Praying for our children

As a parent, our greatest responsibility is to raise children who know, love and follow God. Teaching them is a necessity. Guiding them is a given. Loving them is a no-brainer. Are we praying for them enough? 

Are we doing our part, moms and dads (grandparents/aunts/uncles/etc), to make sure God knows that WE know... He is ultimately in control. Our children are God's children that he has given us the greatest honor of raising in a way that benefits His Kingdom. 

Yes, we probably say the obvious prayer. "Heavenly Father, I ask that you protect my child. Physically and emotionally but most importantly, spiritually." 

We want God to do his part to keep them SAFE. To protect them from what seems to be a very cruel world at times. Are we doing our part? 

Are we asking God to use them for his Glory? Are we asking God to give us the right words, the right actions and the wisdom to raise them well? 

Well, maybe. It can be hard to know exactly what to say. And God knows the content of our hearts, so do we really need to say it at all? 

I believe we should. I believe this benefits not only us as we learn what God wants for our families, but also benefits our children as we reinforce their relationship with the Holy Spirit. 

One of my favorite directions to go with this is to look at God's promises. He provides covenants with His people many times throughout scripture, and there are no shortage of verses we can use for guidance as parents. I have a few I'd like to suggest as well as possible prayers you can use for reference if you wish.

1- Psalm 103:17 "But the mercy of the Lord is eternal for his worshippers, and their children's children will see his righteousness."

          Heavenly Father, I ask that your righteousness extends to my children, my children's children and my children's children's children. I ask that you extend favor to my family for generations. I ask that you fill them with wisdom and protect them from the evil influences of this world. I pray that they are in this world, not of this world, the way that you ask us to be. Where they fail, I pray your Grace covers them, and your hand stretches out to pull them back to you. Please help me do my part to ensure generational mercy for my family, God, In Jesus' name, Amen. 

2- Jeremiah 29: 11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you, You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

          Heavenly Father, I pray that I raise children who believe and seek you with their entire hearts. I pray that I do the same so that I can model this for my family and be a walking testament of your goodness and grace. May I never fail to teach the children you have entrusted to me about your plans for them and guide them in the right direction. May I recognize the significance of this role and fulfill my purpose well. In Jesus' name, Amen.

3- Proverbs 22:6 "Train a child up in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

          Dear God, please give me the tools and the strength that I need to raise my children for your Kingdom and for your Glory. Build me up in the places that are lacking. Surround my child with good influences that bring them closer to you. Work in my child's heart to strengthen their relationship with you and their will to fight against temptation. I know that the relationship I teach them while they are young is what they will return to, even if they go astray along the way. Help me be sure that I am giving them the foundation they require. In Your name Lord, I pray, Amen. 

4- John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don't let your heart be troubled or afraid."

          God, I am grateful for the peace you provide in a world that is rarely peaceful. I am not worthy of your graciousness and grace, and yet you never fail me. Help me to accept your many blessings without allowing the challenges of life to cause me worry. Let me place all hope and trust in you and raise my children to do the same. Let me not fear the obstacles I will face, and let me rest in comfort knowing that our children were placed in this world, at this time, with us to guide them, for your divine reasoning. In Your name Lord, I pray, Amen.

I hope these help you and give you a place to start. I challenge all Christian families who desire to raise their children up the way God commanded to also pray for each other. Pray for the children of your neighbors, the children of strangers, and especially the children who don't have God fearing-loving parents to teach them about the love of God. Pray that His love finds them and fills them up. All things are possible with the love and strength of our Heavenly Father. 

What a significant, beautiful responsibility we have been given.

Claim your free 'Family Devotion Starter Kit' here