As adults, we have few commitments greater than our responsibility to pray for our children. In a world more focused on TikTok, politics, and sarcastic memes than on instilling values and a work ethic, we need to call on God, begging for the power of the Holy Spirit to pour down on us and into our children.
It may be automatic to cry out to God with a prayer for protection when our children are hurting, sick, in danger, or struggling in school or social situations. While God certainly wants us to go to Him with all our needs, He also desires a relationship with us where we come to Him in good times and hard times.
The Command to Pray Without Ceasing
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us what God’s will is for us:
- “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
We should continually pray for current and future needs instead of waiting for a crisis to pray for our kids. James 5:16 tells us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” We have a responsibility to pass on spiritual truths and God's love to the next generation of leaders. Here are a few prayers for our children that remind us of what we are called to and how we should train them.
Pray For Their Salvation
The most important prayer we can pray for our children is for their salvation. Ask God to instill in our children a love for Jesus and a desire to make God number one in their lives. Ask that He gives them courage, not allowing friends, material possessions, popularity, and ambitions touted on social media to become priorities. Pray that our children grow to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, as well as love other people in their lives (Mark 12:30-31).
Pray For Protection
We all want what is best for our children and we want them to enjoy a life of success. Above all, we want our children to know the abundant life that only comes from a life in Christ Jesus (John 10:10). Prayers for our children should include praying for their spiritual guidance and protection against the temptations they will face each day (Ephesians 6:10-20).
Pray With Thanksgiving
Our prayers for our children should be done with a thankful heart, including praise and adoration for our Heavenly Father, who entrusted us with them. We should humbly give them back to Him and pray that they become committed to Jesus and live lives that glorify God. Thank God for the children in your life and for the individual gifts and talents He has given each of them.
Pray for Godly Influences
Be open to partnering with others in prayer over your children, as well as for all the children you mentor. Calling on God together as we ask Him to guide, protect, and bless our children allows us to encourage and build each other up (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Pray that God will put another caring adult who loves Jesus in your child’s life, especially as they reach their teenage years. Pray that your children reach out to godly men and women for guidance and support during those times, like the teenage years, when they are less likely to talk to parents. Pray that your child’s school experience will instill in them not only knowledge, but provide opportunities to build their strength and courage to take a stand for Jesus.
Verses to Pray Over Your Children
Praying parents build a strong, Christ-centered home on the firm foundation of the Rock of Ages. Pray out loud over your children to teach them the importance of talking with God. This allows them to see your personal relationship with God and builds their character. Let them hear you talk to God, asking for their protection and asking for them to grow in love for Jesus and for others.
- “…blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”—Luke 11:28
- “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”—Psalm 139:14
- “…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…”—Philippians 1:6
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”—Proverbs 3:5-6
Prayers for the Children We Influence
As we pray for our kids, remember that our children are more than just those whom God has given us the privilege of parenting. The grandchildren who are the light of our lives, the nieces and nephews, the littles who play in our neighborhood park or run the hallways at church, the teens at Fusion, or those playing on the team we coach, even the ones we have chosen to sponsor who live thousands of miles away in Tanzania—these are all children whom God has given us the privilege and responsibility of supporting through prayers for protection and blessing. Here are some prayers to pray for the children you influence:
Parents & Grandparents’ Prayer
Gracious Father, I come to you with a thankful heart for the beautiful children in my family whom I hold dear. I know they are Yours, and that You have a plan and purpose for them that is far greater than I can imagine. Thank you, God, for loving our children more than we ever could. I ask that you fill them with your Holy Spirit and guide their tender hearts. Give them an understanding of the precious gift of Jesus and of the importance of accepting your free gift of salvation. I pray Father, that You would guide them to godly friends and provide them with wise guidance so that they may find the path that You have prepared for them. Bless them with your mercy and grace, grow their character and love for you, and let their lives reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Teachers/Coaches/Mentors Prayer
Almighty Father, I come to you in humility, knowing you have placed all these young people in my care and entrusted me to share with them the skills and knowledge they need for the future. I am dependent on you, Father, to guide me as I teach and coach them to develop skills, strength, and motivation. I offer this prayer for our children, Jesus, asking that You would provide your protection for them against evil influences and temptations. Guide them with Your Spirit to see you, fill their hearts with love, and lead them to be hardworking and humble. Give them a thirst for the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for the future and a desire to know You better. Father, I ask that You would put in their lives other praying and caring adults who will show them Your unending love for them. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Prayer for All Our Children
Loving Father, I come to You, knowing that You love all our children and that it is Your desire that they follow Jesus and know You as their Heavenly Father. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. I pray for our children, that you would put in front of them Christian parents, friends, teachers, coaches, and mentors. Seeing all the evil that has become commonplace in our world and the many temptations our children face, I ask that you instill in them the knowledge and courage to resist those temptations and take steps each day to follow Jesus. Help them to know it is only in your care that they will find safety, peace, and guidance for each day. I pray that they will grow in character and wisdom to face the challenges that come before them. Most importantly Lord, help each to reach toward being the person You would have them be, and give all glory to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Takeaway
Never stop praying for your children, and always seek God’s will to guide your requests. Jesus tells us to ask, seek, and knock (Matthew 7:7-11). He has promised to always answer His children, and while it may not be on the timeline we would like, or with the answer we want, he will answer our prayers for our children.
Do you have a heart to invest in the next generation? Join us on Wednesday nights in our Fusion Student Ministry to see students’ lives changed by Jesus!