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Every parent wants the best for their kids. It’s built into being a parent. From the second they’re born you pray that you won’t totally screw up. Haha! But seriously.
I learned the power of prayer early on from my Grandma. I remember spending the night at her house when I was really young and every morning I would find her in the same spot. Sitting in her rocking chair, Bible on her lap, praying. She prayed. About. Everything. Once she prayed over a sunburn I got while swimming and, no joke, it was gone within the hour. She wasn’t even surprised because she knew her prayers would work. She had faith that could move mountains. And sunburns.
My mom cemented my love of prayer when I was older and going through that oh so lovely awkward part of growing up known as middle-school. She answered nearly every tearful teenage frustration by praying with me. Hearing her voice, feeling my hand in hers, and knowing that I was so important to her that she was petitioning the creator of the universe on my behalf was priceless.
I want the same for my children.
I want them growing up knowing their value, knowing I would do anything for them, and understanding that they are loved, not only by their earthly parents but by their Heavenly Father as well.
Multiple times a day I pray for my children and there are always variations, but there’s just something special about bedtime prayers. We’re calm and quiet after bedtime stories, the lights are off, cozy in their beds. It’s that same feeling from my childhood when my mom prayed for me, but now I’m on the other side. I feel their small hands in mine and hear their easy breathing. Little Dude sometimes even rubs my arm as I pray. *Heart melting*
My prayers have evolved as my children have grown, but each night there are seven things I always pray for.
1. I pray their relationship with Christ grows daily.
Whether it’s through prayer, reading together, learning a hymn together, or just pointing out how beautiful God’s creation is as we take a walk, I want my kids to be washed in His presence. I want them to understand that He is constant and unchanging.
2. That they receive every blessing God has for them.
I wish I could remember where I first heard about this concept. Or maybe it was one of those things that one day just clicked for me. Have you ever thought about your role in God’s blessings? He wants us to live rich full lives! He came so we could have abundant life (John 10:10)! We are the ones who tend to get in the way, second guessing, worrying, and not trusting His plans for us. So I want my children to actively receive God’s blessings. I want them to be so trusting and so grounded in their faith that they’re able to get out of the way and let God do His thing.
3. They exhibit the fruits of the Spirit.
” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) Every single one of these attributes is needed in our society. I believe my children are capable of filling that need. “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior…” (Psalm 127:4-5) God willing, my arrows will make an impact on this world and “by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15-20)
4. They have a strong bonded relationship with their siblings.
A few weeks after we found out we would be parents to three little ones, Ecclesiastes 4:12 has been a kind of motto for us. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” They are stronger together than apart and I pray they understand that, love each other well, and guide one another toward Christ.
5. I pray for their future families.
They won’t always be my babies. Well, they will, but they will inevitably grow up and have families of their own. Just from looking at my own family history I know how powerful the actions of one generation can be. Not only do I want my children to have joy filled Christ centered marriages, but I want their children and their children’s children to know the love of Christ.
6. I pray they sleep!
I am still human after all. “Father give them restful sleep and sweet dreams.” Maybe a slight bit of selfishness here, but I genuinely also want them to sleep well so they feel good. Lack of sleep equals cranky kiddos.
7. I pray for wisdom.
I have been chosen specifically to be mother to these three beautiful souls. This job was given to me and I want to do it well. I pray for wisdom and I want my children to hear me pray for wisdom. I want God’s wisdom to keep me level headed and grounded, wisdom to raise my kids to be who God wants them to be, and wisdom to know what they need; to know how to point them to Christ in the best way possible. I also need wisdom to set a godly example for them. How can I ask them to produce fruit if I don’t set that example for them? So, God give me your wisdom because I can not do it without you!
Ivey says
Beautiful, thank you for this post. I hear your beautiful heart through your words.