Each week at church, we find ourselves in the house of God, asking Him for things, thanking Him for what he's given us, and praying for strength.
We can get caught up in praying for our own needs and wants, but we should also be thinking about what our children need. No, not bicycles or new toys, but the lessons and values they will need to live a fulfilling life.
These are things to pray for your children so they can live through Christ.
1. That they will be called upon by Jesus
A calling from the Lord to live your life with Christ is something every Christian parent wants for their child. Pray that your children may receive this message early, so that they can live a life full of purpose and love from the Lord.
"For many are called, but few are chosen," Matthew 22:14
2. That they learn to forgive
Forgiveness is the key to a happy life. Holding grudges and resentment can lead to unnecessary anger.
Pray that your child learn to forgive so long as the other person has repented for their wrong-doings.
Even if they have not, pray that your children can find it in their hearts to pray for the lost soul.
"So watch yourselves. 'If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying "˜I repent,' you must forgive them,'" Luke 17:3-4
3. That they are well-equipped to meet their daily needs
No parents wants their child to struggle through daily life. Pray that through God, they will find all they need to meet their needs, and also identify what those needs are.
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus," Philippians 4:19
4. That they will reject Satan's advances
Temptation and sin are products of the devil, and we all pray that our children will reject these advances from Satan. Living a life through Christ, not Satan, is how we want our children to be.
Pray that they will not be lead into temptation, but rather live in the path of Christ.
"The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work," 1 John 3:8
5. That they will defeat negativity
Negativity can be easy to fall into and get stuck in, so pray that your children will know how to defeat this evil and choose to live positively. Teach your children a prayer for hope when they are feeling hopeless.
This is different from Satan's advances, as negativity can be thoughts and mindsets as opposed to actions.
"As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him," Titus 3:10
6. That they will know how to love
Knowing how to properly love can only be found through following the Lord's words. It is more than a physical relationship between partners, but also relies on an intense connection of emotions and faith.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?" Ecclesiastes 4:9
7. That they will have strong relationships
Relationships other than romantic ones are important, and you should pray that your child learns how to have meaningful, strong friendships with those around them.
"Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble," 1 John 2:9-10
8. That they will give more than they will want
It is better to give than to receive, which is a lesson that can only be taught through faith. Pray that your children understand how rewarding it is to give back, and that the real gift they receive is knowing they will be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven with open arms.
"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: "˜It is more blessed to give than to receive,'" Acts 20:35
9. That they will not be driven by money
Money leads to temptation. Being driven by money is being driven by greed. Pray that your children understand the value of balance, and that money should not be their driving force. Rather, teach them that love, trust, and faith are what matter in life.
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs," Timothy 6:10
10. That they will never become bitter towards
Even in the darkest of days, one should always hold firm with their faith. Pray that your children will believe without question for their entire lives, as not to be damned for eternity.
"Those who hate the LORD would pretend obedience to Him, And their time of punishment would be forever," Psalm 81:15
11. That they will stand in their beliefs, even if they are alone
It takes a strong soul to hold steadfast faith, even when those around them are wavering. Pray that your children will know how to remain with God and stand up for their beliefs, even if everyone else is choosing to be silent.
"Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight," Samuel 10:12
