Prayer

As a mother, I feel that one of my greatest responsibilities, privileges, and gifts I can give to my children is praying for them. I know that God wants us to seek and to ask according to His will. He has given us an open door. What a sweet blessing I can bestow on my children, lifting them continually up in prayer. One thing I have found helpful in lifting up my children in prayer is lists. I have a list in my bible and one on the fridge. It is a visible reminder of me to pray throughout the day. The lists contains things that I desire for my children that are bathed in scripture. I think I got one list from Focus on the Family. I'd reference that one but it is packed and ready to move in one week! I'll give a few examples off a list called Scriptural Blessings to Pray for Your Children by Brian Smith. I've personalized the prayers but the ideas came from that list. Here is where you can find prayer cards if you want to have something formal www.praymag.com . I don't always pray with a list but I do like them because they help me stay focused and purposeful.

Assurance of Salvation (Jn 3:16, 1 Jn 5:13) I pray that my children can know the Lord Jesus and be assured of their eternal inheritance through Him

Intimacy with God (Ps 27:8, 34:8, 42:1-2) I pray that my children draw near to God

Repentance (1 Jn 1:5-9) I pray my children see their sinfulness and need for a Savior

Friendships (Prov 27:5-6, 1 Cor 15:33) I pray that my children make wise choices in friends and know what it is to be and to have a true friend

Protection (Jn 17:15, 1 Cor 10:13, 2 Thess. 3:3) I pray for my children's health and physical safety as well as their spiritual health and safety.

Wisdom (Prov. 3:13, Jas. 1:5, Col. 1:9) I pray that my children can know God's will and grow in wisdom and knowledge.

This is not a complete list; there are so many aspects to pray about when we are praying for our children. If you have children, take time today to lift them up. If you don't have children, are there children you know that you could lift up? Nieces, nephews, friends' children, students, neighbors, the unborn...

I encourage you all to join me today in prayer for our little ones.