Parenting is extremely rewarding.  We tend to like this side of parenting.  But anyone who is or has been a parent understands the other side of parenting also.  That it can be real challenging at times.  It takes differing skill sets to parent different personalities through different seasons of life.  All of which are not easy.  This is a challenge and one that we often don’t feel equipped to face.  Be encouraged though, you are not alone.  All parents struggle with this on some level…if they are honest.  The good news is that with the help of the Holy Spirit and each other, we can thrive as parents raising extraordinary children who will do extraordinary things for Jesus.  I would encourage you to pray the following over your children and yourself often.

GOOD THINGS TO PRAY OVER YOUR CHILDREN

• Pray that they would hunger and thirst for righteousness – that they would have a hunger for God and His purposes.  Mathew 5:6
• Pray a hedge of protection around them.  Job 1:10
• Pray a hedge of thorns around a rebellious son or daughter.  Hosea 2:6 Also pray that they would come to their right mind.  Luke 15:7
• Pray that they would guard what has been entrusted to them in terms of gifts and talents – the deposit of God.  1 Timothy 6:20
• Pray that they would be strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and that the grace of God would be upon them.  Luke 2:40
• Pray that they would be leaders and influencers.  Luke 2:52
• Pray that they would make wise and right decisions.  Proverbs 14:33
• Pray that they would love Jesus with their whole person and others as they love themselves.  Matthew 22:37,39

GOOD THINGS TO PRAY AS A PARENT OVER YOUR LIFE

• Pray that you would have wisdom and breadth of mind concerning parenting and life.  1 Kings 4:29
• Pray that you would have discernment concerning things going on in their lives.  Daniel 2:14
• Pray that you would be patient in love with them.  1 Corinthians 13:4
• Pray that you would raise them in the way that they should go.  Proverbs 22:6  This speaks of encouraging them toward their giftings and life bent.
• Pray that you would speak with wisdom and grace.  Proverbs 12:18; Proverbs 22:11

Invest in the spiritual lives of your children by praying for them.  It is an investment with eternal significance.  Try it…it makes a difference!