Motherhood is an all-inclusive job. And one of the many things entangled in being a mother to me, is praying for my children. Because in the different seasons of motherhood that are long, short, weary, joyful, or desperate, there has to be a lifelong dialogue with God about my children within my faith.
Time and a little experience has had influence on how I pray over my children. My two are only two years apart, yet wildly in different stages of life. So I have a colorful variety of things to pray about. And for a long while, "Lord, please protect them..." was my go-to prayer. I mean, that's all we all want, right? Safe kids. So I thought that would pretty much cover everything. But I think just praying for safety and protection over our children out of pure love, is kind of shortsighted.
Because I think it has this sort of limitation put on it. There could be so much more to pray about. Because as much as I want them to be safe and sound, I also want God to bless them. I want Him to guide them into the life that He has planned for them. Which meas having more focused prayers for the specific aspects of my children's lives. Here's six prayers that I include...
Use Them
I pray for God to use my children for His purpose on this Earth. To have them be instruments of His peace and love in the every day living. To carry it through their activities, one day when they attend school, and one day when they start to work to bring light to His glory. Making them fruitful in His kingdom.
“You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.” (John 15:16)
Guide Them
I pray for God to direct my children in the way that He would have them go. To call on them according to the will and talents that He has given them. To guide and teach them to follow Him all of their days and all of their lives. To equip them with a life that can carry out the plan that He has for each of them.
“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” (Psalm 25:4-5)
Convict Them
I pray that God will speak directly into my children's hearts by His Holy Spirit. Lovingly calling to them in order to correct them when they need it. To convict them of their sins and prompt them to ask for repentance when He sees fit. And to help them to always continuously work out their salvation.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 4:9)
Embolden Them
I pray for God to embolden my children to be the people to stand up for the people who can't stand up for themselves. To make them bold enough in the Gospel to share His love with others. And to stand ready to always speak up for what they believe is right.
“On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.” (Psalm 138:3)
Captivate Them
I pray that God will draw my children close to Him so that they will be so captivated with His love. To let them love Him above all things, even myself. And their highest affection and honor to be His alone.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Grow Them
I pray that God will help my children grow in their knowledge of and love for Him. To continue to be at work with their hearts and minds. Maturing into a healthy faith in which they never want to stop pursuing His wisdom and amazing grace.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
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