Not too long ago I had a conversation with a young mother. Her two-year-old is already giving her some concerns. I told her it is never too early to start praying for your kids. As a mom, you have the unique ability to know your children better than anyone. Who spends the most time with them? Who loves them, corrects them, encourages them, listens to their hearts? It is a distinct privilege of Moms to be able to pray for their children. You can't start too young, nor is the task ever finished!

I've mentioned praying for my kids before and I know that even today as young adults they count on me to continue to pray for them. I remember from the time they were young asking God to help me know them, to recognize the gifts He had given them and to be wise about how to encourage their development. I also noted the areas in their life they needed help with (and it was easy to spot because I could see myself!) I used to think, 'oh, now that came from their dad!' only to admit after some heart to heart reflection with the Lord that it was usually me they picked up their sin issues from! But what a great opportunity to pray for those areas in their life that need strengthened.

Don't know what to pray? www.praymag.com is a good place to browse and there's a great resource to get you started here. Bob Hostetler has compiled thirty-one virtues to pray for your children, complete with scripture references. The list includes integrity, self-control, love, purity, joy, generosity, and gratitude. Or start your own list as you read through God's Word.

I liked to pray for specific areas of my children's lives. When I saw my quick temper or critical spirit or struggle with self-worth in them I used the Scriptures that helped me most. I also tried to choose verses for them to memorize that would help them in those areas of their life I sensed they might struggle with. I always felt like I could have prayed harder, or prayed more specific, or...well, you moms out there get my guilt trip. However, take heart!

You might receive an email like the one my oldest son (who became a dad last year) just sent me. It's enough to make a grown woman cry. (And yes! I did.)

"to mom

this email will in no way come close to expressing what i really mean, but i'm just starting to realize how much you really impressed scripture on us as kids...all i have to say is wow.... you probably quoted prov. 15:1 alone hundreds of times...maybe easily thousands... you taught us that scripture, all scripture, is "given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" a la 2nd timothy, and then you went on to teach us as much of it as you could....

I am continually impressed by what kind of parents we had growing up. i love you dearly and cannot ever thank you enough for all that you've invested in us.

and i don't ever thank you enough for praying for my future spouse as much as you did. God has answered those prayers...may our children be a testament to your faithfulness, but especially HIS!"

I need to go get my tissues now...

All for Him,

Missy

Labels: Missy