Family Prayers: Part 1, The Idea
This week, I have been compelled to write specific prayers for each of my children and my husband in an effort to focus on the blessings they are and the unique qualities and purpose of their lives. It’s got me thinking that this is something I should do on a regular basis. As seasons and circumstances change, having prayers that we pray over our family that are specific to what they are going through or perhaps struggling with can be a very powerful tool as a mother and wife desiring to nurture her family. I plan to follow up this post next month (as we get closer to the end of the year because the new year is always a great time to start something new) with a Family Prayer Challenge to encourage our readers to think about implementing a similar strategy. In the meantime, I thought I’d share the prayers I’ve been led to pray to cover my children and my husband and to keep the many blessings of life in perspective.
For my daughter…
Dear Jesus, thank you for the gift of Hope. Her sweet smile warms my heart. Please help me to be exactly the mother she needs. I know you will continue to give me wisdom and patience to lead her well. May I remember to access your love and grace in each moment. Help me to celebrate and nurture the unique qualities that you’ve given her…even when they frustrate my selfish plans. Show me the areas I need to tame through gentle guidance and grace. May she be a testimony of your love as her lively spirit spreads joy and hope to every life she encounters. Amen.
For my son…
Dear Jesus, thank you for my sweet boy, Joshua. His joyful spirit is like life to my sometimes weary soul. Please help me be exactly the mother he needs. Although the infant stage can be hard, I pray that I would remember to soak up each tender moment with him in my arms for they will pass too quickly. May I focus my heart on loving and nurturing him instead of merely surviving the craziness of each day. Open my eyes to see who you’ve made him to be, even now, so that I may guide him towards the plans you’ve planned for him. May he be a testimony to the miraculous work of your hands. Amen.
For my husband…
Dear Jesus, thank you for my perfect partner, Dave. Every day I am blessed by the strong character he possesses. His servant leadership in our home is the foundation of our family. Help me Lord to recognize how I can bless and serve him each day. He isn’t one to come out and say it so show me holy spirit just what he needs. Father, give me eyes to see the plans you’ve planned for him so I can encourage his growth. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart toward my husband be pleasing to you Lord and uplifting to him. Amen.
What are some ways you have been led to pray over your family? We’d love to hear your ideas about how to keep prayer at the forefront of our minds in the midst of very busy lives. . .
Praying always,
Jessica
P.S. As I’ve thought more about it this week, I wanted to encourage women who are currently waiting for God to bring them a child (we have several in our community) to begin praying specific prayers for your baby, even now. For some it may be too hard to do (I completely understand) and that’s ok. But if you feel your heart can. . .offer up prayers of faith for your baby yet-to-be. I believe that doing so will help faith rise up in you as you wait. And I know our gracious God will honor your faithfulness in prayer.
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