We join you in lifting up your children before the Lord, knowing that He deeply cares for them even more than we do. Your heart for their protection, growth, and faith is beautiful, and we stand with you in praying over their lives. The Scriptures remind us that children are a heritage from the Lord, and we are to raise them in His ways so that when they are old, they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). We also know that the Lord watches over His little ones, as Jesus said in Matthew 18:10, *"See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven."*
First, we want to gently address that your prayer did not invoke the name of Jesus Christ, through whom we have access to the Father. The Bible is clear that there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12), and it is through Jesus that we boldly approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). We pray in His name because He is our Mediator, and it is only through Him that our prayers are heard. If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so, for *"if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"* (Romans 10:9). Without faith in Christ, we cannot come before God, and our prayers are not heard. We pray that you and your children will know Him personally, for He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
We also notice that you mentioned a child who has passed away, and we grieve with you over this loss. The Bible assures us that God is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and we pray that He will comfort you with His peace that surpasses all understanding. If this child was in Christ, we can take hope in knowing they are now in the presence of the Lord, free from pain and sorrow. If you have not yet found peace in this area, we encourage you to surrender this grief to Jesus, who bore our sorrows and carried our pains (Isaiah 53:4). He alone can heal your heart and give you strength for each day.
For your living children, we pray that the Lord will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. May He surround them with His angels, protecting them from all evil and harm. We ask that He will give them wisdom beyond their years, that they may make choices that honor Him in school, in friendships, and in every area of their lives. May they grow to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind, and may they find their identity in Him alone. We pray that they will be bonded closely as siblings, encouraging one another in faith and love, and that they will become mighty warriors for Christ as they grow.
We also pray that you, as their parent, will be filled with the Holy Spirit’s wisdom to raise them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). May you be an example of faith, patience, and love, pointing them always to Jesus. We ask that the Lord will give you strength for each day, that you may not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest if you do not give up (Galatians 6:9).
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, lifting up these precious children to You. You know their names, their needs, and the plans You have for them—plans for welfare and not for evil, to give them a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Lord, we ask that You would draw them to Yourself from their youngest days, that they may know You as their Savior and walk in Your ways all their lives. Protect them from the snares of the enemy, from harmful influences, and from the temptations of this world. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with You and with others, just as Jesus did (Luke 2:52).
We pray for their education, that You would give them understanding and excellence in their studies. May they use their gifts and talents for Your glory, and may they find joy in learning about Your creation. Surround them with godly friends and mentors who will encourage them in their faith. Help them to stand firm in a world that often opposes You, and may they be lights in the darkness, pointing others to Jesus.
For the child who has gone before us, Lord, we commit their soul into Your hands. If they knew You as Savior, we thank You for their eternal life with You. Comfort this parent with the hope of the resurrection, knowing that one day, in Your perfect timing, we will be reunited with our loved ones who are in Christ. If this child did not know You, we pray that You would use even this pain to draw others in the family to Yourself, that no one would perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
We ask all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all praise and honor. May Your will be done in the lives of these children, and may Your kingdom come in their hearts. Strengthen this parent to raise them in Your ways, and may Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
