I pray that our children follow Christ
By Christine Brown
Bible Reading:
“Indeed, goodness and mercy will follow me in every day of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23:6 (ESV)
Listen or read:
Poem sal23 is where I have turned many times in my life when my heart aches, and I had no words to say. As I was hoping for something only God could provide, the wound was cut deep and nothing I did myself relieved the pain. For some reason, the psalmist David knew the words I needed.
Each poem in poem sal23 feels straight from the heart of my longing. So the other day, when I read this familiar poem sal again and again, God was surprised to be reminded of something different. I was hoping to be drawn in by God’s promise to “restore my soul” like many other times. I was also hoping for the truth, “He’s with me.” But on every line, I couldn’t concentrate on my situation. Instead, I imagined my child’s face.
Faithfully to God’s nature, he revealed something new through what I have read at least 100 times. Above all, I wanted my kids to know this same comfort. I wondered if I would turn to poem sal23 in times of trouble. If they know that God will “leave them into the path of righteousness,” they will prepare a table for them in front of their enemies. (Psalm 23:3,5) Do they understand the hopes they have available?
We want the best for our children and know that it is our job to teach them about God and His love. So, how do we know that we did enough? It’s fun to cuddle up to your favorite book about Jesus. We want to ensure that they follow Christ in their teens, young adults and beyond. It’s hard to rest knowing their mental choices are out of our control.
But through the gift of praying for our children, God gives us a promise. He is loyal and when it comes to our children, that’s all the guarantee we need.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 says, “But the Lord is faithful; He will establish you, and he will protect you against the wicked.” Yes, our children will experience difficulties. When they “walking the valley of the shadow of death,” we can tell the truth of poem sal23 in their lives and ask God to be with them. He does the same for them, just as he brought us.
God calls us parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and sows the seeds of faith in the lives of our children. He encourages us to talk about him day and night. (Deuteronomy 6:7) But without prayer, our efforts are futile. Thankfully, we can call God and pray that our children will follow Him in every day of their lives. When we pray, insert the names of the children.
Let’s pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the love you have for my kids. I cannot guess the depth of your love, but for your sacrifice, I know nothing more important than your child. You have created a way for my children to know you primarily. You are a good father.
Please forgive me for my mistakes as a parent. Please forgive me for feeling that my efforts are not enough. You are in control, not me. You have a good plan for my kids. You are my faithful God who loves him, maintains his commandments, and maintains his covenant and unshakable love until a thousand generations… (Deuteronomy 7:9).
Today I pray to my child for the truth of poem sal23. I ask you to lead her to the side of the water, and to lead her to the righteous path for your name. As she knows you are with her and your rod and staff will comfort her. I pray that your goodness and mercy will follow him in every day of his life, and that he will live in your home forever.
In the name of Jesus, I pray, amen.
Photo credit: ©istock/getty images plus/liderina
For more spiritual growth resources, check out today’s devoted author Christine Brown’s 5-day email prayer, how to be free from bitterness. Find out more about Bible women. Find encouragement to “be more than yourself through God’s Word” at Kristine’s website, Morethanyourself.com.
Listen to Greg Lowry’s new show!
Everyone talks about life after death, but what about life in life? “Why am I here? How can I be really happy? Is my life important or why do I feel empty inside?” And “What really happens when I die?” Pastor Greg Laurie helped millions of people find deep hope through true faith. In “The Greg Laurie Show,” he shares his own journey from despair, addiction and abuse into a spiritual revolution that changed everything. Based on decades of shocking ministry, Greg addresses the deepest questions of life, offering timeless biblical wisdom, practical guidance, and a compelling vision for life fundamentally transformed by Christ. Join Pastor Greg to navigate today’s cultural challenges, unleash spiritual truths, and enable listeners to discover lasting joy and meaning in their relationship with God.
Because you prayed, do you need someone to pray for you? Click the button below
