My mother used to pray for me every night before bed when I was a boy, but I don’t recall her ever giving me any specific instructions about prayer. She just did it and it became a normal and comforting part of our nighttime routine. Showing me a good example was her means of instruction. What mom taught me was not just to pray when I was anxious (which was largely at night, as is typical for many youngsters), but also that it is normal for a parent to pray for their children. Now I’ve taken what my mother has taught me, and my wife and I do this for our four children. It’s a normal thing for me to pray every night with my 10-year-old son. We pray not only for things that make him anxious at night, but also for events at school, other family members who are going through difficult times, and even his next sports game. Here are ways you can pray with your kids to root them in God’s truth and peace for their lives.
1. I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8 NLT
Lord Jesus, help my child to be confident and convinced of Your steadfast presence. Allow them to remember You still have the whole world in Your hands. Keep them safe and secure in You. Nothing anywhere can separate them from Your love. Draw near to them as they draw near to You! In Your most powerful name, I pray, amen.
2. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me.” – John 14:1 NLT
Father, Your word tells me to “not let” my heart be troubled. Keep my child from allowing anxious feelings to take over their heart. I pray for Your power and presence to remove all fear. Fill my child’s heart with Your perfect love, and help them find comfort in You alone. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
3. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
God, please help my children to focus on You and what is true rather than on anything else. Your grace is enough for my children as Your power works best in weakness. I pray that they lean into You, knowing it’s all going to be okay, and You will never leave or forsake them. Thank You for all You have done and for Your peace which guards their hearts and minds as they live in You. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.
4. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. – 1 Peter 5:7 NLT
God, we give You the heavy cares and worries that weigh us down. We bring them to Your feet and leave them there. Thank You for the cross where You bore not only all our sins, but the weight of the cares of this world as well. I believe You sincerely care about us and the things that my child is afraid of, worried about, and anxious about. You have already defeated and taken care of it. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
5. So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. – Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
Lord, my God, I trust You to personally go ahead of my child. You are not even able to fail, and You would never leave them. I choose to be a strong, courageous, godly example for my children. I will not be afraid and will not panic, but instead will trust fully in who You are. Glory to You for all Your faithfulness to me and my kids! Through Christ, I pray, amen.
