Praying For Your Child
By Belinda Jones Bible Teaching for Kids Bible & Me Learner Guide © 2007
LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
Do you remember the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1?
Hannah was the childless wife of Elkanah. She longed to be a mother. She fervently asked God to answer her prayer. When God gave Hannah the desire of her heart, her prayers did not stop. 1 Samuel 2:1-10 records Hannah praising God for hearing and answering her prayers. Hannah knew what she wanted. She prayed persistently, specifically, and with great faith. Our prayers, including those for our children, should follow her example.
Be Persistent•Pray Daily For Your Child.Set aside a certain time each day to spend with God. Guard this time zealously. Interruptions may occur, but remember that you are the person entrusted with caring and praying for this child. •Repeat Requests For Your Child.Pray every day that your child will receive Christ as his Savior (John 3:16), and when that day arrives, pray for your child to follow Christ all the days of his life (Colossians 1:9-10) |
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Be Specific•Tell God Exactly What You Desire For Your Child.Lamentations 2:19 directs us to pour out our hearts like water before the Lord and to lift up our hands to Him for the lives of our children. For example, you can pray specifically for Devon to sleep at naptime or for Sarah to stop crying when she is dropped off at Sunday School. •Search The Bible For Godly Attributessuch as wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), love (John 15:12), thankfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), and freedom from worry (Philippians 4:6-7). Pray these Scriptures, asking God to give these qualities to your child. |
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Be Faithful•Pray Faithfully And Expectantly.Hebrews 11:6 states that without faith it is impossible to please God and that to come to Him, we must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. •Keep A Prayer Journal. Record your prayers and God's response to them. Use the prayer journal as a record of God's faithfulness to your family. •Model Prayer.Teach your child that prayer can occur anytime, anywhere. While driving the car, pray for the drivers around you. Thank God for the food before meals. Pray for the safety of the athletes at a sporting event. •Schedule A Daily Family Prayer Time.Let your child know you are praying for him. Your child should hear you ask God for your needs as well as his. Remember to thank God for answered prayer. |
Hannah thanked God for her son, Samuel, and gave him to the Lord for His service. Her specific, persistent, and faithful prayers met with great results. In 1 Samuel 2:26, we learn that Samuel grew physically, was blessed by God, and was well thought of by people. Hannah's prayers were answered. God will not fail to hear yours (Psalm 66:19-20). |
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If you are new to praying scripture for your child, here are a few websites that will help you to get started:Praying For Your Child Head to Toe 31 Days And Ways To Pray for Children and YouthPraying For ChildrenChange Their Lives |