6 Powerful Prayers Every Mom Should Pray Over Her Children

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My daughter lay on a hospital bed with a covey of bewildered doctors around her. One was on the phone, relaying her symptoms to the Head of Pediatrics. There was more consultation before the Eureka moment descended. They had figured out the ailment, and she needed immediate admission to the HDU. 

Unfamiliar with hospital rules, my husband and I were gutted to realize we were not allowed to hover around her. I begged to linger in the corridor, the restroom, the ceiling, anywhere. But their rules were cast in stone. I called my mom in tears. “You may not be with her physically, but your prayers are right there with her,” Mom reassured. Those words have never left me.

Mothers are intrinsically nurturers, a God-given role. They protect, comfort, nurse, guide, teach, provide, encourage, discipline, and influence their children, among other things. A mother may put her best foot forward to do all that, but still fall short. David reminds us that unless the Lord builds a house, those who make it labor in vain (Psalm 127:1).

Enter prayer. A mother’s prayer transcends physical barriers and reaches where she cannot. Her prayers trail her gutsy toddler in the play park, keeping them from harm’s way. They hound the teenager teetering at a wrong decision and redirect them to the straight path. Here are examples of prayers every mom should make for her children. 

Pray that they will seek God first.

“And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Mathew 6:33)

Dear Lord, I pray that my children will know you from childhood, walk with you into adulthood, and even into old age. I pray that they will find their identity in you and acknowledge that it's in you they live, move, and have their being (Acts 17:28). I pray that they will always prioritize their relationship with you above any earthly pursuit.

Help them cultivate their relationship with you through prayer, reading the Bible, and fellowshipping with other believers. You are the good shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine in pursuit of one. I pray you will always restore them whenever they stray from your ways. 

Pray for wholesome growth.

“And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him”. (Luke 2:40)

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52)

Dear Lord, I pray that you will enable my children to enjoy wholesome growth. Help them grow physically, spiritually, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. I pray that they will hit all their milestones at the right time. 

Sharpen their mental faculties and endow them with wisdom. Help them think critically, solve problems, and excel in their studies. Enable them to be in tune with their emotions and healthily express them. 

Enable my children to communicate effectively with others and forge healthy relationships. Grant them divine wisdom so they will always know what to say and do. Above all, let them grow in favor with you and gain favor with men. 

Pray for protection.

“You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.” (Psalm 91:5-6)

“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

Dear God, you are my children's refuge in a world fraught with peril and danger. I love my children deeply, but you love them even more, so I yield them to you. Thank you for the promise in your word that, as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so do you surround your people now and evermore (Psalm 125:2). Thank you because hosts of angels surround my kids. Shield them from disease, accidents, violence, bullying, and evil.

You think good thoughts toward them: thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give them a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Nullify every evil plaguing them and grant them peace. Watch over them in their going out and coming in (Psalm 121:8). Whenever they are afraid, nudge them to call on you because you are their present help in time of need. 

Pray for courage.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline”. (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).

Lord, I pray that you will endow my kids with courage: the kind of courage that saw little David take on mammoth Goliath. I pray that you will drive out any form of fear that threatens to cripple them, for fear is from the enemy. Help them realize that they can do all things through Christ, who gives them strength (Philippians 4:13). 

Whenever we are apart and they experience separation anxiety, please reassure them of your presence. When they feel afraid of the dark, thunder, animals, or imaginary monsters, teach their little hearts to trust you. I pray that you will grant them the courage to speak up for themselves, confront evil, stand for what’s right, and face life’s challenges. I pray that you will also give them the courage to share the gospel's good news with their friends and schoolmates. 

Pray for their gifts and talents.

“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6)

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Dear Lord, you have endowed my children with unique abilities, gifts, and talents. You will help them identify these abilities with great clarity. Please enable them to serve you with their gifts and skills from a tender age. Please give them the courage to rise above criticism as they exercise their gifts.

Help my children to let their light shine before others so that they may see their good works and glorify you in heaven (Mathew 5:16). Help them be good stewards of their gifts and talents and use them to expand your kingdom. As you have promised in your word, may their gifts make room for them and bring them before great men (Proverbs 18:16).

Pray for purity.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age”. (Titus 2:11-12)

Dear Lord, I pray that my children will walk in purity and be free from the vices in the world. Shield them from negative peer pressure, cyberbullying, substance abuse, and unhealthy relationships, among other vices.

Help them lead righteous and upright lives. Cultivate in them a desire for holiness without which no one will see God (Hebrews 12:14). Help them to engage in things that are true, noble, correct, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Help them to say no to all forms of ungodliness boldly. Help them shun the flesh's leadings and choose to please you. 

Photo credit: GettyImages/Sasiistock

Keren is a freelance writer who digs up the wisdom nestled in God's word as she weighs in on parenting, marriage, and a plethora of life issues. Read more of her work in her newsletter Wisdom Trails.