference. One such nugget of truth from chapter twelve is:

"Sometimes the key to praying with perseverance is simply to stop looking at your problems and focus instead on Who God is and what He has done."

Each chapter includes a section of fifteen Scripture-based prayers to pray for our adult children and also for ourselves. These are set apart in a blocked section for quick and easy reference. Two of these include:

For yourself: "Heavenly Father, when I am weak or frightened, help me remember that your grace is sufficient for me and that your power is made perfect in weakness." [2 Corinthians 12:9]

For your children: "Father, lead _________________ by ways she has not known; guide her along the unfamiliar paths. Turn her darkness into light, and make the rough places smooth. Do not forsake her." [Isaiah 42:16]

Finally she includes a portion labeled "Poised for Prayer" in which she highlights not only how God answered the prayers of other parents but also the over-and-beyond lessons He taught throughout the process of praying.

This little book is a treasure of encouragement from those who have gone before us, lessons on God's faithfulness through the process of praying, and as a wonderful reference tool to keep close at hand.

When our children were small, they were under our roof, within our reach. They were with us for about eighteen years. Now as they have become adults leaving the family nest, praying for them is even more essential. They never outgrow being our children. They face greater trials and temptations. And they are adults outside of our home for far longer than they were children under our roof. Through prayer we can be assured that they continue to be under God's grace, love and protection as we lift them up daily and continually in prayer to our Father Who loves them even more than we do.

"Jodie Berndt, who has raised four kids who are now adults, understands the power of praying for your children. Praying Gods will for your children involves several key principles. One of the most powerful principles is Scripture praying." (CBN.com)

That's a huge assignment when you struggle with your own faith.

My own son will be 31 this month, 31! Wow, that's a hard pill to swallow....

My mother didn't understand just how beneficial the power of praying over us kids would be. That was one thing I wanted to change from the way I personally was raised and it's my hope that my own son will do that when he decides to start a family (hopefully not too soon! I'm not ready to be a 'G' yet LOL)

I loved how Jodie opened herself and her home to us through this book and her incredible amount of faith was very encouraging. It was HER voice of wisdom and experience praying over her adult children that gave me the confidence that yes, my prayers are heard for my own son and they are impactful.

Our adult children can let the world get in the way as well as allow technology to soak up their time. I know I would have been just as guilty if technology were around when I was his age. We're all kind of guilty of that regardless of how faith-filled we may be. They may never realize that you have or are, praying for them. That's ok....your heart knows and God knows. Be OK with that!

Jodie writes about how hard it can be or seem when our kids our out of our home, on their own...how to help them deal with adult crisis and meaningful relationships. As I read her book, I felt like we were comparing notes over coffee, that's how entertaining and friendly her book is to read.

I appreciate her honesty as it IS hard to be parents but it's worth it to be GOOD parents. We all need a faith boost from time to time and Jodie comes through loud and clear that faith does matter, even when you feel all alone, or you just don't have the answers. Praying The Scripture For Your Adult Children also helps you, the reader as well - through encouragement - we're all imperfect people attempting to perfect our little worlds in this huge planet.

I highly recommend this wonderful book and look forward to reading more from Jodie Berndt.

*I received this book from handlebarmarketing.com for the purpose of a review-all opinions are my own*

This book is not only for praying parents and grandparents, but it is for anyone who at any time has loved someone and is compelled to pray for them. By weaving real stories of trials with scripture, prayer principles and examples of prayers at the end of each chapter, Berndt teaches and encourages with a sensitivity and wisdom born of her own struggles with her children.

Tenderly sharing concern, fear, and heartaches from friends, strangers, and her own life, she is faithful to lead the reader to powerful scriptures to pray for adult children, or grandchildren, often turning the victory of prayer not at the outcome, but at the gained deeper relationship with God with the one who is being prayed for, and the person doing the praying.

In some 20 chapters, she deals with prayer for relationships, milestones, safety, health, and temptations

She recognizes the difference in society now as when her children were younger, and the many things that used to be easy to steer away from, in todays world are considered acceptable, even expected, and how to avoid being judging, but offering the love that God offers, and trusting Him to make it all work, in His timing, according to His plan. Not always an easy task for a parent, and she faithfully reveals many times the parent has had to change and grow as well as the child.

The book encourages you to remain steadfast in prayer and helps you incorporate scripture into your prayers for your adult children. I am finding this season of parenthood more challenging and this book offers practical, real life testimonies and ways to pray. I appreciated the honesty of the testimonies included.

As my second child recently turned eighteen and my oldest is nearing twenty in another month, I've found my prayers changing for them. I also realize I'm more perplexed in what to, or even how, to best pray for them as they enter this new season of life. Thankfully, Jodie Berndt, has taken the time to write what I consider a field-guide to praying for my older children. While I've yet to experience most of the situations outlined in each chapter, I'm glad to know I can simply flip the pages to one of the thoughtfully-arranged chapters, if we reach a common dilemma our adult children might face. I especially like each section begins with a bible verse to help remind me to return to scripture before praying. I appreciated so many people contributed their not-so-perfect family stories for Mrs. Berndt to share. These are not meant to air their 'dirty laundry,' but to humbly show what God can do when we give our childrens' lives to him. Overall, this book is thoughtful, articulate, inspiring, but most of all practical. If you're at a loss for how to lift your adult child to Him, I recommend you grab a copy.

Disclosure: I was given the opportunity to review "Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children," receiving a copy from Handlebar Publishing. I have not been monetarily compensated, nor am I required to write a positive review. Views expressed are my own.