If there is one thing that I have learned as a parent these last 12 years, it is that there is great power in praying for our kids.

I have tried and tried to be a perfect parent. I have carried the burden that my child’s health, choices, and salvation is MY responsibility. I have lived in fear that I am not going to get it right.

But NOWHERE in Scripture does it support this faulty thinking. In fact, the Bible says to “Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

It says to, “Pray continually.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

It says, “I sought the Lord and He answered me. He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:5

My soul finds rest in GOD alone. He hears our prayers. He loves when we come into His presence, desperate and needy for HIM to do a good work in our child’s lives – not us. It is not for us to bear the end result. We are called to be faithful with what we have been given – today.

We are not called to be perfect parents, but we can be praying parents.

Often this looks like me sneaking into my children’s rooms after they are asleep to pray over them. The days can be busy with corrections and shepherding. I will regularly see things going on in my kids’ hearts and lives that I do my best to speak into by the Holy Spirit’s power, but at the end of the day, I know my words and actions will only go so far.

It is the Lord’s work in my children that will prevail over mine.

So I pray.

And I cannot tell you how life-giving and peace-filling it is to go from a day of intense sowing to watching the gentle rise and fall of their resting bodies and receiving the comforting hope that He loves them even more than we do. What freedom! What renewed inspiration to keep rising and serving in His joy.

“In your presence is abundant joy!” Psalm 16:11

This is an especially helpful practice when I am struggling with a particular child (I wrote more about this HERE). Perhaps they are facing a more challenging season than usual in behavior or circumstance and my patience and hope is running thin. The habit of prayer for my children is actually a work in my own heart as I learn to submit, repent, and trust. He is good.

Plus, how can your heart not be restored while watching a sleeping child?

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6

If you are not sure where to begin, I encourage you to start by praying Scripture over your kids. The more we do this, the more it will tumble freely out of our mouths during the day as we seek to point them (and our own hearts!) to Jesus in all things.

I have put together a Free Printable Prayer Calendar that provides 31 days of topics and verses to pray.

I was hoping we could do this together beginning August 1st. I feel the Back to School season is appropriate for this practice as our kids gear up to encounter the world again in new and challenging ways. We want to be ready. We want to knock on God’s door daily and trust that He hears us, He has a plan, and He is sovereign over it all.