Praying for Our Children
I know many of you are pastors and church leaders, and others are actively following Jesus. Today, I want to take a moment to encourage parents. For those who may not have children, like the Apostle Paul, you can have children in the faith and pray. For those blessed with children, you no doubt wrestle with worrying about your children. As a father of a twenty-one year old, eighteen year old, and thirteen year old, I find myself desiring to be prayerful for them as much as ever. We are not perfect parents, but we can be prayerful parents.
1)Write/say, journal and/or message prayers and Scriptures for/to your children.
Your children likely have a cell phone or will one day. We can text and message Scriptures and prayers to our children and grandchildren. We can gift them a Bible that we have marked as a prayerful journal.
2)Join with others in praying.
Matthew 18:19-20, Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11, Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
3)Develop a prayer “mantra” for your children.
Perhaps there is a Bible verse you claim for your children or a “family motto” that you emphasize for your children. Luke 2:52 - "May you grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and with man." In our family we came up with “Be Third” – based off Greatest Commandment.
4)Turn worries into prayers.
There was a survey taken by USA Today citing major sources of worry. And after work and money, people admit they worry about their children. I have to admit that I can be a worrier. Sometimes I feel like being a parent is like being a professional worrier. Yet, I know the Bible tells me that worrying does not really benefit them or me (Matthew 6).
Philippians 4:4–9 teaches me to turn worries into prayers. First, I can rejoice IN THE LORD always. Second, I need to be careful that my worrying does not result in an ungentle spirit as I seek to relate carefully to others. Third, I can relieve my worries by making my requests known to God in prayer. Fourth, I can reflect on praiseworthy things.
5)Pray in/through the Bible for your children.
Some example Scriptures to pray for our children: Genesis 2:24; 1 Samuel 1:28; Psalm 119:37; Proverbs 3:5-7; Proverbs 18:22; Isaiah 54:13; Luke 2:52; Ephesians 5:18; Colossians 1:9-12.
An Example of Praying for Your Kids (from Focus on the Family, May Patterson)
Cultivate a grateful heart within them (Psalm 118:28).
Help them speak the truth to others and to themselves (Ephesians 4:25).
Fill them with joy and peace (Romans 15:13).
Make them a blessing to everyone they meet (1 Peter 3:9).
Help them to listen to Your Word and do what it says (Luke 11:28).
May they never walk away from You; draw their hearts closer so You will always be near them (James 4:8).
May God bless you as you seek Him, walk in His Word, and turn your worries into prayers.
You are not alone,
BRIAN AUTRY