Growing Through Prayer - Parent by the Book

Lord, raising kids is hard. I run out of answers for their tough questions. Poor choices and stubborn attitudes leave me stressed and confused. I wonder if my efforts make any difference at all. The world offers an overwhelming array of advice, but I want to parent by the book–your Book–by doing everything the Bible tells me to do.

Fill my heart with sincere love for my children. Help me to love like you, with grace and compassion all the time. Let my affection be authentic and real so they’re confident in my love.

Show me how to uphold your standard for right and wrong in our home. Let us turn away from evil and hold on to what’s good. Purify our minds so “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy,” we “think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Restore my devotion to my children. When their behavior offends or hurts, give me courage to forgive and stay close. Sustain my loyalty when I’m tempted to complain, criticize, or gossip to others. Keep my priorities in proper order so my kids get the full attention and care they need.

Direct me in showing honor to my children as a parent. Give me eyes to recognize the talents, strengths, and potential my kids hold inside. Let me speak with kindness and self-control, treating them with the respect I’d like in return. May I always value them as priceless gifts from your hand.

Give me passion to parent as a ministry of service to you. Teach me how to disciple my children by your Word. Help me to serve my family gladly and willingly, as a “cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) May the heartfelt sacrifices I make for my children be acts of worship to Jesus.

Help me to be “joyful in hope,” believing my kids are in your hands. Grow my trust in you to bring them to faith and maturity. Let confidence in your power bring peace when I worry, joy when I’m discouraged, and hope when I’m giving up.

Give me patience by your Spirit to bear with my kids. When they hurt, I hurt too. I grieve as their foolish decisions bring hard consequences. I suffer rejection as they strive for independence. Parenting can be a painful journey—help me to stay strong and keep on going.

Use these years with my children to teach me to pray. Instead of fighting with my kids, let me fight for them on my knees. Move through my persistent, faithful prayers to work mightily in their lives.

Thank you for your Word that gives me all I need to love my children well. As I parent by the Book, put “your laws in my heart and write them on my mind.” (Hebrews 10:16) Be my source of strength and wisdom at all times. You are the Lord of our family and I thank you for your love that never fails. Amen.