Ways I Pray for my Kids

Dear Abby,

One of my favorite small groups EVER is this book...it changed my prayer life. Please help me pray for my kids...this is what I use! THANKS! I pray that my children will live long, healthy lives thanks to the fervent prayers of family and friends.

(Taken From) The Power of a Praying Parent

Stormie O’Martian

Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children. Lamentations 2:19

1. Protection from harm- “hide them in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who oppress, from their enemies who surround them…” Psalm 17: 8-9

2. Feeling loved and accepted- by God, by family, by peers and others. Help us to love unconditionally like you do and that we can show it in a way our children can perceive it.

3. Eternal future/Growing in his/her faith-that God’s word would penetrate their heart and give them a desire for a close relationship with God. That ______would be filled with the Holy Spirit and acknowledge God in every area of his/her life, believe fully that Jesus laid down his life for______, and be able to comprehend the fullness of God’s forgiveness so that he/she will not live in condemnation and guilt.

4. Honor Parents/Resist Rebellion-that _______would have a heart that desires to obey God and his/her parents. Reveal any rebellion so that it can be identified and destroyed.

5. Maintaining Good Family Relationships-that children would have a close relationship with each other.

6. Attracting Godly Friends and Role Models-that he/she would have wisdom/discernment when it comes to choosing friends who are godly, that he/she would not compromise his/her walk with God to make friends.

7. Developing a hunger for the things of God-Help us to show them that walking with God brings joy and fulfillment and not boredom and restrictions, for an excellent youth group to support them, for them to have a deep love, respect and reverence for God’s authority.

8. Being the person that God created-reveal to us his/her talents/gifts so that we can best nurture and develop them. Help them to appreciate their strengths and not dwell on weakness.

9. Following Truth and Rejecting Lies-“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape…” Proverbs 19:5 Give him/her a heart that loves truth and follows after it.

10. Enjoying a life of health and healing-“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds…” Jeremiah 30:17

11. Having motivation for proper body care-that him/her would desire and make choices that contribute to a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle.

12. The desire to learn-May he/she seek after understanding like silver or gold, have a good mind, a teachable spirit, and an ability to learn. Instill in him/her the desire to attain knowledge and skill, and have joy in the process.

13. Identify God-Given Gift/Talents-“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10

14. Learning to speak life-“He who guards his mouth preserves life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” Proverbs 13:3 Pray that him/her will choose to use speech that glorifies God.

15. Staying attracted to holiness and purity- “Keep yourself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:22 May purity be reflected in what he/she does, says and the way he/she dresses and he/she presents his/her self.

16. A Holy Household- “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 Pray that nothing detestable to the Lord will be brought in your home without detection…that your home will be sanctified and set apart for God’s glory.

17. Enjoying freedom from fear- “Fear not for I am with you…” Isaiah 41:10

18. Receiving a sound mind- that God would give him/her a sound mind for making wise decisions and he/she would be able to renew his/her mind by “taking every thought captive”…that ______’s mind would be filled with the things of God and have no room for the lies of the enemy or the lies of the world. Philippians 4:8

19. Inviting the joy of the Lord-Give him/her the gift of joy/knowing the fullness of God’s joy/ surround ____w/love

20. Destroying an inheritance of family bondage

21. Avoiding alcohol, drugs, and other addictions/Breaking Down Ungodly Strongholds

22. Rejecting Sexual Immorality/Finding and waiting on the perfect mate

24. Living Free of Unforgiveness/Walking in Repentance—may they choose to forgive and repent.

25. Seeking wisdom and discernment- “if you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives it liberally…” James 1:5