A Parent’s Prayer
Christians pray for their children.
Even as a non-believer and new parent, I agreed with my wife that we should try to find a church. My logic was that my children would benefit from instruction in what is right and what is wrong. Before I knew God, I knew that a successful, happy life requires one to know and embrace good moral character. I wanted that for my kids. It was certainly worth the sacrifice of sitting through a church service once a week, one with a strong youth ministry. It really didn’t bother me as I’m the guy who can tune out the world. I did that in church. It was a great time to think things over, make plans, and solve problems. All in my head. Better yet, stay home and send my wife to church with the kids.
My sons were three and ten when I became a Christian. Since then, I’ve been praying for them. Now I can pray for my grandchildren, too. This morning’s whispered shout, “David, you should share your prayer for your children on the blog.”
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Lord, thank you for the incredible joy of being a parent. I know of no greater blessing than family. I pray and ask that you watch over my children. Send your angels to do battle on their behalf. Protect them from every evil, disease, accident, and temptation. Make known to them your will for their lives, and that they will walk in it. Prosper them and give them your wisdom regarding all the affairs before them. As they bind kindness to their hearts, give them favor with those above, below, and beside them. Help me to be a patient, loving, and wise parent for them. I trust you completely with their lives. Amen.
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I’m convinced that a parent’s blessing and prayer for their children is extraordinarily powerful. The fact that I am in them, and they are in me, is a remarkable reflection of my relationship with my Creator. Jesus teaches that the universe He created includes a spiritual realm. The scriptures are full of promises, commands, and the recounting of miracles. It shouts to us that God is “Hands On.” And that our prayers make all the difference in what actually happens in both the physical and the spiritual realms. This is an aspect of the kingdom of God that every parent can tap into regarding the current and future lives of their children. And their children’s children. For a thousand generations.
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, (Deut 7:9 ESV)
Prayer is our taking ownership of our love for God, God’s love for us, and our love for our children. Parents, be parents. Be encouraged, you can pray.
