What do you ask God for when it comes to your children?
Many of us probably pray for our children’s health, safety, schooling issues, purity, and the right spouse (if it’s God’s will that they marry).
As I read Colossians 1:9-12 recently, I discovered a list of prayers that Paul prayed for the Christians there that could also apply to our children.
For this cause we also….do not cease
to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the
knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful
in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father….
Taking cues from this verse, I can pray that my children will….
- Be filled with the knowledge of His will. How important this is, especially as our children grow older and begin to make life-impacting decisions. Yet even in the early years, we can pray that they will be sensitive when the Holy Spirit speaks to their heart.
- Walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing. My heart’s desire for my girls is that they will live lives that are pleasing to God. This begins with simple obedience to parents and kindness to others, then grows as they learn more of what He wants from His children.
- Be fruitful in every good work. Lately I’ve been praying for opportunities for my girls to serve others, and have seen the Lord answer that prayer.
- Increase in the knowledge of God. I can set an example here by letting them see me read and study the Bible. Also, having family Bible time and working on Bible memory verses can help our children know more about God.
- Be strengthened by His power. Whether it’s courage to stand alone for Christ or fortitude to go through a trial, how important it is that our children learn that God can give them His power to handle any situation.
- Thank God for all He’s done. What better trait could we hope for than for our children to have grateful hearts and to learn to praise God for His goodness in their lives.
What other specific prayers do you pray for your children?
I had never thought about praying this passage for my children, but you're right that it's full of things for them.
Oh, yes!!! So powerful!!!