Imagine a busy street near your home. Can you visualize it? Now, picture yourself crossing it. It might be a bit risky, but with perfect timing, you could manage it. But what if your child had to cross the road alone? Most of us would probably say, “No way!”
As part of our journey in Christian parenting, we slowly begin allowing our children to navigate life’s roads. First, it’s just in the neighborhood, chasing after a runaway ball (after checking both ways, of course!). We anxiously watch them the first few times. Eventually, we trust that they can play independently, with occasional check-ins, knowing that they remember what we’ve taught them. Then come outings to the park with friends or sleepovers. And so it continues.
One day, they’ll take the wheel of your car, and you’ll find yourself dramatically pumping your imaginary brakes, with your shoulders so tense they practically touch your ears. Then comes college, new relationships, and career choices that make you feel like you can’t breathe (my high school senior mentioned wanting to be an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician last year, and he’s currently in the process of enlisting in the military).
This is where parenting and prayer intersect most powerfully. As our children grow, we learn the delicate balance of when to speak up and when to listen. But what we can always do, every single time, is offer prayer for children.
Life is chaotic and can be messy. No matter how hard we try to shield our children, there will always be cars on the busy street of life. Eventually, our children have to navigate the journey on their own. The amazing thing about God is that He gives us free will. Our children will make choices and face challenges beyond our control. But as we cover them in prayer for children, from head to toe, we allow God to steer them, intervene when He chooses to, and guide their steps. He will never abandon them to cross that road alone.
Establishing a Habit with Biblical Affirmations
At first, developing our prayer habit can feel daunting. Like any routine, it begins with consistency. One helpful method is to incorporate Scripture into your prayers. For example, try praying Romans 12:2 (ESV) over your children:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
What a powerful declaration to speak over our children!
Sharon Jaynes’ new book, Praying for Your Child from Head to Toe: A 30-Day Guide to Powerful and Effective Scripture-Based Prayers, is a fantastic resource for anyone committed to
Christian parenting. It provides targeted Scripture-based prayers covering sixteen areas of a child’s life, from their thoughts (the head) to their gifts (the hands) to the path they walk (the feet). This guide is one you’ll return to over and over, especially as you deepen your approach to parenting and prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) reminds us of the ongoing importance of prayer:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
