Three Important Prayers for Your Children

by Lois Flowers

A few months ago, Molly asked Randy to make some color copies she needed for a language arts project.

My girl doesn’t talk much about her schoolwork, and this was the first we had heard about the assignment. It turns out that she and her classmates were researching social issues, and she had very innocently selected a topic that we felt she should learn about at home (rather than by Googling it herself at school).

Initially, we weren’t sure how to respond because we’d never come up against something like this with either of our girls. But a few days later, a quick email to the teacher resulted in a better understanding of the assignment and a new, more appropriate topic for Molly.

This situation prompted me to pay closer attention to what my usually self-motivated daughter is doing at school. It also reminds me of some important petitions I frequently offer to God on behalf of both Lilly and Molly.

• First, I pray that things in their lives that need to come to light WILL come to light.

Time and again, God has answered this request in ways that are often quite noticeable. Occasionally He reveals something that has been purposefully hidden, like a sin issue that is brewing just under the surface. More often, though, He simply illuminates a scenario that we need to know about—through a question that we suddenly think to ask, random flip through a novel left laying around or a bit of information that comes out in a conversation.

For example, Molly’s language arts project easily could have come and gone without us ever catching wind of it, but it didn’t. I’m so thankful for that.

I don’t think this prayer should be held over a child’s head as some kind of parental fear tactic. But I do often remind my girls that I pray this way, and that God is faithful to answer.

• Second, I pray that friendships that aren’t good for my daughters will simply go away.

This has happened more than a few times, although I usually only recognize it in retrospect. Once, a friend who didn’t seem to be a good influence on one of my daughters literally moved away in the middle of the school year (although that’s not usually how it works).

These potentially questionable friendships sometimes just fade away as class schedules or interests change; other times, a painful break occurs. We can’t shield our kids from this kind of hurt, but we can help them through it. And we can also pray the converse—that God will bring good friends into their lives who will encourage them and appreciate them for who they are.

• Finally, I pray that God will guard my girls’ hearts.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.” This is an important concept to teach children, but it’s also difficult to carry out—especially when you’re in the throes of adolescence and your heart is fickle, insecure and immature.

That’s how mine was at that age, anyway, which is why I’ve been asking God to do this for my girls with greater urgency since Lilly started high school a couple of years ago. I love my children and want what’s best for them, but I can’t be everywhere they are or know everything about them.

Their Heavenly Father, though? He made them, knows them and loves them far better than I ever could. He’s not just my shield, fortress, protector and stronghold—He’s theirs too.

That’s how I can pray these three prayers (plus many more) and trust that He will answer–in His way and in His time. Not because I’m such a great parent (because frequently I’m not), but because He is.

So I’d love to know … If you’re a grandparent, parent, aunt or big sister, what important requests do you regularly bring to God about the children in your life?

Lois

I love my children and want what’s best for them, but I can’t be everywhere they are or know everything about them. Click To Tweet

PS. I’m linking up this week with Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Chasing Community, Faith on Fire, Faith ‘n Friends and Grace & Truth.

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32 comments

Kathy Beachy February 1, 2018 - 4:09 pm

Father God, Bless Brandon, Jordan, and Clayton. Please guide them to walk not in the counsel of the wicked, nor to stand in the way of sinners, nor to sit in the seat of scoffers. But teach them to delight in Your Word, Lord! Draw their hearts to meditate on Your law day and night. Make them like trees planted by streams of water that yield fruit in season, whose leaves do not wither. In all that they do, prosper them, for You know their way. In Jesus’ name, AMEN

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Lois Flowers February 4, 2018 - 4:55 pm

Oh Kathy … Praying the scriptures is the best, isn’t it? Thank you for sharing these eternal words you pray for your boys … God is faithfully answering, isn’t He? Much love to you, my friend!

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Linda Stoll January 28, 2018 - 7:47 pm

Oh, Lois … you’re bringing back reminders of parenting back in the day. Those teen years aren’t for the faint of heart and I’m lifting you up in prayer as I tap away here.

And perhaps doubling up in prayer for my 6 grandchildren, 2 of whom are teens.

Praise God, He never leaves their side.

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Lois Flowers January 29, 2018 - 4:50 pm

Thanks for your prayers, Linda! I’m sure your grandchildren’s parents appreciate your prayers more than they could ever express. And yes … I’m also thankful God never leaves our dear ones’ sides!

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Sarah Geringer January 26, 2018 - 10:10 am

I love all three of these ideas, especially #1. Thanks for sharing how they have helped in your daughters’ lives. Sharing this on Twitter. Happy weekend to you!

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Lois Flowers January 29, 2018 - 4:48 pm

Thanks, Sarah … for you kind words and for sharing! 🙂

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Joanne Viola January 26, 2018 - 8:23 am

Lois, this is such a wonderful post!It is so encouraging to remember we do not parent, or grandparent, alone. God is there to respond to our cries and help us navigate every challenge. Blessings on you and your family! They are blessed to have you – a praying mom in their corner!

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Lois Flowers January 29, 2018 - 4:07 pm

Thanks so much, Joanne. I know the cries of a grandparent are just as heartfelt, though maybe in different ways, than those of a parent. Like you, I’m so glad God is there to hear and to respond!

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Laura Rath January 26, 2018 - 6:57 am

These are excellent prayers Lois. I also pray for my daughter’s heart, and her mind. Also for her faith – that she will grow closer to Him and not pull away, especially when difficult circumstances go on for years.

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Lois Flowers January 29, 2018 - 4:05 pm

That’s wonderful prayer, Laura. I want for my girls to have a strong, deep trust in God, but at times I want them to have it NOW! It’s comforting to remember that the same God who has used trials and struggles to grow our faith will do the same in our girls’ lives … and that He will never let them out of His loving grip.

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Brenda January 25, 2018 - 2:12 pm

Isn’t it such a comfort to remember that we have God in our corner with parenting? So thankful He’s in control, and we can seek His best for the lives of our children. I pray those same prayers, and one that I pray a lot is for God to set apart Christian girls for them to marry one day. — So glad God’s with us in this parenting thing (or rather we’re with Him!) — Thank you for sharing today, Lois. xoxo

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Lois Flowers January 29, 2018 - 3:55 pm

I’m so glad for that too, Brenda! I pray for my girls to find godly spouses too, and that God will guard those boys’ hearts now as well. Like you, I’m thankful that God is in control of my girls’ lives. I find that “Thy will be done” is a prayer that applies to parenting just as well as it does to every other part of my life!

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Kristi Woods January 25, 2018 - 11:14 am

Good prayers, Lois. Praise God for the counsel of the Holy Spirit. We’d be in a world of hurt w/o Him. The friend prayer is one we’ve prayed and actually had to step in concerning one of our children’s choices. Not easy but right. Friends are SO influential. #chasingcommunity

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Lois Flowers January 29, 2018 - 3:50 pm

Oh Kristi … it takes a strong parent to “step in” when changes are needed with our kids’ friends. It can be so hard to help them understand the long view, can’t it? Yes, the “counsel of the Holy Spirit” is precious and invaluable … I’m so thankful for it too. Have a good week, my friend!

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Sarah Donegan January 25, 2018 - 6:12 am

These are wonderful prayers and I love how specific they are. Parenting has hard days, so I think you are doing a great job clinging to Jesus!

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Lois Flowers January 27, 2018 - 7:42 pm

Thanks, Sarah. The more specific the better, in my humble opinion! 🙂

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Melody January 24, 2018 - 12:37 pm

I loved this post so much. Hearing how other Moms are praying for their children helps. It’s why I love my Moms in Prayer so much every week. Love how you’re praying in terms of certain relationships going away. That’s helpful.

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Lois Flowers January 27, 2018 - 7:40 pm

Melody, I love my Moms in Prayer group too! I’m so glad you stopped by this week. The name of your blog got my attention, and I enjoyed poking around on your site for a couple of minutes. 🙂 (I just happened to click on the culinary fails category and am still laughing about the Dracula-themed Christmas cake!)

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Esther | Chosen & Cherished January 24, 2018 - 10:21 am

Amen, Lois!! For years, I have prayed that everything done “in the dark” will be brought to the light, even if it means having a hurt mama heart. When they come out, they provide such teachable moments where God’s grace shines so bright! Sharing!

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Lois Flowers January 27, 2018 - 7:30 pm

I have seen those teachable moments unfold too, Esther, and I totally get what you mean about that hurt mama heart. I’m just thinking of one situation that happened about five years ago … it was hard, hard, hard, but ended up being totally transformational in the life of one my daughters. Thank you for sharing … your words here and this post! 🙂

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Jeanne Takenaka January 23, 2018 - 8:52 pm

Lois, these are great prayers for you to be praying for your girls. I think I’m going to adopt them! The prayers that is. 😉

I pray that our boys will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
That their sins will find them out (sad I have to pray this, but God answers on a regular basis, which allows us to talk through things with the boys).
I pray that they will grow to be men of integrity. That they will grow to have hearts for Jesus.

And more. But this gets you started on my prayers.

Great post, friend!

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Lois Flowers January 27, 2018 - 7:24 pm

Jeanne, I almost laughed out loud when I read your second sentence! (Thanks for that bit of comment humor!) I also pray that my girls’ sins will find them out, and like you, am grateful that God is faithful to answer that one. I love the other prayers you shared … men of integrity with hearts for Jesus. You are doing what you need to do to pave the way, my friend!

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Michele Morin January 23, 2018 - 4:18 pm

These are loving prayers and very “hands off” in a good way. “God these are your girls. Do what you need to do.”

That’s how I try to pray for my boys. And I often pray that God will give them enough adversity to make them strong and full of faith but enough success so they will be able to see His love clearly.

Praying for our kids is such a challenge, but I do believe it is the most important thing we can do for them everyday.

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Lois Flowers January 27, 2018 - 7:20 pm

Michele, I love how you pray for your boys. It’s reassuring to remember that God can and will use everything in our kids’ lives to grow their character (and ours too, for that matter). 🙂

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Lesley January 23, 2018 - 4:16 pm

These are great prayers, Lois. Such important things to pray about, and I love that you’ve seen God answer these prayers in your daughters’ lives too!

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Lois Flowers January 27, 2018 - 5:06 pm

Thanks, Lesley. So often we pray and have to trust that God will eventually answer, so it’s fun to be able to point out actual answers to our kids, isn’t it? I often think of the time when Randy was laid off and Lilly (who I think was in first grade) really needed a new pair of shoes. We prayed, and then went shopping. She had always wanted a pair of loafers, and we found a good quality, barely worn pair at a resale shop in exactly her size. You can be sure we talked about that for many months!

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Trudy January 23, 2018 - 12:17 pm

All of these are such good prayers, Lois. It’s scary to raise kids. All the increasing technology makes it even harder in some ways. I heard my daughter explain to my daughter-in-law the other day how she keeps watch over her teenage daughter’s internet activity. I remember when our kids were growing up, I often prayed, “Oh God, please watch over our children!” And now that extends to our grandkids and even coming-on-three great-grandkids. I have to continually leave them in God’s hands. This truth you bring out is so encouraging – “He made them, knows them and loves them far better than I ever could. He’s not just my shield, fortress, protector and stronghold—He’s theirs too.” There is such comfort in that. Thank you so much! Love and hugs to you!

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Lois Flowers January 27, 2018 - 5:00 pm

I didn’t know you had “coming-on-three” great-grandkids, Trudy! How many grandchildren do you have? What a wonderful legacy! Having watched my parents pray for our entire family all these years, I am a firm believer in the power of grandparents’ prayers. Love and hugs to you this weekend!

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Debbie Putman January 23, 2018 - 9:50 am

Lois, these are excellent prayers. I also have specific verses I pray for my daughter and three grandchildren.

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Lois Flowers January 27, 2018 - 4:58 pm

Debbie, I’d love to know what those verses are if you ever have a chance to share. 🙂

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Leslie January 23, 2018 - 8:15 am

Lois, loved these three highlights for prayer for our children. It’s so good to keep them covered and protected and our prayers can bring that about even when we can’t always be near them. I think your #1 is so important and something I need to remember. Thank you, Lois!

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Lois Flowers January 27, 2018 - 4:57 pm

You’re welcome, Leslie! Isn’t it a comfort to remember that God knows what our kids need even more than we do? 🙂

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