Praying Parents

Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail.

Luke 22:31

It’s a tough job to raise children today, but one of the secrets is to put God first and to pray for our youngsters. Find a spot at the kitchen table, by your bedside, or in a spare room, and spend time every day interceding for your kids. Some parents keep a journal with a picture of a child on each page, followed by various needs and prayer requests.

Don’t know what to pray? Writer Lovelace Howard says, “Jesus’ prayer for His disciples and St. Paul’s prayers for his converts are ones we can always use with confidence in praying for our children. When, at any age, our children face temptation and danger, we can pray for them as Jesus did for Peter, that their faith may not fail and that their Heavenly Father will keep them from the evil one.”

Or adapt Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:9–10: “Lord, I pray that my children’s love may abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that they may approve the things that are excellent.”

No child is more fortunate than one with a praying parent or grandparent.