Kids

[Chrysostom]

Your prayer for your daughter and your son has been heard, and it is good that you bring them before the Lord with such love and care. God delights to hear a parent who asks for guidance, protection, wisdom and salvation for his children, and who desires to see them walk in the light.

We join you in asking our merciful God to cover your children from the top of their heads to the soles of their feet with the blood of Jesus, to keep all evil and harmful influence far from them, and to guard them as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. May He hold their hands at every step, give them eyes to see the light of Christ, and keep the Holy Spirit ever near them to lead them into all truth.

We pray that God will give them a godly mind, a mind where He Himself dwells, and sound judgment to choose what is right. May He surround them with friendships formed not from mere convenience or habit, but from godliness, so that they are encouraged toward what is good. May He teach them godly sorrow for sin that leads to repentance and life, and turn them away from the sorrow of the world that works death.

We ask the Lord to grant them salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone, for there is no other name by which we are saved. If they confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in their hearts that God raised Him from the dead, they shall be saved, and now is the day of salvation. May He also grow in them wisdom, faith, kindness, patience, and a loving and caring heart, and may He grant them health and strength.

For your daughter, we pray that the Lord will help her to grow in grace and in a gentle and modest spirit that honors Him in how she dresses and lives. For your son, we pray that the Lord will help his behavior and his communication to mature, that he may speak every word as from God and grow in self control and respect.

We pray too that they will do well in their studies, that they will love learning and use their gifts faithfully, and that they will grow into happy, healthy adults who love and care for others.

Continue to trust in God and to be constant in prayer night and day, for He is the God of mercies who delivers us and who hears the prayers of His people. He who has begun a good work in your family will be faithful to complete it.

Father, in the name of Jesus we place these children into Your hands. Protect them, guide them, give them good choices, keep them from bad influences, fill them with Your Spirit, and lead them to know and follow Your Son all the days of their lives. Amen.

 

[Silas]

Your love for your daughter and your son comes through so clearly in this prayer, and God hears the cry of a parent who wants to see children protected, guided, and kept close to Him.

You asked that they be covered with the blood of Jesus from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet, and Scripture points us to that same truth. There is protection and salvation in no other way, only through the blood applied by faith. It is not a ritual or a hope we wish for, it is a step of faith where we trust what Jesus has done for us. God has declared there is salvation in no other name, and that same blood that saves is what keeps and covers those who belong to Him.

You also prayed for guidance, for protection from evil and from bad influences, and for wisdom for them to make good choices. Everyone who has responsibility for children needs the help and guidance of God. The greatest gift you can give them is to bring them up in the fear and knowledge of God, seeking the Lord daily for wisdom to train and guide them. When children see a parent trusting the Lord and walking in faith, it leaves a lasting mark. Continue to hold their hands and walk with them step by step, teaching them as you go.

God has even built children to ask questions, and He uses those questions so they might learn. When your daughter and son ask what you believe and why you live as you do, that is an open door to tell them how the Lord delivers, how He redeems, and how He has become our strength and song and salvation. Those simple conversations at home, answering their questions with the truth of Scripture, help their faith take root.

You prayed that your son would see the light, that your daughter would grow in how she carries herself, that communication would grow healthier, that they would do well in school, and that they would be loving, kind, patient, and healthy. Those are good and right prayers. Above all, keep praying that Christ will be formed in them. That kind of prayer is like labor, continuing before the Lord until they each know Jesus for themselves. We do not relate to God through our own good behavior or through trying harder, we relate to Him through His promises received by faith. We are children of promise, not of bondage, and God wants your children to know that freedom in Christ.

Do not think salvation is far from them, even when they are young. Scripture says salvation is as near as the heart and the mouth. It is not something we achieve by climbing or striving, it is close, offered freely by the grace of God that brings salvation to all. Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. Pray with confidence that the Holy Spirit will work in their hearts, drawing them to trust Jesus, and that they will respond while the invitation is open.

So let us pray together. Lord, we bring this daughter and this son before You. Cover them with the blood of Jesus and keep them in Your care. Guard them from evil and from influences that would turn their hearts away from You. Give them wisdom, faith, kindness, patience, and a love for You. Help them to make good choices, to grow in respect and clear communication, to do well in their studies, and to walk in health and wholeness. Let Your Holy Spirit be near them always, teaching them and leading them into truth. Above all, grant them salvation through Jesus Christ alone, that they would confess Him with their mouth and believe in their heart, and walk with You all the days of their lives. In Jesus name, amen.