My prayers for my kids are weak at best. I don't stop and think often enough that my kids are under attack by the enemy as much as I am. I've got to be willing to stand in the gap for them, crying out for the things that really do matter.
Today was one of those days. You know the kind that make you feel like you have no idea what you're doing as a parent. Days like today make me feel tired, defeated, and highly under-qualified.
I believe in the power of prayer. I believe of the power of prayer in the lives of my kids. What I'm ashamed to admit is that most days my prayers for my kids consist of "bless them" or "help them" or "help them feel better." I may even utter a "help them to make wise decisions" sort of thing.
Today in the midst of my discouragement I was reminded that I need to boldly approach the throne of God daily crying out for the very character, integrity, and spiritual condition of my kids. I don't do this often enough. I let life and schedules and routines dictate what I do and do not pray for.
My prayers for my kids are weak at best. I don't stop and think often enough that my kids are under attack by the enemy as much as I am. I've got to be willing to stand in the gap for them, crying out for the things that really do matter.
Here are the very things I'm committing to praying for daily in the lives of my kids:
1. Graciousness (that they would be full of grace): Lord, let my girls be full of your grace. Help them to know what it means to be recipients of your grace and may they freely give it to others as they receive it from you. "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:6)
2. Loving: Lord, cause my girls to love others in extreme ways. May they know and understand the deep love you have for them and may that love drive them to love others. May they have your eyes to be able to discern between good and evil. Would you place a strong hatred, not towards others, but towards the evil they see around them. "Love must be sincere, hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:9-10)
3. Honesty & Integrity: Lord, may my daughters see the value in living an honest life full of integrity. When they're tempted, provide a way out for them. Should they stumble, direct their paths quickly that restoration is entirely possible. "Whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, excellent, or praiseworthy, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8)
4. Purpose: Lord, give my daughters wisdom to look at themselves through your eyes, to see themselves as created intentionally and without mistake. Help them to know how truly valuable you've created them to be. Show them that you made them for a purpose and that you want to use their lives to bring glory to yourself. "The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9) "Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you." (Jeremiah 1:5 MSG)
I can do my best to protect my kids from physical danger but that will never compare to the ways that I can protect them through the act of prayer. My greatest desire is that they know and walk with the Lord. I've got to pick up the offense and come before the throne knowing that God hears my cries for my children. Though today I feel defeated and even discouraged, I have the blessed assurance that God is able to handle the things that I cannot.
How about you? What prayers do you pray for your children on a regular basis?
I believe in the power of prayer. I believe of the power of prayer in the lives of my kids. What I'm ashamed to admit is that most days my prayers for my kids consist of "bless them" or "help them" or "help them feel better." I may even utter a "help them to make wise decisions" sort of thing.
Today in the midst of my discouragement I was reminded that I need to boldly approach the throne of God daily crying out for the very character, integrity, and spiritual condition of my kids. I don't do this often enough. I let life and schedules and routines dictate what I do and do not pray for.
My prayers for my kids are weak at best. I don't stop and think often enough that my kids are under attack by the enemy as much as I am. I've got to be willing to stand in the gap for them, crying out for the things that really do matter.
Here are the very things I'm committing to praying for daily in the lives of my kids:
1. Graciousness (that they would be full of grace): Lord, let my girls be full of your grace. Help them to know what it means to be recipients of your grace and may they freely give it to others as they receive it from you. "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:6)
2. Loving: Lord, cause my girls to love others in extreme ways. May they know and understand the deep love you have for them and may that love drive them to love others. May they have your eyes to be able to discern between good and evil. Would you place a strong hatred, not towards others, but towards the evil they see around them. "Love must be sincere, hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:9-10)
3. Honesty & Integrity: Lord, may my daughters see the value in living an honest life full of integrity. When they're tempted, provide a way out for them. Should they stumble, direct their paths quickly that restoration is entirely possible. "Whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, excellent, or praiseworthy, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8)
4. Purpose: Lord, give my daughters wisdom to look at themselves through your eyes, to see themselves as created intentionally and without mistake. Help them to know how truly valuable you've created them to be. Show them that you made them for a purpose and that you want to use their lives to bring glory to yourself. "The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9) "Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you." (Jeremiah 1:5 MSG)
I can do my best to protect my kids from physical danger but that will never compare to the ways that I can protect them through the act of prayer. My greatest desire is that they know and walk with the Lord. I've got to pick up the offense and come before the throne knowing that God hears my cries for my children. Though today I feel defeated and even discouraged, I have the blessed assurance that God is able to handle the things that I cannot.
How about you? What prayers do you pray for your children on a regular basis?
RSS Feed
