Praying Scripture Over Children
Let me start by saying that even if you do not have children of your own, you know children. Right? And you probably even have influence over children in some aspect of your life. Whether it is your own kids, your students, your family members or children in your church or neighborhood, the next generation needs your prayer. Do not let the fact that you are not in this stage of life rob you of the opportunity to come before the Father on the behalf of the children (of any age) that you know. Praying scripture over children is a good habit to get into for all of us. Period.
Introduction
Praying for our own children is something that many Christian mothers find comes naturally. But I will admit that I am often guilty of focusing my prayers on my kids' circumstances a little too frequently and avoiding the deeper issues. Don't get me wrong, these things are important and deserve to be brought before our God. But in the long run, it's not the results of the team try-outs, the test grade or even the timing of the recovery from their Spring cold that will make the biggest impact. It's their walk with God and their heart for Him. My prayer should be that my children are saved by grace and that they live their lives for the glory of God. Everything else is secondary. Praying scripture over children helps me keep that focus where is should be.
Here's a list of just a few ways we can pray scripture over our own kids and those over which we have influence.
10 Prayers to Pray over Children
1. Pray for their salvation.
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:10
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the LORD have created it. Isaiah 45:8
2. Pray that they develop a love for God's Word and grow in their understanding of it.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Psalm 19:10
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore. 1 King 4:29
3. Pray that they live their lives honestly, become men and women of integrity and walk in purity.
Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight. Proverbs 12:22
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
4. Pray for them to try to exhibit kindness and compassion toward others.
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 1 Thess 5:15
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8
5. Pray that they develop a willingness and ability to work.
Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. Proverbs 12:11
6. Pray that they develop healthy friendships with others who will strengthen their faith.
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20
7. Pray that they develop a passion for God and “follow hard after Him”.
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God Psalm 42:1
8. Pray that they have a spirit of gratitude for all blessings and contentment in all circumstances.
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:12-13
9. Pray that they are filled with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. Psalm 71:23
10. Pray that they are never ashamed of the Gospel and live to Glorify God all of their days.
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. Psalm 86:12
Creative Ways to Document Your Prayers
Check out this FREE download that can be filled in with your prayers or Scripture and added to your Prayer Journal or Bible.
You can also find scripture to pray over men and other women on the blog and in the challenge classroom as well.
AS A REMINDER: An organized list of all of the devotions and creative prompts for the Create Truth Art Challenge can be found in the Grace in Color Classroom. Feel free to sign up for the FREE challenge at any time. Create Truth Art is designed so that you can jump in at any time. Each devotion and art prompt can stand alone. Of course, the goal is to be in God’s Word more and more, so I’d love it you followed along with us each week! There is, however, no pressure and no stress involved in this fun way to grow closer to God.
