Praying for Children, Part 4

The idea for this series was given birth while I cared for our daughter, Carly, at the hospital last week. I kept hoping for a free moment to post on marriage because Larry and I have been partnering with others on concerns about marriage health lately. Instead, it was a week for focus on children and prayer.

Believing that the Lord keeps leading us to share out of our own circumstances, I felt the nudge to share some child-focused prayers this week. I am hopeful you are appreciating it as Larry and I are appreciating the opportunity to regroup in health and household logistics. We hope to be back in the regular swing of life and ministry next week!

The Way of Angels

Sometimes I wake in the night with a jolt. I feel how helpless I am, ultimately, to make life turn out okay for my little ones, to keep accidents, evil, and disease from touching them.

My angels encamp around those who fear Me, and deliver them (from Ps. 34:7).

Thank You, Lord. When I'm afraid for my children, my first impulse is to run to You. All our hopes are in Your hands.

If you make Me your refuge, then no disaster will overwhelm you. I will command My angels to guard you and your children in all your ways (from Ps. 91:9-11).

Help me to remember that Your spiritual warriors can shut the mouths of lions and defeat the agents of Satan (Ps. 103:20, Dan. 6:22). Thank You for Your angels of mercy and power who guard even the weakest in Your kingdom.

My angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit my salvation (from Heb. 1:14).

Lord, I choose to accept the risks of living, knowing that my children are held in Your strong embrace for all eternity. Amen.

From "Praying the Bible for Your Children" by David & Heather Kopp.

Tomorrow, the conclusion of this week's series: "Here Among Us."

Praying for Children, Part 3

Larry and I have three daughters ranging in age from almost 18 to 12. It's exciting, humbling and often overwhelming to recognize the many ways each of them is gifted by God. Even Carly who is severely "disabled" with Angelman Syndrome is profoundly equipped to share things that contribute to the joy and faith development of those around her.

What a tremendous responsibility it is for us as parents to know how best to help our children develop and steward their gifts well!

Gifted Kids

Based on 1 Peter 4:10

Lord,

Thank You that You made each of my children unique, with different passions and talents. Truly, You are the giver of every good gift (James 1:17). Thank You for opportunities my children have to express their interests and abilities, from basketball to ballet, from team roping to tie-dyeing.

Thank You also for the spiritual gifts You are nurturing in them to build up the fellowship of other believers—gifts like teaching, service, comforting others, and healing (1 Cor. 12:8-10).

Today I pray that my kids would want and value the treasures You have invested in them for their own benefit and for the blessing of others (1 Cor. 14:1-5). And beyond that, plant in them a lifelong desire to use any talent—be it physical, mental or spiritual—to serve You (1 Cor. 12:4-11).

Help me to be the kind of encourager my children need in order to persist in their areas of talent. May I be like Paul, who urged Timothy, "Do not neglect your gift, which was given you" (1 Tim. 4:14). And help my kids work hard to make the most of the gifts You've given them—to practice, learn, and train with patience and diligence.

Thank You for Your promise, Lord, that whatever good work You begin in my child, You will continue to bring to fullness as he or she seeks You (Phil 1:6). Amen.

From "Praying the Bible for Your Children" by David & Heather Kopp.

There are many kinds of gifts and many ways to serve, but may our children do it all in the name, grace and power of the ONE TRUE GOD!

Visit with us tomorrow for "The Way of Angels."

Praying for Children, Part 2

While Larry and I are regrouping from Carly's hospitalization last week, we are so thankful for praying friends and the assurances that we have from God's Word. He is ever faithful to comfort and encourage us through friends but our most perfect, available and trustworthy support is from God Himself as He reveals Himself to us through the Bible.

I often find myself praying that my children will keep learning this reality — that the Word of God is a most powerful way to connect with who He is and understand His profound love for them. With that introduction, let us continue to pray together for the many children in our lives (whether our own or those we still love deeply).

Sweeter Than Honey

How sweet are your words to my taste. PSALM 119:103

Lord,

Today I pray that my children would love Your Word.

• Because "the law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul," may my children realize how much they need Your refreshment (v. 7).
• Because "the statutes of the LORD are trustworthy," may my children take risks to build their lives on Your Word (v. 7).
• Because "the precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart," may my children take genuine delight in studying the Bible (v.8).
• Because "the commands of the LORD are radient, giving light to the eyes," may my kids use Your Word to make important decisions (v.8).
• Because "the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever," may my children revere, honor, and worship You all of their lives (v.9).
• Because "the ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous," may my children rely on them to test every other belief, philosophy, or lifestyle they encounter (v.9).
• Because your ordinances "are sweeter than honey," may my children crave the Bible more than any other book (v.10).

I pray, Lord, that by loving Your Word, my children will recive important warnings about life and be blessed with great personal reward (v.11). Amen.

From "Praying the Bible for Your Children" by David & Heather Kopp.

Join us again tomorrow to pray about kids with special gifts.