Parenting is an incredible journey filled with joys and challenges alike. As our children grow, we encounter new hurdles and discoveries along the way. Often, we seek guidance from various sources like books, friends, videos, and seminars to navigate this adventure successfully. While these resources are helpful, it’s essential to align them with the teachings of the Bible.
No matter how hard we try, without God, our efforts may seem futile and short-lived. The verse from Psalm 127:1 reminds us that unless the Lord is the foundation of our efforts, our labor is in vain. Thus, it’s crucial to turn to your Heavenly Father for assistance, and to realize the necessity of praying for your children.
“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” – Psalm 127:1
We need to ask the greatest parent for help, our Heavenly Father. In approaching God, we should lay out every aspect of our children’s lives before Him—sharing our concerns, fears, hopes, and expectations. Though parenting isn’t easy, prayer unleashes the power of God to work in our children’s lives. We can be confident that God desires the best for our children, as stated in 2 Peter 3:9 and John 10:10.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10
So, how should we pray for our children?
Firstly, we should align our desires with God’s will, understanding that He knows what’s best for them.
Praying in Jesus’ name gives us authority over any opposition, as mentioned in John 16:23 and John 1:13-14.
“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.” – John 16:23
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” – John 1:13-14
In our prayers, we should claim God’s promises for our families, recognizing the potency of His Word, as Hebrews 4:12 illustrates. Encouraging our children to pray and claim Bible promises for themselves fosters spiritual growth and resilience.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
Maintaining faith and trust in God is essential. Even when our faith wavers, we can humbly ask God to strengthen it, knowing that faith pleases Him.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
Abiding in Christ is crucial for fruitful prayers. Resisting the devil and drawing near to God, as advised in James 4:7, empowers our spiritual life and prayers.
” If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” – John 15:7-9
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” – James 4:7
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” – John 15:5
Praying alongside other believers amplifies our prayers. Gather with your husband, church members, believing friends, or believing family members, and pray together.
“Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 18:19
“How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up?” – Deuteronomy 32:30
Be fervent in prayer. If you don’t see God’s answering fast to your prayers, don’t give up and keep praying. God’s knows your children more than you know them. He knows the end from the beginning, and he knows the right time and the right way to make things happen on your behalf.
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.“- James 5:16-18
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” – Ephesians 6:18
Lastly, when gathering with other believers to pray for your children, exercise discretion if your children are present. It’s vital to create a safe space where they feel secure and valued, ensuring that our prayers strengthen our relationship with them rather than causing them to feel exposed or judged. Address specific concerns delicately, being mindful not to divulge sensitive details.
Additionally, maintaining a prayer notebook can be immensely beneficial. Record prayers for each child, noting specific requests and even jotting down Bible promises you’re claiming from God. This practice helps track progress and serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in your family’s journey.
