Praying for Your Children

Scripture:“ She made a vow, saying, ‘Lord of Armies, if You will take notice of Your servant’s affliction, remember and not forget me, and give Your servant a son, I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life.’” — 1 Samuel 1:11

Reflection: One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is our prayers. I was reminded of this when my wife, Katie, spoke with a mother who was overwhelmed with her child’s behavior. She had tried everything she knew to do, yet she felt helpless and exhausted. When we shared Scriptural guidance, the conversation turned toward the importance of praying for her child—regularly, specifically, and faithfully.

When we don’t know how to pray, Scripture gives us direction. We can pray what Jesus prayed, like when He prayed Peter’s faith would not fail. We can pray the prayers found throughout the New Testament letters—prayers for wisdom, strength, spiritual growth, and endurance. We can look at biblical characters and pray that the good qualities we see in them would be formed in our children. And we can also pray that our children avoid the destructive patterns we see in others. Prayer is not just asking God to fix behavior—it is asking God to shape the heart.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, or mentor, your prayers matter. They may be unseen, but they are never unheard.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the children You have placed in my life. Teach me to pray for them with faith, consistency, and love. Show me how to pray Scripture over their hearts and futures. Form Christlike character within them, protect them from harmful influences, and strengthen their faith so that it will stand firm. Let my prayers be a faithful act of love. Amen.