As we continue our Drop Off Season discussion and enter all things back-to-school, we have a challenge you and your family: 31 Days of Prayer for Our Children.
For years, I prayed basic prayers over my son. I prayed for a good day, I prayed for a couple good friends, I prayed that he would have success on a test. While there is nothing wrong with these prayers, they fail to reach the true heart of the issue. As Christian parents, our heart’s desire is for God to work in our kid’s lives in a big way. But I think we hold back from that out of fear—I think sometimes we are afraid God will answer our prayers, but we won’t like the answer, so we hold back. We stay on the safe surface issues. It’s like watching a scary movie with our hands over our eyes, peeking through our fingers. We might have a trust issue with God.
- Can we trust God with the children He gifted us with?
- Can we trust God to move in their lives and yet fulfill their hopes and dreams?
- Can we trust God to care for them and protect them from this messed up world?
Mentally, I think we can all nod our heads yes to these simple questions, but in the stillness of the night, our hearts are holding tight to the need to guard and protect our children ourselves. It is shocking to be so honest . . . Do we truly trust God with our children, or are we holding back?
In this battle of faith and will, we must start from our foundation of faith. Scripture must be our cornerstone.
1. God loves us.
“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.”
1 John 4:18
If we have never experienced God’s perfect love, how can we trust God to love our children?
2. God does not want us to have worry and fear.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7
God desires us to leave our worry and fear at his feet. The devil knows that if he can ensnare us with worry, we will be unable to trust God. However, we are invited to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
3. God keeps His promises.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
When you are tempted to worry about your children, or to hold back your real desires, bring that very worry and concern to God. He knows what it is like to be a parent. Express your concerns to Him, and then leave your child with Him. He will replace your worries with peace!
In this 31 Days of Prayer for Your Child printable, we took 31 Scripture passages and created specific prayer prompts to pray over your children. These are prayers that bravely trust God to enter our children’s hearts in a big way, to change them, and to be present in their lives.
- Each day has a prayer prompt, such as “You will find faith!” along with Scripture to pray over your child, such as: So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17
- Each day, there is a space to write what you are praying for, where you can also commit your worries and fears to God.
- At the end of 31 days, we invite you to reflect on your progress. Notice how God worked in your heart and the hearts of your children over the course of these 31 days. Note what prayers were answered and what prayers you will continue to lift up to God.
- As you reflect at the end of the 31 days, we also encourage you to note a Scripture passage from this time that you want to claim for your child, or for yourself. Use that Scripture to continue to pray over your child in the years to come.
