Holy in the Daily

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How to Pray Your Child HOME

home key on a keyboard for Holy in the DailyI believe in praying for my kids. I’m in the trenches of finishing raising child number six now, and prayer, as with the other five kids, continues to be my best bet for his survival and my sanity.

Titus 2:11–12 is the mainstay of my Scripture praying for my children. Although I use many, this one passage remains my favorite when I approach God’s throne discouraged and needing my Father to do another “kid intervention.” Basically, my Titus 2 prayer sounds like the following:

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. That’s a lot of grace, Lord—enough to show your salvation to everyone who has ever lived. So I know there is as much grace as is necessary for (name of child) to come home to you in his heart, decisions, and actions.

I ask that your grace continue to teach (name of child) to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions. You know, Lord, how much temptation my child faces on a daily basis. May your grace instruct (him/her) in how to live a self-controlled, upright and godly life in this present age—here and now—not just someday in the future. Lord, self-control, upright, and godly are hard things to walk in, even for an adult. I ask that you do what no one else can do in my child’s life—teach (him/her) to be a Christ follower.”

So far God’s track record in the Gaddis Department of Child Raising has been spotless. Parenting is messy at times, but God, for His part, has been faithful. All of the older kids love and serve the Lord, and I have every confidence that this last one will continue to be mentored by Grace in how to say “Yes” to self-control, an upright heart, and godly actions. I’m expecting Grace to teach him how to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions.

Am I the only parent who needs the God of Grace to mentor my children? What do you pray when you seek the Lord for the welfare of your kids? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

In Him together, Susan

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This Post Has 7 Comments

  1. Cindy

    Excellent as always Susan.

    For my oldest, I consistently prayed 2 things: that God would give her the tools she needed to navigate her way through life and that she would have always have a soft heart towards God and His people. Her career path has led her into marriage and family therapy which has given her more “tools” than she already naturally had to deal with life and, although she is currently in a seeking mode spiritually, she continues to find herself surrounded by many believers in her life and work (who she loves) and is committed to finding truth for herself. She’s making progress on that journey. I believe God is answering these prayers.

    For the 2 boys, my CONSTANT cry to God is for self-control, wise choices and good wives. Mind you, I pray for other things, but these are the specifics. My dear husband, who is far more disciplined in prayer than I, is diligent in daily prayer for everyone. I’m sure he covers it ALL !

    God’s grace needed? Absolutely, always, no other way!

  2. Susan Gaddis

    Great example from a mom with a grown child and two others still at home. Thanks for sharing, Cindy. Your attitude is so well balanced in how you view your daughter’s journey. Grace to you.

  3. Heather

    Thank you for the reminder to keep praying for our children!

  4. Lilly Green

    I have a friend who says that the years when our children were small was Camelot. Though those times were hard and taxing, they are nothing to the years when your children are out on their own, making decisions that you may possibly give input but mostly not, and certainly not control. It’s what we raised them to do–be independent, to own a real faith–but it is so hard at times letting go. If they are traipsing all over the world or choosing to follow their own convictions that may be different than your own, we must never leave them alone, at least in the spirit. God, may I never be complacent or so tired that I forget to bring my kids before you. Not that you forget about them when I lapse, but for some weird reason You insist that we partner with you. So be with them in their nows; help them not be hindered by their yesterdays; and lay out a sure path for their tomorrows. Amen!

  5. Susan Gaddis

    That was a beautiful prayer, Lilly. I’m putting in my prayer journal along with the others I pray for my kids. Thanks for sharing your insights and heart.

  6. Barb Peterson

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts and prayer, Sue. Reading it this morning helped me to center down and focus on the one who has enough grace for my kids….and for me, too. I needed that.

  7. Susan Gaddis

    I’m glad the post was helpful, Barb. It all goes back to Jesus as our source for grace, doesn’t it? I find that hard to keep in the forefront of my brain sometimes too. Blessings to you.

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