Prayer to receive discipline from the Father
Author: Emily Rose Massey
Bible reading:
“For now all discipline seems like sorrow rather than joy, but to those who are trained by it it produces peaceful fruits of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11, NASB).
Listen or read below:
I’ve been researching parenting styles lately and it’s helped me better understand myself, how I was raised, and how I want to raise my sons. In my opinion, raising a child with a deliberately laissez-faire approach (a “do whatever makes me happy” mentality) will ultimately be harmful to the child. Children need guidance from their parents, especially when they are young and do not yet fully understand the world around them. The “free range” style of parenting is actually very harmful to a child’s psyche. They are children, not chickens.
A parenting philosophy called “gentle parenting” is also growing in popularity. According to parents.com, “Gentle parenting is a method of parenting without shame, blame, or punishment. This collaborative style puts partnership at the center, as both parent and child have a voice.” That seems reasonable, especially when it comes to not shaming or blaming children when they disobey. However, my problem with this approach is the lack of discipline and failure to see parents as leaders in the relationship. This approach to parenting ultimately creates a child-centered family. God designed the family so that each person has a specific role as father, mother, and children. Both guidance and discipline are gifts from parents to their children. God also designed our relationship with Him and His church to have a specific role: to guide us, empower us to walk in obedience, and discipline us when we sin and disobey Him.
God disciplines those he loves (Hebrews 12:6). Rather than running away from the Father’s discipline, perhaps it would be beneficial for us to see this often difficult and unpleasant reality as a blessing in our own lives as the Father disciplines us. God allows consequences to affect us in the hope that we will return to the path of righteousness.
“For now all discipline seems like sorrow rather than joy, but to those who are trained by it it produces peaceful fruits of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11, NASB).
Even if we are believers, we sin and disobey God. In Christ, we are covered by God’s righteousness and forgiven, but we must still repent of our disobedience. 1 John 1 reminds us of the importance of confessing our sins.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJV).
When we try to hide our sins, we end up hiding from God, just like Adam and Eve did when their first sin entered the world. They felt ashamed and shame got the better of them. Because of the finished work of Jesus and the cross, we are forever justified and forgiven in our standing before the Father. However, when we sin, our communion with God is interrupted and we easily become separated from Him. When I sin, the Father’s love for me never changes, but I may still experience the consequences and correction of my disobedience. As believers, repentance helps us to keep our communion with the Father unhindered and open. Sin often makes our hearts callous and we may not be as sensitive to the convictions of the Holy Spirit. Conviction, repentance, and discipline are all great gifts from our Heavenly Father. God’s love is unconditional and complete, and nothing can stop Him from pursuing you. God wants us to be honest with Him. Then we will see real change occur in our lives as God shapes us into the image of His Son. Let us be willing to receive discipline from our Father so that we may bear peaceful fruits of righteousness, participate in His holiness, and reflect Him in the world.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father,
When I sin, the first thing I hide is because I feel like I’ve let you down. Your child, help my heart to understand your great love and mercy for me. Christ died on the cross so that we could have the right to be called your children, and nothing can change that. Nothing can separate me from your love.
Because you are a good father, you train your children so that we can grow and become like you. When I go astray and disobey, may I quickly repent and run to you. Help me to receive not only your great mercy toward me, but also your correction.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
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Photo credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Inside Creative House
Emily Massey started writing short stories and poems at a young age, entered the world of blogging in her early twenties, and published her first book in 2015. While she enjoys being a homeschool mom to four boys, she is also able to pursue her passion as a writer. She believes much is forgiven, loves much, and desires to teach others about Christ and His saving and transforming power, especially by sharing the truths found in God’s written Word. To connect with Emily, please visit www.emilyrosemassey.com.
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