World Day of Prayer: Praying for our Children

March 1, 2019
Written by:
Jamie Gaddy

The World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement initiated and carried out by  Christian women in more than 170 countries and regions and typically celebrated on March 1st. These Christian women see themselves and one another as Christians before God coming from different theological and church traditions in which they respect one another. On this day women from across the globe come together to share their joys and sorrows, hopes, fears, and needs. (Acts 1:4, I Thess. 5:17)

Our Greatest Concern is Our Greatest Blessing

As women within the homeschool community, the primary joy and sorrow, hope and fear that we share is that of our children. While we can each agree, the children we’ve been given are our greatest blessings, they are also our greatest concern.  Wherever you are today, whatever is happening in your home, your children will always be your heart – the joy of your life – and also your greatest prayer concern. We can’t throw our hands up in defeat during difficult times, remember the blessing and pray!

Tough Times Help Them and Us to Grow

No matter how old your children are, they will always be at the forefront of your heart and mind. It’s so natural to hurt when they hurt and want to fix the difficulties they encounter in life. Maybe even tempting to forge ahead and “smooth the way” for them. So tempting… but it’s so important for us to realize our children need those rough patches and difficulties to grow. The hardships of life work those spiritual muscles and enable our children to develop into mature adults. Just like the butterfly and its amazing escape from the cocoon, if they didn’t struggle and work to release their wings they would never have the ability to fly! What is a parent to do when those rough places in life are handing out their hard-earned lessons and growing our children? Pray! God is personal and loving and wants the best for His children. I Jn 4:8

Remember the Promises!

God has promised us that “He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6) and it has been my prayer as a parent that God would do that. I’ve prayed that He would finish the good work He started with each of my children. It has been a blessing to see several of my children pass into young adulthood and the answer to that prayer lived out before my eyes!

Consistency is Important!

One of the challenges that we face as parents is finding the time to invest in praying for our children. But consistent, intentional praye for each day is so very important – so very life changing for us as well as our children. For us, prayer takes the burden off of us and lays it at God’s feet – releasing peace! I find it so helpful to have a written reminder of how to pray for my children. I often use a slip of paper to write down specific things in each of my children’s lives that would benefit from prayer, and at other times I’ve used a printable of reminders that address each of the most common prayer needs in the lives of our children. Whether it’s World Day of Prayer or even our National Day of Prayer finding inspiration to be committed to praying for our children is vital. There are many methods that help bring consistency to praying for our children… the key is finding the ones that suit you and your family!

10 Things to Pray For Your Child

Praying for your child is an act of love and one that shows your support and encouragement. Pray that God would:

  • Lead them to a faith of their own. John 10:27 Proverbs 3:5,6
  • Give them strength to avoid temptation. Phil 4:8
  • Give us as parents the foresight to teach our children what is needed that they may be equipped to face the challenges and blessings of each new day.
  • Help them to be strong and courageous. Joshua 1:9
  • Help them to be joyful and content. Heb. 13:5 and I Tim 6:6
  • Keep them safe. Ps 4:8
  • Prepare them for the future. Jeremiah 29:11
  • Help them to choose friends wisely. Proverbs 12:26
  • Give them good health. Psalm 103:1-4
  • Prepare and bless their future spouse, that they would know love and joy. Ps 69:13

 

Jamie Gaddy

Jamie Gaddy, B.S., M.Ed., Ed.D. has been a college education professor for over 17 years. Education has been a part of her life in both the classroom and as a principal. Six children later found her dissatisfied with traditional school and homeschool became the better fit. She is also a pastor’s wife, editor, and entrepreneur who now homeschools four of her six children in Georgia. Jamie loves to share about her homeschool experience to help other homeschoolers find success. Connect with her at [email protected].