I heard God’s beautiful whisper tonight as I was putting my kids in the bed. This is what He said to me, “Why do you wait until your kids fall asleep before you pray over them? I want you to pray over them while they are awake. Pray over them out loud so that they hear you talking to Me. Let them hear you lift them up in prayer, let them hear you trust Me with their lives, let them hear the promises I have for My children, let them know that I am their hope and salvation, and let them hear that you believe that the most important thing in life is to further My Kingdom. Let them know how much I love them and that loving other people, no matter what, is My great purposes for their lives.”
I ask my kids to say my prayers every night before bedtime and I pray with them but they are always short and sweet and to the point. I always wait until they fall asleep to spend a lot of time praying over my children. It is my job as their parent to teach them how pray and to teach them that praying is not something to check off right before bedtime. Prayer is the core of our relationship with God. No more short and sweet and to the point prayers before bedtime, it is time for my boys and I to have conversations with God, together as a family.
Pray these promises over your children (put their name in the blank):
Isaiah 54:13 – That __________ will be “taught of the Lord” and great will be their peace.
Psalm 119:11 – That __________ will hide God’s Word in their hearts.
Colossians 1:9 – That God will fill __________ with the knowledge of His will so that they can walk in a way that’s pleasing to Him and that their life will bear fruit.
Ephesians 1:17-19 – I pray that __________ heart will be flooded with light so that they can understand the wonderful future God has promised to those He calls.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – That __________ will trust in the Lord with all their hearts and not lean on their own understanding.
Phil. 4:6-9 – That __________ will not worry or be afraid but that they will pray about everything, and that the peace of God will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 5:12 – I pray that God’s favor will surround them like a shield whether at school or work or play.
I am thankful for God’s word and that He has entrusted me with these precious lives…Let us not take our responsibilities as a parent lightly.
by Brooke Outland (a friend of the ministry)
If you enjoy these devotionals, be sure to sign up to receive it in your email each Thursday! |
Stay Updated
Sign up for our monthly newsletter and weekly devotional