I remember times in my childhood when I really didn’t understand what my parents were thinking! Do this, don’t do that; all of it seemed to come with the notion that I would “understand someday.” Well, for the most part, that was an accurate assumption, and now that I have a family of my own, I too know that there are some things that a person just has to learn through age, maturity, and experience. However, well-rounded adults don’t just happen, and parenting is so much more than making sure everyone is fed and clothed.
Parenting is a deliberate and intentional skill that requires all that we have to give. It is also the most rewarding pursuit I can possibly imagine. It is not always wonderful: some days are tough, and some decisions are messy, and often things do not go as planned, but investing in our children starts with engaging with God in prayer over them before they are ever even born. Below is a list of verses that we can pray over our children. Often, when we don’t know what or how to pray, the best thing we can do is to live up to the words that God has already given us. Many times, praying God’s Word will stir up other needs and thoughts and it becomes the beginning of a fruitful and meaningful time of prayer.
1. “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands”. - Psalm 138:8
No matter what path your child takes in life, we can be confident that God knows who He created them to be. Their faith in Christ may grow stronger and brighter, or they may choose a path that we would not have chosen for them. Either way, we can rest in knowing that God has a purpose for them, and He is more than able to see it through. He is forever faithful to us, His love for us will not waver, and the same applies to our children as well. We pray that they will know their purpose and pursue it wholeheartedly.
2. “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. - Philippians 1:6
In this passage, Paul is writing to Timothy, who Paul mentored as a pastor and who he considers his ‘son’ in the faith. This is a promise that God will complete the work He has begun in us, and if you are reading this (which you clearly are), God has already begun an amazing work in your children by making you their parent! He has given them a parent who is seeking God’s wisdom, given them a home where they are loved and prayed for, and so His good work in them has already taken root. He will be faithful and He will bring that good work to completion. It may not be in a way that we understand or expect, but He has promised to do it. We pray that our children will be steadfast in the good work He has called them to.
3. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me”. - John 10:14
Throughout the Scriptures, there are several references to God as a shepherd, most notably from Jesus referring to Himself as a shepherd and in the 23rd Psalm. The idea of God as a caring shepherd who watches over our children is a beautiful image and gives parents a sense of peace. Knowing that God cares for our children even more than we do is encouraging and reassuring. We pray for our children that they will desire to be his sheep, hear his voice in all they do and seek to know Him better every day.
4. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
It is impossible to know where life will lead our children. We do know that there will be highs and lows and that regardless of what life throws at our kids, God is good and faithful. We pray that in the face of strong adversity, in the face of the unknown, that our children would be strong and courageous to follow the Lord wherever He leads, knowing that in every battle he has already given them the victory. We pray that they will trust Him in that no matter what.
5. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7
Today’s world is a world overflowing with anxiety. Our children are bombarded from every direction with bad news, with anger, shame, pain, and fear. More than anything, we want our children to live in peace, knowing that God loves them and cares for them. We pray that they will not try to take on the fears and struggles of life on their own. We pray that they present their requests to God and find the peace that only he can give.
6. "when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” - Psalm 56: 3-4
The Bible is filled with accounts of mere mortals doing physical harm to God’s people. Jesus Himself was beaten and executed when He had done nothing wrong. None of us wants to endure physical or emotional harm, but as a believer, it is a possibility. First and foremost, we pray for our children that they would never have to experience the pain inflicted from ‘mere mortals’, but even more we pray that they trust and praise God, who frees us from fear, and reminds us that no matter what happens to us as a result of persecution, He is greater and following Him is greater than anything this earth affords.
7. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. -Proverbs 3:5-6
It is so easy to lean into what we know. As we collect experiences and knowledge, we can start to trust ourselves, making decisions without going to God in prayer. We pray that we would submit to Him, that our children would see us submit to Him in all things, and that they too would learn to trust in God who will make their paths straight. Letting go of our own understanding and trusting Him is not always our first instinct, but we pray for ourselves and for our children that it will become so.
Our children are the greatest gift that God entrusts to us. Let us be intentional and thoughtful in how we lead them, and pray diligently that they are blessed with a lifetime devoted to who Christ has created them to be.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/rudi_suardi
Jason Soroski is a homeschool dad and member of the worship team at matthias lot church in St. Charles, MO. He spends his free time hanging out with his family, exploring new places, and writing about the experiences. Connect on Facebook or at JasonSoroski.net.
This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Serenity Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Morning Prayers
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Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
Prayer for God’s Help
Prayer for Anxiety
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