Encouraging Prayers for Empty Nesters + Bible Verses

As kiddos fly the coop and transition into adulthood, it’s common for empty nesters to experience bittersweet emotions that come with having an empty nest.

But there is good news! We’ve got a treasure trove of tools ready to help.

In this article, bible verses and prayers for empty nesters, I’ve cultivated scriptures along with prayers and blessings that I hope will resonate with the challenges of the empty nest.

I’ve also included a collection of resources for empty nesters to help this transitional time.

Intrigued? Let’s get started!

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Empty Nest and Empty Nest Syndrome

he kiddos have flown the coop, and suddenly, the house feels as big as a concert hall after the music has stopped.

That sinking feeling of emptiness, loneliness, and a tinge of sadness? Yep, that’s empty nest syndrome. It’s not an official “medical” thing but an emotional phase many parents experience.

What Can you do if you’ve got Empty nest syndrome?

There are fantastic ways to jam to a new tune and rediscover some of those passions that might’ve taken a back seat.

Kindle the flame with your partner.

Then, there’s the golden opportunity to rekindle the flame with your partner. Remember the pre-kid era? You know, before you become parents!

Those spontaneous movie nights or impromptu dancing in the living room? Why not re-live those moments?

It’s like getting to know your partner all over again but with the sweet nostalgia of shared memories.

Related article: Fun + Romantic Date Night Ideas for Couples

Start a Hobby

Ever shelved a passion because, well, life happened? Now, with the extra free time, dive headfirst into those hobbies you’ve bookmarked for “someday.”

Whether painting, salsa dancing, or even mastering the art of French cooking, the world’s your oyster!

I’ve written some articles about hobbies that you may want to be interested in—Fun Hobbies for Women over 50 and The Best Hobbies for Men over 60, and last but not least, The Best Hobbies for Empty Nesters.

Travel

Speaking of the world, how about exploring its nooks and crannies?

This new phase in life is the perfect time to travel!

Traveling, whether it’s a short road trip or an around-the-world adventure, can truly rejuvenate the spirit.

New places, new faces, and a heap of memories waiting to be made! Travel the world or start small by visiting a nearby town overnight.

Join a club

Also, have you ever thought about joining a community or club? It’s fun to spend time with like-minded people.

It’s amazing how being around people who share your passion, be it books, gardening, or bird-watching, can give you a fresh sense of purpose.

Consider joining a book club, a bible study or a fitness group.

Talk to Some

If the empty nest feelings weigh too heavy, never hesitate to seek therapy or counseling. An unbiased, professional ear can sometimes help navigate those choppy emotional waters.

Adopt a new pet.

Many empty nesters opt for a new pet when young adult children leave home. These furballs (or feathered or finned friends) come with unconditional love and can light up a home.

Pray

And last but never least, prayer. It’s like having a heart-to-heart with the universe, God, or your chosen higher power.

It’s like a soul therapy session, where you can vent, seek guidance, or find a moment of peace.

Prayers for Empty Nesters: Embracing the Empty Nest Through Prayer

Praying for Strength and Comfort for Empty Nesters

The empty nest years can be a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and growth.

But when the silence gets a tad too loud, and the what-ifs start creeping in, you can pray for Strength and comfort and strength to help you hold fast.

Bible verses that may resonate when needing strength and comfort:

Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Corinthians 1:3-4: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction.”

🙏 “Dear Heavenly Father, in moments of doubt, remind me of Your promise in Isaiah.

Help me to remember that I need not fear, for You are with me, always ready to strengthen and uphold me. Grant me comfort and strength as I step into this new season. Amen.”

Trusting God’s Plan

We can believe that God has a plan for us and our children’s lives, trusting in Him. He will provide the courage to get through any difficult times.

Such scripture includes Romans 12:12, Proverbs 22:6, or 1 Peter 5:7, providing comfort with passages like Matthew 6:33 or Philippians 4: 6- 7, reaffirming Isaiah 46: 4.

Through these comforting words of solace, may your trust in the Lord remain unshaken as you navigate each new stage together.

Guidance and Wisdom

I sometimes imagine God’s guidance and wisdom is like GPS (only much, much better) or internal intuition, guiding the way at every turn.

Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

🙏 “Heavenly Father, as I walk through this empty nest phase, I draw strength from Your promise in Psalm 32. Guide my steps, enlighten my choices, and shower me with the wisdom I seek.

I put my trust in you, Lord. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Marriage After an Empty Nest

The sounds of lively chatter, teen angst, and loud music have faded, leaving behind the hush of an empty nest.

It’s like coming out of a long, adventurous movie, blinking at the light, and realizing you’re alone with your partner in the theatre, right?

Sure, there are many memories of raising kids, but now it’s back to just the two of you.

And while it’s a massive transition, it’s also a beautiful opportunity to rediscover, reconnect, and rejuvenate your relationship.

And guess what? Prayer can be your trusty compass during this exploration.

Praying for Rediscovery

Times change, people evolve. Pray to rediscover each other’s dreams, passions, and quirks that might have taken a backseat in the parenting chaos.

Verse to lean on: Song of Solomon 3:4 – “I have found the one whom my soul loves.”

Praying for Reconnection in Your Marriage

Now’s the time to rekindle those date nights, deep conversations, and shared activities. Seek divine guidance to strengthen your bond.

Verse to ponder: Ecclesiastes 4:12 – A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Pray for Patience with each other

Let’s face it; there might be a few bumps along the way. Pray for patience, understanding, and grace as you navigate this new chapter.

Colossians 3:12-14 – “… Bear with each other and forgive one another… And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Eph 4 1-3 -“…lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. ² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. ³ Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Praying for Adventure in your marriage

The world is your oyster now! Pray for courage and enthusiasm to embark on new adventures together, whether travel, hobbies, or spontaneous road trips.

Psalm 37:4- “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Praying for Continued Growth in Marriage

Both as individuals and as a couple. Nurture each other’s dreams, celebrate each other’s successes, and lift each other during setbacks.

1 Peter 4:8- “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Prayer for Marriage after the kids leave home

Father God, as we step into this quiet phase of our lives, guide us to look at each other with fresh eyes.

Help us to rekindle our love and inspire us to walk through this chapter with peace, grace, and endless love.

Bless our marriage, and let our love story unfold into old age.

In Jesus name, Amen.”

Prayers for Young Adult Children

One moment, you’re holding their hand through every scrape and hurdle, and the next, the kids are off to college, making adult decisions and living their adventures.

Time goes by so fast.

Now, while you might not be able to hover (and honestly, they probably wouldn’t want you to 😉), there’s one thing you can always do: pray.

Prayers are like those invisible threads, connecting hearts and hopes and sending all those protective, loving vibes into the universe.

Praying for Their Safety

They’re probably driving more, traveling, partying, or just out and about. A little prayer for their safety can give your heart some peace.

Psalm 91:11 – “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

Psalm 27:1- “The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?”

Praying for Their Decisions

From career choices to relationships, your young adult is at a junction of life-altering decisions.

Pray this scripture over your children by faith, knowing that God has a beautiful plant for their lives.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Praying for Their Success

Not just in careers but in life. Pray that they will find joy, purpose, and passion in whatever path they choose to take.

Verse for inspiration: Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Praying for Their Relationships

Friendships, romances, colleagues – relationships shape a huge part of their world now. Here are a couple of verses to pray over kids and their friendships.

Proverbs 18:24- “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 22:24-25- “A genuine friend is there for you when you need them. People who are unreliable do not make for good friends.”

Praying for Their Health

Mental, physical, and emotional. They remember to eat their veggies, sleep enough, and know asking for help when needed is okay.

3 John 1:2 – “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”

A Quick Prayer for Adult Kids

“Heavenly Father, as my child navigates this vast, challenging, and beautiful world, be their guide, protector, and strength.

Let them feel Your presence in every decision, every joy, and every challenge.

Help them to grow, flourish, and to walk worthy of your perfect plan.

In Jesus name, Amen.”

Related Article: 12+ Powerful Prayers to Pray for Adult Children

Bible Verses Perfect for Empty Nesters!

The Bible has always been a wellspring of wisdom, comfort, and guidance for every phase of life.

Navigating the empty nest phase with a heart full of faith can make all the difference. Remember, each verse in God’s Word is like a lantern, guiding you through every twist and turn.

Here are a few scriptures that may resonate:

Isaiah 43:19 – “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

This bible verse is a beautiful reminder that every phase of life brings fresh starts. Just because the children have left the nest doesn’t mean your journey is at a standstill.

New adventures await!

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

This scripture is very helpful to help navigate empty nest syndrome.

Even when things seem uncertain or quiet, remember there’s always a divine plan full of hope.

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

If you’re Feeling anxious about this new chapter? This verse reminds you to lean on faith, pray, and trust in the peace that comes from above.

Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Trusting the process

Now that the kids are gone, it’s time to rediscover your passions, dreams, and desires.
Trust in the journey and know that divine guidance is always by your side.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.”

Embrace every season

Life is made up of seasons, each with its own rhythm and reason.

Embrace the season of the empty nest, knowing it’s just another chapter in your ever-evolving story.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

It’s a nudge to see the empty nest phase as a rebirth of sorts, an opportunity to reinvent, rediscover, and rejuvenate your life.

Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Helpful Resources for Empty Nesters

As you go through the transitional phase of having an empty nest, finding resources and support to aid your growth is essential.

Here, we will look at several ways one could be supported during this time: prayer books, online networks, and regional assistance groups.

These options are designed to assist with developing a deeper spiritual connection while providing opportunities for connecting with others who understand what you’re going through.

As well as assisting with finding positivity in entering a new season without children living at home.

Books for an Empty Nest

Here’s a list of books perfect for those navigating the empty nest phase:

Empty Nest, Full Life: Discovering God’s Best for Your Next
Dives into the complexities of relationships with adult kids, sharing both the highs and lows, and offers biblical wisdom.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Empty Nesters 101:
The scoop: Heartwarming tales that’ll make you laugh, cry, and everything.

From Mom to Me Again: How I Survived My First Empty-Nest Year and Reinvented the Rest of My Life
The author gets real about her journey and provides practical advice for rediscovering yourself once the kids have flown the coop.

Empty Nesting: Reinventing Your Marriage When the Kids Leave Home
This one’s for the couples! The Arps offer guidance on reconnecting and revitalizing your relationship in this new chapter.

Guide to the Empty Nest: Discovering New Purpose, Passion, and Your Next Great Adventure
Both authors provide practical and spiritual insights for navigating the new challenges and opportunities of the empty nest.

Release My Grip: Hope for a Parent’s Heart as Kids Leave the Nest and Learn to Fly
A blend of raw emotion, spiritual insight, and heartwarming stories that’ll resonate deeply with every empty nester.

You Never Stop Being a Parent
Dive into the dynamics of parenting adult children with helpful insights on setting boundaries, providing support, and nurturing the relationship.

Empty Nest: What’s Next? by Michele Howe
Howe shares relatable anecdotes, advice, and spiritual wisdom, giving parents a compass to navigate the post-child-rearing phase.

The Second Half of Marriage
A deep dive into couples’ unique challenges during the empty nest years, with practical advice to rejuvenate the marital bond.

Online Communities for Empty Nesters

Empty Nest Blessed: A blog that delves into the challenges and joys of being an empty nester, filled with relatable anecdotes and solutions.

The Empty Nest Academy: Run by a life coach, it offers courses to help you transition smoothly into this new phase.

Therapy and Counseling

Look, there’s no harm in seeking professional guidance.

Websites like BetterHelp or Talkspace provide online therapy where you can discuss feelings of loneliness, sadness, or even excitement.

Workshops and Retreats

Some organizations and groups offer specialized retreats for empty nesters, allowing you to connect with others going through the same transition.

It’s a mix of self-discovery, fun, and new friendships!

Podcast about the Empty Nest

Living a Full Life With an Empty Nest: Jill Savage offers encouragement and insight to parents facing the challenges of reorienting their lives after their children leave home.

Local Community Centers and Groups

Many local centers offer classes and group activities, ranging from arts and crafts to fitness. It’s a fantastic way to meet people and pick up new hobbies.

Many community centers and churches offer support groups and classes ranging from arts and crafts, to fitness, and bible studies.

Consider taking a class or a bible study that interests you. Studying God’s Word and meeting other women is a wonderful way.

Related article: Best Books on Finding Passion and Purpose

FAQs: Empty Nester Prayers and Scriptures

What is the “empty nest” syndrome, and how does it affect marriage?

It’s a feeling some parents experience when their kiddos leave home for the first time. Think of it as a mix of loss, sadness, and a dash of “What now?” For marriages, it can mean adjusting to a quieter home and rediscovering each other without the kids around.

How do we adjust to life after kids have left the nest?

It’s a blend of patience, rediscovery, and heaps of communication. Plus, now’s the time to pick up those hobbies, plan those trips, and have those heart-to-hearts you’ve been postponing.

What are some activities couples can explore during the empty nest phase?

From dance classes, book clubs, and travel adventures to just binging Netflix in PJs – the world’s your playground!

It’s all about rediscovering passion and remembering why you both fell in love in the first place.

Related Articles: Date Night Ideas for Couples

What can I do to move forward in this chapter of my life?

Find What Makes Your Heart Sing. Remember those dreams or hobbies you put on the back burner? Maybe it was pottery, salsa dancing, or even rock climbing.

Now’s the perfect time to dive right in! Reconnect with things that once brought joy and spark to your life or discover new ones. Here are some ideas:

Mentor Younger Women

You’ve got a treasure trove of experiences, wisdom, and tales. Why not share that with the younger generation?

Many older women find mentorship incredibly fulfilling. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to connect and see the world through fresh eyes.

Volunteer and Make a Difference

There are countless organizations and causes that could benefit from your skills and heart.

When you spend time helping others, it not only uplifts communities but can also give you a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

Pen Down Your Stories

Ever considered writing a book or starting a blog? Many older women find blogging to be very fulfilling. 🙂

Share your journey with younger women, your ups and downs, and the wisdom learned. It is therapeutic, and your story might inspire or comfort other women navigating a similar path.

Go Back to School or Take Workshops

Learning never stops. Whether taking a new course, attending workshops, or just picking up a new skill online, there’s always something new to explore and understand.

And hey, who knows? It might just ignite a new career path or passion project!

Related article: The Best Side Hustles for Women

Travel and Explore

As I’ve mentioned, with the empty nest, it might be the perfect time to tick off some of those dream destinations from your bucket list.

Solo trips, couples retreats, or even group travels can offer fresh perspectives and invigorate your spirit.

Check out my bucket lists for inspiration!

Conclusion: Bible Verses and Prayers for the Empty Nester

Ok! I hope this article, bible verses, and prayers for empty nesters have been helpful and encouraging.

When navigating the new season of an empty nest, it can feel like you’re on a rollercoaster with no map. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like rollercoasters, and being lost is my least favorite thing!

The good news is we’ve got an arsenal of tools to get us through and moving forward with our lives as our young adult children venture off on their own. With the first on the list being prayer and scripture.

Scripture is filled with timeless wisdom, guidance, and comfort to help us embrace this chapter with grace by faith.

I pray this season will be one of growth, rediscovery, and blessings for you and your family.

In His love,

XO, Christine

Related articles: Navigating the Empty Nest