Prayers for My Baby

　　When we become a parent for the first time, the whole world changes. Suddenly what we considered part of everyday life could be a danger or detriment to our little angel. We reevaluate everything we do — from how fast we drive to the foods we eat and the products we slather on our bodies. We want to provide the absolute best possible life and wellbeing for our child.

　　One of the most frightening aspects of being a parent is the fear of how that innocent baby will “turn out.” Will they make wise choices? Will they choose to follow the teachings of Jesus? Will I make the same mistakes my parents made? The Bible provides this comfort,

　　Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:6-9).

Prayers for My Baby’s Spiritual Health

　　You can read all the books, attend every seminar or Bible study and subsequently implement all the new methods until you drive yourself (and your kids) into an emotional or physical spiral! But I am here to tell you, there is no magic formula for raising perfect kids.

　　Dr. Tim Kimmel, the author of Grace Based Parenting says, “Some of your children’s rebellion against your spiritual lifestyle might be a necessary step in their finding an authentic relationship with God. But beware: If they find it, it might look quite different from what you’ve always thought it should be.”

　　Your job is not to indoctrinate but to disciple. Your job is not to manipulate your child’s behavior or choices to fit a specific mold but to show them what godly living looks like by your example.

　　Children do not need perfect parents, they need honest, real ones who are attuned to their individual needs and who are living examples of God’s grace and goodness. It is good to tell them, “I made a mistake, I was wrong,” “I am sorry,” or “I am still learning too.”

　　If we blend together Philippians 4:9, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice,” and Proverbs 20:7, “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them,” the best thing we can do to ensure our newly born prodigy has the best chance at a healthy future — we need to focus on ourselves as parents. Yes, that’s right.

　　Your relationship with God is the priority — not your discipline style, not homegrown organic versus McDonald’s, not raising them Baptist or Presbyterian or any of the other important decisions you will make. Your behavior comes first.

　　In his book, Families Where Grace Is In Place, Jeff VonVonderen boldly states, “Parents know all about the verses related to how children should behave but not so much about those that remind them about how they should behave… In a healthy Christian family, children are not there for the adults, adults are there to be resources for their children.”

　　Prayer is a way people talk to God. It can literally be a conversation you have while doing the dishes, doing yard work, or as you drift off to sleep. As a parent, we are often befuddled and perplexed about how to handle behavior issues or phases in our child’s lives. Your chubby-cheeked, diaper rustling mini-me is pushing some boundaries and you are at your wit’s end.

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　　It might start in the toddler years or it might wait until they hit the pre-teens, but at some phase during their first 18 years (probably more than once!) you will not have the answer.

　　What has God placed on your heart to pray over your child? If you’re not sure, here are some short conversational prayers, for your little one, that you can have faith in God about their lives and future.

Prayers of a Parent

　　I pray that as you grow, you would learn to listen to the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit in your life allowing the Holy Spirit’s voice to supersede the voices on Earth. And when you are old enough to hear His voice, I pray you would recognize it and listen to His direction in your heart.”

　　I pray that you would be a seeker of truth. That you explore Who God is, what He has designed, and that you are fascinated with finding out how and why things work. My prayer is that as you seek truth, you will connect with the Gospel of Jesus. True freedom comes from knowing the truth.

　　I pray you would have confidence in who you are and what you are here to do. That the influences you allow in your world will speak life and that those influences will be for good and not for evil. I want you to know that God has a purpose for your life, something special only you can do.

　　I pray that I would do my best to be an example to you of what a Christian should look like. I want to be that living example to you of the Gospel of Jesus. I am asking God to open my eyes before I ever become a hindrance or stumbling block to you and that my words and actions would never crush your spirit.

　　I pray that you will realize you were not born broken. Sin breaks things. But you, my little one, are perfectly made in the image of God. Your identity is secure in my heart. You are cherished beyond measure. You are loved no matter what you do or what happens to you.

　　I pray you would learn to see life as exciting and full of new things to learn. That the natural curiosity God placed inside of you never cease. I pray you revel in the newness each day brings and are never without hope for your future.

The Power of Prayer

　　“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13).