Her daughter was lying in a hospital bed, surrounded by bewildered doctors. One person reported his symptoms to the head pediatrician over the phone. There was more consultation before the Eureka moment occurred. They identified the disease and she required immediate admission to the HDU.
My husband and I, who were not familiar with hospital rules, were disappointed when we realized we were not allowed to hang around her. I begged him to stay still, in the hallway, in the bathroom, on the ceiling, anywhere. But their rules were cast in stone. I called my mother crying. “You may not be physically with her, but your prayers are right there with her,” the mother reassured. Those words have never left me.
Mothers are essentially caregivers, a role given to them by God. They protect, comfort, nurse, guide, teach, nourish, encourage, discipline, and influence children, among other things. Mothers may be trying their best to do all of that, but it’s still not enough. David reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, the labor of those who build it is in vain (Psalm 127:1).
Please enter your prayer. A mother’s prayers go beyond physical walls and reach places that cannot be reached. Her prayers track the energetic toddler around the playground and keep it safe from harm. They hunt down teenagers who are reeling from bad decisions and guide them on a straight path. Here are some examples of prayers every mother should pray for her children.
Pray that they seek God first.
“And from childhood you have known the Bible, which can make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ” (2 Timothy 3:15)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
Dear Lord, I pray that this will happen to my children. It knows you since childhood and walks with you into adulthood and even into old age. We pray that they would find their identity in You and acknowledge that it is in You that they live and move and have their being (Acts 17:28). I pray that they will always prioritize their relationship with you above all earthly pursuits.
Help them develop a relationship with you through prayer, reading the Bible, and interacting with other believers. You are the good shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine and chases the one. I pray that You would always restore them whenever they stray from Your path.
pray for healthy growth.
“And the child grew up and became spiritually strong and filled with wisdom. and the grace of God was upon him” (Luke 2:40).)
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and found favor with God and men. ” (Luke 2:52)
Dear Lord, I pray that my children will enjoy healthy growth. Help your children grow physically, mentally, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. We hope they reach all their milestones in due time.
Sharpen their mental abilities and give them wisdom. We help children think critically, solve problems, and excel in learning. Help children be in tune with their emotions and express them in a healthy way.
Enable my children to communicate effectively with others and develop healthy relationships. Give them divine wisdom. That way they always know what to say and do. Above all, increase their liking for you and gain favor from men.
I pray for protection.
“You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrows that fly by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that ravages at midday.” (Psalm 91:5-6)
“I lie down and sleep peacefully. Lord, only You keep me safe. ” (Psalm 4:8)
Dear God, you are my children’s refuge in a world full of danger and danger. I love my children deeply, but you love them even more, so I give them to you. Thank You for the promise of Your Word, that as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so You also now and forever will surround Your people (Psalm 125:2). Thank you because so many angels surround my children. Protect them from disease, accidents, violence, bullying and evil.
You think good thoughts toward them, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give them a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Nullify all the evils that plague them and give them peace. Watch their comings and goings (Psalm 121:8). Encourage them to call on you whenever they are afraid. Because you help them when they need it.
Please give me courage.
“For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-control. ” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)
“Little children, you are of God and have overcome them; for greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
Lord, please give courage to my children. Have the courage to see little David stand up to giant Goliath. Fear comes from the enemy, so we pray that you would drive away all forms of fear that could cripple them. Please help them understand: We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13).).
When we are apart and they are experiencing separation anxiety, reassure them with your presence. Teach their little hearts to trust you when they feel scared of the dark, thunder, animals, or imaginary monsters. We pray that you will give them the courage to speak up for themselves, stand up against evil, stand up for what is right, and face life’s challenges. I also pray that you would give them the courage to share the good news of the gospel with their friends and schoolmates.
Pray for their gifts and talents.
“For this reason, I remind you to kindle the gifts of God within you through the laying on of my hands. ” (2 Timothy 1:6)
“Let no one despise you because you are young, but set an example for believers in word, deed, love, faith, and purity. ” (1 Timothy 4:12)
Dear Lord, You have given my children unique abilities, gifts, and talents. You help them identify these abilities very clearly. Allow them to use their talents and skills to serve you from an early age. Give them the courage to overcome criticism as they demonstrate their talents.
Help my children to let their light shine before others so that they may see their good deeds and glorify You in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Help them manage their gifts and talents and use them to expand your kingdom. May their gifts give them a place and bring them into the presence of great men, as you have promised in your word (Proverbs 18:16).
Pray for purity.
“Don’t follow the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. ” (Romans 12:2)
“For the saving grace of God appears to all, teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live modestly, righteously, and piously in our time.(Titus 2:11-12)
Dear Lord, I pray that this will happen to my children. Walk in purity and be free from the vices of this world. Protect your children from vices such as negative peer pressure, cyberbullying, substance abuse, and unhealthy relationships.
Help them to live righteous and upright lives. Please foster in them the following aspirations: Without holiness no one can see God (Hebrews 12:14)). Help them to set their sights on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, good, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Help them to boldly say “no” to all forms of ungodliness. Help them avoid the guidance of the flesh and make choices that please You.
Photo credit: GettyImages/Sasiistock
Kellen is a freelance writer who mines the wisdom of God’s Word while examining parenting, marriage, and life issues. Learn more about her work in her newsletter Wisdom Trails.
