Someone has said the greatest thing we can do for our nation is to pray for our children.
Of course this does not our discount love, discipline, instruction, modeling, etc. But prayer should certainly undergird every action we take.
God, speaking to Moses, cried out, “Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always so that it might go well with them and their children forever. (Deut. 5:29)
The cry of God for his children, the nation of Israel, reverberates through the ages. It still is true that if well with us and with our children.
Let me share some insights which may help you as you pray for your children or grandchildren.
1. We know God desires every child brought into the world come into a personal and loving relationship with the Heavenly Father through his complete faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord. 2 Peter 3:9
• Lord, open this child’s spirit to receive the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.
• Lord, make his heart tender to receive and obey your truths.
• Give us as parents, wisdom to provide the atmosphere and opportunities which will allow your Spirit to work freely.
• Make us aware of anything in our lives which might hinder his/her understanding of your love and grace. We ask you would remove those hindrances.
• May our faith and love be so transparent he/she will long to experience that kind of life.
2. We know God would have every child of his be transformed into the likeness of his Son, Jesus Christ. Rom. 8:29
• Lord, may my child have a heart to learn of your ways and a spirit willing to obey your truths. Psalms 25
• Give him/her a tender heart, sensitive to the needs of others. Phil. 2:3,4
• I pray you will protect him/her of their innocence and rob them of their future. John 10:10a
• May they be quick to recognize the deceitfulness of sin and make decisions which would honor You. Heb. 12:1
• Lord, give me wisdom to guide them to understand you are in control and nothing will separate them from your loving presence. Rom. 8:29
• Lord, I pray they will realize their body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Give them a desire to keep the body pure and set apart for maximum service Rom 12:1,2
• May they live a life of purpose, with a heart of a servant, and a sense of responsibility Luke 9:23-25
This is by no means inclusive. You can add your heart concerns. Many who read this already have reared their children. Feel free to cut this out and give it to your adult children, a young couple or small group. This might nudge them into a more active and structured prayer life. God bless.
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