10 Things to Pray for Your Children

By Mimi Greenwood Knight

"The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."—James 5:16

Do we pray for anything more fervently, more diligently, or more desperately than we do for our children? Can anything evoke that same level of passion as praying for their salvation, well-being, and character? But beyond "Lord, keep her safe," "Help him to stay out of trouble," and "Dear Father, make me a saner parent today," what are some of the petitions we should be lifting up to our heavenly Father on behalf of the children He's given us?

Here are a few suggestions:

For godly wisdom. First Corinthians 3:19 tells us, "The wisdom of this world is foolishness before God," and Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world." Pray that your child will have godly—not worldly—wisdom. James 1:5 promises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." Ask for your children to receive that liberal application of godly wisdom.

For character. This is not an easy prayer for parents, since we all know how character is developed—through trial. In fact, Romans 5:3-4 says, "We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope." As hard as it is to pray for trouble in our children's lives, we know that challenges, disappointments, and even heartache are what will help them grow into the godly men and women they were created to be. So brace yourself, pray for character, and—while you're at it—ask for a healthy dose of self-control on your part to stay out of God's way while He's at work in your kids' lives.

For a spirit of excellence. Daniel 6:3 (nkjv) says, "Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps because an excellent spirit was in him." And 1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs, "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Pray that your children will give their best to everything they attempt, because if they're Christians, they place His name on whatever they do.

For humility. We live in a world that frequently admires pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness. Yet James 4:6 tells us that "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." And in Matthew 23:12, Jesus promised, "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." Pray that your children will appreciate their infinite worth as children of God but, at the same time, will recognize that God expects them to walk with Him—and their fellow man—in meekness and humility.

For a desire to know God. You pray he'll make the team. You pray she'll pass the test. But is there anything we can ask for our children that will offer them more happiness, fulfillment, and success than a personal, intimate relationship with their Creator? Ezra 8:22 tells us, "The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him," and Psalm 86:11 implores, "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name" (niv). Pray that your child will have a hunger and thirst to know God more every day—and an undivided heart to seek and serve Him with abandon.

For direction. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." AndEphesians 2:10 says, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Pray that your children will learn at a young age to seek God's direction and guidance in all things, so by the time they make the big decisions—like college, career, and marriage—they'll be in the habit of following His perfect plan every step of the way.

For favor. In chapter two of the book of Esther, many young women were brought into the palace to be prepared and presented as potential brides before King Ahasuerus. Verses 8 and 9 tell us that from the moment Esther arrived, she found favor with all who saw her. (The king made her queen, which put her in the perfect position to save her people from annihilation.) Luke's gospel tells us that Jesus grew in favor with God and man (2:52 niv). There's nothing wrong with praying that your children will have favor with teachers, school administrators, coaches, and eventually employers—as well as with classmates, teammates, and coworkers—and that they'll be liked and appreciated for who they are.

For discernment. In 1 Kings 3:5, God gave King Solomon an open invitation to ask for anything he wanted. Solomon requested a heart to discern good from evil in order to judge God's people, and the Lord was so pleased that He showered the ruler with riches and honor, elevating him beyond all of his contemporaries—and blessed him with a long, healthy life to boot. Pray for this same kind of discernment for your children: ask God to let them see as He sees, be attracted to what pleases and glorifies Him, be repelled by the things that displease him, and understand the difference clearly and consistently.

For the right friends/spouse. The Bible is clear on what type of person a believer should marry—another believer. Second Corinthians 6:14 warns, "Do not be bound together with unbelievers." Pray that your children will value God-fearing friends, that the Father will "pave" their way with faithful Christians, and that they'll eventually find their way to godly mates, as the Lord intends. Also pray for their future spouses' upbringing. When my four kids were tiny, an older, much wiser Christian woman encouraged me to start praying for the men and women they would marry some day. Pray that your future sons- and daughters-in-law will keep themselves pure for marriage, that their parents will create a godly environment in which to raise them, that they'll understand the Lord's perfect plan for marriage and for their lives, and that they'll grow into the man or woman God designed each one to be. After all, they'll be raising your beloved grandchildren some day.

For respect toward authority. If this generation had a slogan, it would be "No fear!" Our children are conditioned by TV, movies, and songs not to respect parents, teachers, school administrators, police officers, or government officials—rude is cool. Yet Romans 13:1 tells us, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established" (niv). Pray that your kids will have proper respect for everyone from the president to the boss at their part-time job, and appropriate fear toward God.

It's never too late to pray for your children. Whether you're in the footie-jammies-and-sippy-cup phase or your world is filled with prom dresses and drivers' permits—or you're praying for kids who have kids of their own—remember that Philippians 4:6 (niv) tells us parents, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."