Praying For Our Kids

It’s a question that still consumes me, even though our children are now grown and have families of their own. What’s more – I know it’s a question that consumes many Christian parents, because it’s a question I’m asked a lot. We are aware that children are gifts from God, a sacred trust placed in our care (Psalm 127:3-5). They really are ours for a while, so they can be God’s forever! How should we pray for our kids? What should we taking to our Heavenly Father in prayer concerning our children?

Parents may not fully realize it now, with the constant demands, joys and challenges (and sheer exhaustion!) of parenting, but those little ones really do grow up all too quickly. We want and desperately need God’s help in blessing our children. Here’s some humble suggestions for praying for the little ones in your life. 

1. Pray that your kids will see your love for God and for each other in your marriage is deep and real – even if it is imperfect (Philippians 4:9; 2 Timothy 1:5).
2. Pray that your kids come to deeply and richly know God (John 17:3; Philippians 3:10), and that they will love Him with their all (Matthew 22:36-40).
3. Pray that God will raise up godly mentors and positive influencers in their lives (Proverbs 27:17). Parents have an awesome responsibility, but we DO need help. I will always be greatly indebted to those who graciously invested in our kids.
4. Pray that your children grow as Jesus did – in wisdom, in stature and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). Pray that we will properly emphasize whole-child development as parents (2 Peter 3:18).
5. Pray that God will protect them from themselves, from violent and abusive people and from the evil one (Matthew 6:13; 1 Peter 5:8-9).
6. Pray that your kids will have an incredible hunger and thirst for God and His word (Matthew 5:6; 1 Peter 2:1-2).
7. Pray that wisdom and biblical discernment would be their constant friend (Proverbs 2:3-5; Philippians 1:9-11), and that they’d live by the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12).
8. Pray that your children will always be thankful to God for His grace and goodness and to people for their expressions of kindness (Colossians 3:15; Psalm 103:2).
9. Pray that your kids fully develop and utilize their gifts and talents so they can use them to praise and glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
10. Pray that they NOT harden their hearts, but keep them pure and tender (Matthew 5:8; Ephesians 4:32; Psalm 51:10-12).
11. Pray that God will prepare them a faithful Christian spouse who will love and cherish them and help them get home to heaven (1 Peter 3:7).
12. Pray that they will be far more loving, knowledgeable and effective in the service of God than we have been (Psalm 78:6; 102:18; 2 Timothy 2:2). It is natural for parents to want their kids to have a better life. Why not pray this to be true spiritually as well?

I still pray these for our children, but now I also pray them for our grandkids too! The seasons of life come and go, but the word of God is ever fresh and applicable. The greatest thing you can do for your family is to take them to the throne of grace early and often! (Hebrews 4:16).

Mike Vestal