Dear Lord, thank You that nothing is outside of Your infinite knowledge and that You know the needs of all mankind (Ps 139:1-6; Pv 5:21). We also praise You for knowing our need for a savior and that You sent Your Son to die for the sins of man, even to be God with us, providing all that You are to meet our every need (Is 7:14; Mat 1:22-23). Lord, we pray today for the parents of every child, for Your knowledge is perfect and Your power to meet their needs is infinite.
There is an entire generation, if not more, of parents who have been disempowered by the lies of society and they do not know how to raise their children. Lord, we ask for Your truth to prevail in the minds of parents everywhere. Lord, show them that the path of truth is the path of peace they’re seeking (Is 59:8, 20-21; John 14:6,27). We also pray for these parents to have tools for loving discipline and incentives for their children, recognizing that parents may also need mentors to speak into their lives regularly. Lord, let them learn to model forgiveness and create peace-filled homes. Let them model humility, not entitlement, kindness, not self-centeredness.
Parents also need insight and we ask You Lord to help them intercept damaging friendships their children might have. Let them also see how technology is affecting their children and give them the courage and steadfast determination to manage it well. We pray for insight into health problems their children may have and ask You to guide them to proper medical care. And, with insight, let them see where boundaries and discipline may be needed over medication for behavior problems. For those who are raising older children, we pray that you give each parent currency with their child so that there are meaningful tools the parent can use when coaching their child to maturity.
The attitudes of parents toward their children can be a difference-maker as well. Lord, we ask You to guide parents to be helpful and supportive, but not overbearing. Give them the commitment to spending intentional time with their kids so they will understand how to treat others well and learn how to properly respond to frustrations.
Lord, we pray for the interactions of parents with school personnel. Lord, let humility and kindness prevail when parents work with school staff. Prevent parents from being deceived by the words of their children who may pit their parents against the authorities at school. We pray that parents will be reasonable, not angry, but kind, not rude or self-serving, but patient. Give parents a deep appreciation for the work of school staff which includes incalculable interruptions, discipline issues, and a never-ending to-do list. And, let them see that the staff members want what is best for every child.
Finally, Lord, we pray for Christian parents, grandparents, and foster parents to faithfully point their children to the gospel. Let their families be especially effective and loving toward the community. Guide them to be a strong witness for You and Your goodness, love, mercy, compassion, grace, and peace. Let them especially watch out for children who do not have what they need at home, and let them have a heart for providing for those children’s needs. Give those parents a consistent inclination to pray for schools, staff, students, and other parents, Let them serve in schools as volunteers who shine their light before men and help their schools experience the goodness of God. Let them understand that their work of love promotes softened hearts in others which cultivates the ground for receiving the gospel.
Finally, Lord, where parents are struggling, where grandparents are raising grandchildren, where foster parents are serving, where any children are being raised by adults who are not their parents, we pray for Your special mercies and grace. And, for Your glory, we ask that Your wisdom abound to every parent seeking to raise their children well. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Planted by Streams 