Lord,

As my Father in heaven, you know what I need when I sin. You’re faithful to help me do the right thing as your child. As I parent my own children, it’s hard to know how to respond when they disobey. Do they need a tough consequence or a second chance to get it right? Which will influence their choices—a gentle word or a firm rebuke? Should I hold flexible boundaries or set limits that don’t budge? I’m confused and unsure whether to take a strict or soft approach with my kids.

Give me discernment in parenting my children today. Show me how to provide wise, loving discipline to teach them right from wrong. Provide courage to stand firm if they resist my authority. Keep my heart gentle and kind, able to show compassion when they fail. Let me love my kids as Jesus loves me—bearing all things, believing all things, enduring all things, and holding on to hope. (1 Corinthians 13:7) Help me to trust you’ll finish the work you’ve started to grow my children’s faith and maturity.

Thank you for offering wisdom for the asking. I praise you for setting a perfect example of teaching, correction, and patience. Draw my children close to you and write your Word on their hearts. Let my kids know your love as I parent each one by the guidance your Spirit.

Amen.

For what children are not disciplined by their father?
If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—
then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.
Moreover, we have all had human [parents]
who disciplined us and we respected them for it.
How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!
They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best;
but God disciplines us for our good,
in order that we may share in his holiness.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.
Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace
for those who have been trained by it.
(Hebrews 12:7-11)