We recently talked to our 2 year old daughter about prayer. Telling her “prayer is simply talking to God.” It’s the sweetest thing to see her bow her head and fold her hands as we pray at mealtime or at bedtime. (Although sometimes she bypasses this time and just begins to eat or talks about other things.) :) I’m reminded that being a parent is such a privilege and honor that we get to be the ones to build this foundation of faith in our children’s lives. She hears our words, she trusts them and she follows our example. I pray that God is beginning to open her heart to His and that she will come to know Him one day and have a faith of her own. This is why I love this list of virtues to pray for our children. Not only do I pray for their salvation but for them to grow in godliness throughout their whole lives. This week we also pray for them to have compassion, responsibility, contentment, and faith. God bless you and your children this week!
Compassion. “Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion” (Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col. 3:12).
Responsibility. “Grant that my children may learn responsibility, for each one should carry his own load” (for each one should carry their own load. Gal. 6:5).
Contentment. “Father, teach my children the secret of being content in any and every situation, through Him who gives them strength” (I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:12-13).
Faith. “I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children’s hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them” (The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. Luke 17:5-6. | Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Heb. 11:1-40).
adapted from Bob Hostetler’s list of Virtues to Pray for your Children
