For some parents this day is difficult. You may be reading this through a haze of tears as you've sent your first off to kindergarten. I pray the Lord brings you peace today.
For some parents this is exciting as you embark on a new year of learning at home. May the Lord be your inspiration today.
And yet for others, you are fighting the guilt at the relief this day brings. I pray the Lord steps in and eases you of that guilt, and directs it into a refreshment of the calling He has placed on your life at this time.
For all of us parents with school-aged children, this season of the year is an invitation to revisit, renew and expand our prayer life for our children. As I mentioned in my devotion today (you can read it at Proverbs 31), I find my prayers tend to narrow to the common denominator of protection. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, and I will pray for my children's safety my entire life.
But I know the Lord is calling me to pray for more. So today, I'm going to start the discussion, but then I hope you'll join in with how you pray for your children.
Here are some areas I believe the Lord wants me to pray about:
- My child's friends and their family situations
- My child's teachers
- The volunteers that work with my children at church, school and other organizations like Girl Scouts
- Athletic coaches
- Honesty
- Increased faith
- Boldness to speak the truth
- Integrity to do what she/he says she will do
- Peace
- Confidence in Christ
- Wisdom and discernment
- Patience with other children
- Conversation skills
- Bravery in the face of bullying
How do you pray for your children? Please share so we can all learn to pray with more expectation, and link arms to raise up a generation of children who will impact our world for God.
In His Love,
Glynnis
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53 comments:
I so needed this today. I just dropped off my daughter for her first day of 7th grade and am planning her 13th birthday party in just a few weeks. I just don't know where the days, weeks and years have gone. I do pray for her safety and like you am glad to get through the day. I would love a copy of the prayers you receive today. My email is trm227@yahoo.com
What a heartfelt blog post, Glynnis. I add my prayers to yours to and all mothers who have kids starting school.
Blessings, Nancy J Locke
I would love a copy of the prayers for my children. What a wonderful blog post today..
Blessings, Janice
Glynnis,
Your devotional and post has spoke so much to me. My oldest son starts kindergarten next week. I am excited, scared, worried and so many other things. I would love a copy of the prayers. My email is melanieacroy@hotmail.com. Thank you so much for this and for offering additional help!
In Christ,
Melanie
What a great reminder and inspiration you've given me today. I, too, find myself praying more for the basics and stopping short of things of the future. I do pray for my son to have confidence as he tends to be shy and also for him to choose to do the right thing even if his friends don't. I would love a copy of the master prayer list. My e-mail address is tsmith91@ec.rr.com.
I would also love a copy of the prayers, to pray for my six grandkids...four are in school, ages 13, 11, 9 and 4 (pre-school) and we also have 2 year old twin granddaughters...this would be wonderful to have to pray for different aspects of prayer covering for them.
My email is keeekers@harbornet.com
thank you!
God's timing always amazes me. My son just started his first year in highschool and already was confronted (by older kids) about drugs. I do pray for my children's protection, but I also pray for them to be a good friend and for God to send them Godly friends. I pray for them to have the courage to make the right decisions even if the pressure from peers is overwhelming. I would love a copy of the prayers you receive today. My email is tammy1@grantco.org. Thank you and may God bless you.
Thank you Glynnis for the reminder to pray specifically for our children. My two, son 18 headed to college and daughter 17 starting her Senior year in high school, have been prayed over since they were in Kindergarten and 1st grade through Moms In Touch. A fantastic ministry that has taught me the power of prayer and presence of God in their lives.
The most important thing we can do as a parent is give our children to God daily in prayer.
My kids are both young right now. My son will soon be 5 and my little girl is 2. Besides protection, my other big prayer for my children is obedience. Not just to me but that they will learn at an early age how to be obedient to God. So, I speak obedience over my children everyday. That they will not only be obedient to me and my husband but that they will learn to obey the voice of God for the rest of their lives.
I would like a copy of the prayers as well. tcantrell@choctawnation.com
Tasha
Thank you Glynnis (and I thank the Lord for your post today too). I also pray for my children's safety. Although they are still fairly young (almost 12 and 8 respectively) I have started praying for their future spouses and what I hope for their marriages. I go from praying for strength and courage as their mother, all the way to their marriages, with nothing in-between. So, I would also love to have a copy of the prayers that you collect today. My email is dawntugman@windstream.net.
Hi Glynnis,
What a timely devo. God is certainly talking to us mothers. he is letting us know that while it is good to pray for our children's safety, there are other areas that we need to start praying for.
Please send me a copy of the prayers. My email is dixoname@msn.com.
AnnMarie
Thank you, Glynnis for today's devotion. I can't tell you how much I needed it, but for different reasons than the beginning of school. My children are now 21 & 24. Over the years, my prayers also focused on protection. I am praying now specifically for wisdom & direction from God for both, but for one child particulary. I would love to receive a copy of the prayers. ceddins965@yahoo.com
I would love a copy of your master prayer list!
I don't have children of my own, but I am a high school teacher and have prayed at times for my students safety or for God to guide us through a conflict. I am thinking that I will pray more often for them, that they open their minds to all the useful and important things they need to learn, that they be given the strength to do the right thing in the face of peer pressure, that God send people into their lives that care about them and will encourage them to always do their best and live up to their potential, that all the challenges they face as teenagers be used to strengthen them and make them better people.
Andrea
afeutz53@yahoo.com
Thank you Glynnis for today's devo. What a good timing it is.Prior to read your devo, I've sent an e-mail to my prayer partners to pray for our church students. Thank God for this. May He blesses your children and your marriage (congratulations for your 27 years in marriage).
I would like a copy of your prayer list at: mimie223@hotmail.com. Thank you!
Loved your devotion, Glynnis! Thank you for sharing that powerful message.
I pray that my children will love the Lord passionately and that love will stimulate compassion in their hearts for others. I also ask for grace that they might have the desire to do the will of God. For my children that are not married, I often pray for their future spouse, Lord willing, that the Lord is providing a hedge of protection around them and that they are listening, hearing, and following Him.
Another prayer, that my children would increase in love for the Word of God. It is such an anchor for the soul and I not only pray that they would read it, but that they would be drawn to it and desire it.
The Holy Spirit loves to show us ways to pray for our children ... seems like every day they have individual needs ... He can see those things when I can't. I often seek Him for ways to pray for them then thank Him for giving me the privilege of interceding with Him for them.
Blessings,
Cheri
I needed this. Thank you. Yes, please email me a copy of the list. williamsmay2000@yahoo.com
I would like a copy of the master pray list for my children also. I too, pray for safety for my children on a daily basis. I would love to see the Lord work in their lives and have them see the Lord work in their lives. I know my 13 year old believes in Jesus but does not believe that Jesus answers prayers - we have been struggling financially for a long time and he has been praying for answered prayers, like us - but they don't seem to get answered so he just doesn't believe that God answers prayer. Of course, we as parents are having a few doubts too. I so need God to work in all of our lives so we can see him in all we do. kelbla@aol.com
Thank you Glynnis for this post. I would love to add to my prayers, please send me your copy. My email is jslutes@embarqmail.com.
My daughters are 21 and 18.
I would love a copy of the prayer list.
kimwhite62@gmail.com
As I was reading your Proverbs 31 devotion, I was thinking that I should type up the prayer list to use daily and I smiled when I saw that you were offering to email it! :)
I wholeheartedly agree with Dawn, who prays for the future spouses of her children! My father prayed for my husband when I was a little girl and God has blessed me with a wonderful man!
I also agree with praying for our children's friends and their families. There are many children in our kid's lives who don't have parents or grandparents praying for them...
My biggest prayer for my boys is that Jesus would always be their best friend!
I would love a copy of your prayer list, Glynnis. Thank you!
liz@oldsaltnh.com
I am glad that you allowed the Holy Spirit to encourage to write this bog about Higher prayer. I have 4 children, 27,15,13,4 and my prayers are very different for each of them. But what is the same is that they will become the men and woman that God has called them to be.
I too would like a copy of your list. kappasweetness@verizon.net
wonderful post. perfect for sharing this sunday at both my bible study and parents w/ kids w/ special needs support group - as i know the topic of kids/back to school will be prevalent at both!
i pray that my children will know what an incredible blessing gift from God they are to their dad and me - that they will really feel a great pride in being His creation, carried out in such a humble way that they shine His Light in this, at times very trying, world - that others will see the love of God in them and come to know Jesus themselves!
please send me a copy of the master list:
angieandtimhill@comcast.net
God bless!
angie
Glennis,
I have taken the time today to pray for a special neice of mine. She has so many negative influences in her life. She is so special to me and my husband. I am praying not only for her protection but that God will place a Godly child in her path that she can see a differnce in their life.
Enjoyed your post today.
Hi Glynnis, I LOVED your devo today. It was Luke's first day of 10th grade and I still find myself praying for his protection (and mine as he has gotten his driving permit last week!). But your devo resonated within me that I must take my prayers for Luke to a new place...his future, God's vision and plan for his ministry and serving God all the days of his life. I love you girl!
Glynnis thank you for your devotional today. Yes,I would like to have a copy of your master prayers. My email is mmasu2002@aol.com. Thank you.
Blessings, Monica M.
Three daughters 5th, 2nd and k this year...love your post today, thanks! Please include me in the prayers slhanks1975@yahoo.com
Hi Glynnis,
Thank you for your wonderful devotion and for challenging us moms to take our prayers for our children to new heights. I would love a copy of your master prayer list!
Natalie (natcap11@juno.com)
P.S. Happy belated wedding anniversary to you and your husband!
School days for my children are long past and now my grandchildren seem to be growing up even faster. I believe my prayers will make a big difference in their lives and I am trying to expand my requestes beyond the safety thing as well. A copy of the prayer topics from this post would be a welcome addition to my toolbox! Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Molly
mollysue_52@bellsouth.net
Thank you for the encouragement to pray for our children and the schools as they begin another year. Just in case you haven't heard, September 19 is Bless Our Schools Sunday. Moms In Touch International is asking their members in over 140 nations to ask their pastors/churches to take time during that Sunday's church services to pray for the students and educators of their congregations. There are prayer suggestions, also, at our website, www.MomsInTouch.org. May the Lord bless you, Debi Grenseman, Washington State Coordinator, Moms In Touch International, mitiwa@momsintouch.org
Where we live, we are still a solid three weeks from school starting, and I am not looking forward to it! The summer has flown by, but no more than the years have. My children are all girls, and range in age from 19 down to 5. Often I pray for safety for them, but for the last year, have been led to pray for deeper things, like wisdom and discernment, a love for God's word, the desire to serve Him no matter what, courage to deal with whatever life brings their way...these types of things.
I also pray for those whom they depend on - like teachers, both at church and at school, bus drivers, and other support staff at school. I thank God for His many blessings - for their health, their talents, etc. But I STILL feel like I have a long way to go. I find it easiest to pray throughout the day as things pop into my head. Pray for the bus driver when I see him at the stop, pray for the secretary when she answers the phone at school, pray for specific traits when I either see them used or not used. I would love a list. I am a LIST PERSON. :)
I would love to have a copy of the prayers as well. We moved over the summer so my kids will begin a new school next week. I have been praying all summer for this transition. mariannekcox@gmail.com
I would love a copy of your list! My little ones (4 and 6) started school almost 2 weeks ago. My PreK'er loves it but is still a little uncertain about everything. He doesn't want to mess up. I pray for his confidence and security in his own abilities. My first grader is not enjoying school this year. First grade is so different from her previous 2 years in school - less play and more seat work. I pray for her to persevere and to accept new learning challenges.
Mary Lynn
ml4estsmom@yahoo.com
This devotional was perfect today. Such an eye opener. Would love to learn how to pray higher for my children..I don't want to waste another day setting limits. Please send me a copy of your list. kevanandjill@hotmail.com
I would love a copy of the list! mrandmrsbaxter@sbcglobal.net
I too would love a copy of the list: nursela@hotmail.com. My 9 yo dtr starts 4th grade in 3 wks. I pray for her safety, but also for her during different times of the day. I always pray a hedge around her to keep out the friends that might lead her astray. She also needs prayer while she spends her time at her dads home since they are not Christians. This is a very difficult one, but one I'm sure God can handle! I pray for my grandson who gets bullyed almost daily at school. Since I've been praying about this, it's lightened up a bit. I'm hoping this year in 2nd grade it will be even better. Thanks for the great devotional that came at just the right time!!!
Glynnis,
Thanks for providing an opportunity and for the encouragement for moms to share what they pray for their kids. I have three children ages 14-20. I just helped my 20-year old son yesterday move into an apartment with roommates. He is about to embark on his second year of college. Walking past his bedroom tonight with no bed in it made me stop in my tracks. I couldn't help but think, "he's not coming back. My boy is all grown up." My heart still wells up and tears are filling my eyes as I type. For all the years I've prayed for my kids, my main prayer has been that they would truly know Jesus, live their lives for Him, and be strong in their walk. I pray they will love Jesus more than anyone or anything else. I know they are going to have trials, and I won't be able to fix it for them, but I can always go to the One who can. I have always prayed the details for my kids as well as at times, just a big fat: "HELP!" God hears. He knows a mom's heart. So, I encourage pray about it all: from diaper rash to teenagers' acne, from the first baby steps to the first steps into their own apartment, from the first scraped knee to the first broken heart. God wants we moms to pray about it all. Who else is going to? Let's just keep praying for the big and the small.
Michelle Barringer
Thank you for this...I have two grown children and I still pray for them daily. My nieces and nephews are also in my daily prayers and I would like to have a copy of your prayers. my email is melissa_twine63@yahoo.com
Thank you for all your comments today. I'm working on the list right now and will be mailing it out tomorrow.
To Michelle with the 20 year old college student. After I wrote my post, the Lord told me someone would write who had sent their son to college. So I prayed for you before I ever heard from you.
The Lord sees your pain, and cares tenderly for both you and your son.
May He be your peace and comfort as you are now the one experiencing growth pains. I'm right there with you sister with my oldest son being 19 and planning to get married in June. He's still home, but that day is very near when I will be crying over an empty room.
Love,
Glynnis
A great blog post. i would love a copy of the prayers for children as a mother of two grown and married children I still find myself in prayer for them and their families I have four natural grandchildren and three step grand children that I pray over and would love to use your prayers as a guide. My email is pjoltmanns@cox.net Thank you so much.
I am so thankful to have stumbled upon this blog! I just recently pulled out my pocket sized book of The Power of a Praying Parent because although my prayers are straight from my heart, I felt they lacked scripture and details! I find myself talking to God randomly throughout my day and though this has been one of the hardest seasons with our 4 kids, one which has autism, I have only found comfort through prayer for reading scripture. No one else and I mean no one is going to fix or help me with this like God can. He has provided a way....Maybe 8 months later but none the less a 13 year old who I just knew would be staying home with me forever is now getting ready to go to Jr. High and as I have been brought to my knees again I know only God is in control! He is enough.....All I need to do is love them and God will provide the rest!
Thanks,
Lori Anderson
ooops and I would love a copy of the prayers as well.
Lori Anderson
andfam5plus1@att.net
Thank you so much for this encouraging and though-provoking devotion today.
I am a mother of three (ages 17-20) and live far from my children here in Saudi Arabia with my husband. It is such a sad thing for me to leave my children behind in the Philippines and it is only by prayer that I always entrust them to God who i believe can take much better care of them than I can.
Indeed the "protection" mode is the ultimate prayer most mothers including myself can pray about.
Thank you for the reminders that there are other important areas in our children's lives that we often fail to commit to God and they are important indeed.
I am excited to receive a Prayer master List so that I will have some sort of a checklist on things I need to pray about.
I have appreciated the prayer times of the muslims here (coz the mosques broadcast them within everybody's hearing)and desire that as the call to prayer starts it would also be a prayer time for me to pray for all the concerns i have not only with my kids but others as well.
Again thank you for reminding me of what I should pray as regards to my children.
may God bless the ministry and the lives of the women you have touched.
One thing I learned to pray but realizing I do not pray it so much anymore, is to already pray for the life of the future spouse of my children now.
What they have to endure now they will bring into the marriage with my children and will affect them.
So praying God keeps them (whoever they are) save and that they may grow up in a warm and God loving family.
Thank you Glynnis for this post. Yesterday was bitter sweet for me as I took my first born to 1st grade. I loved praying with him on the way to school. I would love a list of the prayer prompts you put together.
By the way I was on the next step conference call last night. Thank you for your words of wisdom. I am really looking forward to the next 5 weeks!
Mary
mboswell98@bellsouth.net
Amazing how God sends the right message at the right time. I have two daughters, one 11 and starting fifth grade and a soon-to-be 13 year-old going off to middle school. I have been joking about how scary the next few years will be with teenage daughters, but in truth they really do frighten me. I know the pressures and issues that they will face and I pray for wisdom and guidance to help them through. Please send my a copy of the prayers. My email is rdcaudill@yahoo.com. Thank you!
i have five children and find myself praying the same way...only for today. I would love a copy of the prayers. Thank you!
FANTPRESTONL@att.net
My morning drive to work is usually the time when I pray for my children and yes, it's all about their safety during the day and the desire of my heart that we can all get back together safely in the evening. But this morning driving into work I was counting down the days til school starts and my sanity as well as their safety from me!
After reading this post I want to start praying for them each morning as I drive to work that while they are back at school they are protected, stretched and used by God to be the examples he has called them to be to their peers. I want to release them to God so that their lights can shine and they will be blessings to those they come in contact with. I will pray that they choose the right when faced with a difficult situation and that they are careful (even prayerful) in their friendships. To know that it is better to have one good, honest and trustworthy friend than a whole group that pushes them to do, think or feel things they know are not appropriate. You've challenged me to step out there and let them go knowing that they are in His care and he will watch over them.
I would love the prayer list from today.
kdchristian44@gmail.com
I was so encouraged by your blog and the comments from other moms, grandmothers, teachers, etc., about praying effectively for our children. I, too, have often focused my prayers primarily for their safety and protection. I know the God's desire for them (ages 13 and 15) encompasses so much more. I would love to have a copy of the prayer points as well. Thanks so much!
Oops! I forgot to include my email: martyandlynn@att.net
Have a blessed day!
This devotion is very timely for me. I would love a copy of your prayer list.
karenlynn.noel@gmail.com
Thank you so much for this devotional. I have two young sons (4 & 1), and regularly pray for safety and that the 4 year old will make wise decisions and follow after the Lord. I also pray for their future spouses and them. That the Lord would keep both of them safe and that both would follow after him and be good spouses for each other. Please send me your master list as well. My email is jaclynmarieroberts@gmail.com
Hi Glynnis,
I've recently found your blog through the Proverbs 31 "Encouragement for Today" devotionals. I was greatly impacted by your story several posts ago about hearing God's voice. What initially led me to the P31 ministry was being blessed by getting to hear Lysa TerKeurst speak at a woman's retreat a couple months ago. Like for you, God used Lysa to speak very boldly into my life.
Anyway, this post hit very close to home for me, as well. Not only am I getting ready to send my firstborn off to school 5-days-a-week, but I also run a business/ministry called How to Pray Cards (www.howtopraycards.com). It was not intended to be a business, but came about because I wanted to use my middle-of-the-night feedings to pray over my babies when they were newborns. I have a huge heart for being prayer warriors for our children (and just being prayer warriors in general!) "How to Pray for Your Children" was the very first set of prayer cards in my shop and I've been wanting to revamp it, or possibly create a "Volume 2". Your prayer list gave me many new wonderful ideas. Thank you for sharing! I have my first speaking opportunity coming up this fall to speak to a group of young moms about praying for our children. This list will be helpful for that as well! Don't worry...I'll give you all the credit! :)
Blessings to you,
Molly
molly@howtopraycards.com
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