Prayer for your parents

Honoring parents means more than sending cards on special days. And it’s more than an occasional invitation to dinner.

In the biblical context (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2), it includes respect and a commitment of grown children to care for their parents, especially when they are infirmed. It is one beautiful outworking of the Gospel. God cares for us, His children, and He models what ongoing, compassionate ministry looks like.

One of the greatest privileges of my adult life has been to pray for my elderly mom. Although we are separated by many miles and the burden of physical caring for her falls mostly on my precious sister, I do what I can and I love to pray for Mom.

Here are some of the things I’ve found useful to pray over the years. Perhaps they will be a template for prayers for your parent.

Father God…

SEE ALSO: God Cares for You While You Care for Your Aging Parents

I pray for your continuing PROVIDENCE in my parent’s life.

I am grateful my parent trusted in You long ago, but I know there are many parents and elderly loved ones who still do not know you, Lord, and I ask you to woo them to Yourself and bring about their salvation and transformation (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9; 2 Peter 3:9).

I pray You will bring to my loved one’s remembrance all the ways You have been their hope and help—in many cases since childhood (Psalm 62:5; 71:5; 121:2).

I thank you for all the ways You used my parent to shape my young life. What a precious gift! My parent guided me in practical ways and showed me how to trust You. Although my parent was not perfect, I sensed the desire to mold me into a good person, and I’m thankful I was encouraged to become a Christ-follower.

SEE ALSO: Coping with Role Reversal: More Adults Caring for Aging Parents

And now the roles are reversed. I have the privilege to help and serve, and remind my loved one of Your tender, shepherding care. Give me patience, wisdom and an understanding heart. Help me continue to show respect and appreciation, and to value who You, in Your Providence, created my loved one to be (Exodus 20:12)

Ultimately, I know Your care for my parent is beyond anything I can offer, for every good gift comes from You (James 1:17).

I pray for PROTECTION.

I pray my parent will keep on leaning on You, the Rock of strength and righteousness (Psalm 71:3a; 73:26; 92:12-15). Spread your protection over my parent, because You are the ultimate Refuge (Psalm 5:11; 46:1).

SEE ALSO: Parenting, Aging, and the American Dream

I ask you to protect my parent from the evil one, and show the way out in moments of temptation (2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Corinthians 10:13). May wisdom, discretion and understanding protect and guide every day (Proverbs 4:6; 2:11; 138:7).

I pray my parent will be courageous, confident in Your presence, help and deliverance (Psalm 121:1-8; Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 34:19; Psalm 91).

I pray for PROVISION—that you will meet my loved one’s needs.

Show me how to meet my parent’s needs in ways that will please You, Lord. Equip me to be a good steward in my loved one’s care (1 Timothy 4:5; 5:1-2).

There is much I can do, but You are the Great Provider. Thank you for your willingness to supply my parent’s needs for Your glory and my loved one’s joy (Romans 8:32; Matthew 6:31-32; 7:11; Philippians 4:19; John 14:13-14; 16:23-24). I pray my parent will be made holy through Your grace and receive Your good favor (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Psalm 84:11)

I pray for POWER, your strength in my parent’s weakness.

As strength declines, I pray for a greater sense of Your presence and power (Psalm 71:9, 18a). You are mighty, Father, and our strength is in You alone (Ephesians 6:10).

In times of need, help my parent lean on your sufficiency and everlasting arms (2 Corinthians 9:8; Deuteronomy 33:27); and when life feels so impossible, remind my loved one that nothing is impossible with You (Matthew 19:26).

I pray for PEACE in my parent’s aging years.

I ask You to give my parent a trusting and thankful heart, especially as days grow more difficult (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Help my aging parent take every disappointment to You. Preserve from any bitterness or spirit of discontent (Psalm 25:21).

I pray the Holy Spirit will teach and comfort, guide and calm (John 16:13; 2 Corinthians 1:4), and that my parent will not become discouraged in aging.

I pray for continuing PURPOSE.

I ask you to help my parent flourish—“like the palm tree… bearing fruit in their old age”—with an eternal perspective (Psalm 92:12-15). Work in my loved one’s life for Your glory (2 Corinthians 4:16). Open appropriate opportunities for ministry and influence.

Help my parent live as a holy and faithful role model, Father, for as long as you allow (Titus 2:2-5). I pray my parent, from a wealth of experience, will share important life lessons You still want me to learn.

Fill my parent’s mouth with Your praise, and a desire to worship and bring You glory from a testimony strong and true (Psalm 71:8).

Thank you for the many ways parents can influence children and grandchildren for good. I pray my loved one will, by word and deed, proclaim Your power and care to this generation (Psalm 71:18b).

Father, I thank you for Jesus, who makes possible our God-honoring transition from this world to everlasting glory. As I pray these things for my parent, I pray them for myself as well. I pray we all will someday hear Your “well done.” Amen!

Dawn Wilson and her husband Bob live in Southern California. They have two married sons and three granddaughters. Dawn assists author and radio host Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth with research and works with various departments at Revive Our Hearts. She is the founder and director of Heart Choices Today, and also publishes LOL with God and Upgrade with Dawn and writes for Crosswalk.com. Dawn also travels with her husband in ministry with the International School Project.

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: January 23, 2017

This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can’t find the words to pray.

Prayer for Healing

Prayer for StrengthPrayer for ProtectionMorning PrayersGood Night PrayersThe Prayer of JabezShort PrayersThe Lord’s PrayerThe Prayer of St FrancisSerenity PrayerA Birthday PrayerSinner’s PrayerPrayer for ForgivenessIntercessory PrayerIrish Prayers and BlessingsAdvent PrayersChristmas PrayersThanksgiving PrayerPrayers for My HusbandPrayers for My SonPrayer Quotes

Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional! An easy way to find start your day with prayer, read today’s prayer and sign up to receive by email.

www.crosswalk.com

Prayers for Your Parenting (Culled from: Ask the Lord to help you raise each of your children for Him in a manner that reflects His ways and the truth of His Word. Consider the following principles of parenting, and take note of the ones in which you need to gain maturity.

Use the related Scriptures as springboards for prayer. Ask God to help you eliminate each negative pattern in your parenting and to help you practice the positive patterns more consistently.

Examine your expectations for your child. Are they realistic? Evaluate them in the light of God’s Word. (See I Corinthians 13:11, Matthew 18:10, and Genesis 33:12–14.)
Love your child unconditionally. (See Deuteronomy 7:7 and I John 4:10, 19.)
Look for opportunities to commend your child. Express appreciation for him frequently. (See Philippians 1:3, I Thessalonians 1:2, and II Thessalonians 1:3.)
Seldom criticize without first expressing appreciation for your child’s good points. (See I Corinthians 1:3–13.)
Give your child the freedom to make decisions when serious issues are not at stake. Your goal should be to bring him to maturity in Christ, not to dependence on you. (See Ephesians 4:11–16, 6:4, and Proverbs 22:6.)
Do not compare your child with others. (See Galatians 6:4, I Corinthians 12:4–11, and II Corinthians 10:12–13.)
Never mock or make fun of your child. Do not demean or belittle your child, and beware of calling him “dumb,” “clumsy,” or “stupid.” (See Proverbs 12:18, 16:24; Matthew 7:12; Ephesians 4:29–30; and Colossians 4:6.)
Do not scold your child in front of others. (See Matthew 18:15 and I Corinthians 16:14.)
Never make threats or promises that you do not intend to keep. (See Matthew 5:37, Colossians 3:9, and James 5:12.)
Don’t be afraid to say “no,” and when you say it, mean it. (See Proverbs 22:15, 29:15, and I Samuel 3:13.)
When your child has behavioral problems and needs correction, do not overreact or lose control of yourself. Do not yell, shout, or scream at him. (See I Corinthians 16:14, Ephesians 4:26–27, and II Timothy 2:24–25.)
Communicate optimism and expectancy. Do not communicate by word or action that you have given up on your child or are resigned to his failure. (See I Corinthians 13:4–8, II Corinthians 9:1–2, and Philemon 21.)
Make sure your child knows exactly what is expected of him. Most of the Book of Proverbs consists of specific counsel from a father to his son.
Ask your child’s advice; include him in some of the family planning. (See John 6:5, I Timothy 4:12, and II Timothy 4:11.)
When you have made a mistake with your child, admit it and ask him to forgive you. (See Matthew 5:23–24 and James 5:16.)
Welcome contributions from your child. (See Proverbs 15:22; James 1:19, 3:13–18; and Titus 1:6–8.) Have family conferences in which you discuss things that affect the family, such as the following areas:
- Family goals
- Family projects
- Vacations
- Devotions
- Chores
- Discipline
- Complaints
- Suggestions
- Problems
Assess your child’s areas of strength and then encourage him to develop them. Begin with one area and encourage him to really develop in it. (See I Timothy 4:14; II Timothy 1:6, 4:5; and I Peter 4:10.)
Give your child plenty of tender, loving care. Be free in your expressions of love by word and deed. (See John 13:34; I Corinthians 13:1–8, 16:14; and I Thessalonians 2:7–8.)
When your child does something well, commend him. Especially let him know when his attitude and effort are what they should be. (See Ephesians 1:15–16, Philippians 1:3–6, Colossians 1:3–4, and I Thessalonians 1:2–10.)
Be more concerned about God-honoring attitudes and character qualities than you are about performance, athletic skills, clothing, external beauty, or intelligence. (See I Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 23:25–28, Galatians 5:22–23, and I Peter 3:3–5.)
Have a lot of fun with your child. Plan to have many fun times and to enjoy many special events with your child. Make a list of fun things your family can do together. (See Proverbs 15:13, 17:22; Ecclesiastes 3:4; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21; and Luke 15:22–24.)
Help your child to learn responsibility by administering discipline fairly, consistently, lovingly, and promptly. (See I Samuel 3:13 and Proverbs 13:24, 19:18, 22:15.)
Think of your child as a “human becoming,” as well as a “human being.” Patiently consider that the task of raising children is a process that usually takes eighteen to nineteen years to complete. (See Proverbs 22:6, Isaiah 28:9–10, Ephesians 6:4, Galatians 6:9, and I Corinthians 15:58.)
Live your convictions consistently. Your child will learn more by observing your example than he will by listening to your words. (See Deuteronomy 6:4–9, I Thessalonians 2:10–12, Philippians 4:9, and II Timothy 1:5–7.)
Recognize that you are responsible to prepare your child for life in this world and in the world to come. (See Deuteronomy 6:4–9, Psalm 78:5–7, Ephesians 6:4, and II Timothy 3:15–17.)
Be very sensitive to the needs, feelings, fears, and opinions of your child. (See Matthew 18:10 and Colossians 3:21.)
Make sure your child knows that he is important to you and accepted by you. (See Matthew 18:5–6.)
Avoid the use of words that express wrath or exasperation. (See Proverbs 15:1 and Ephesians 4:31–32.)
Maintain the practices of daily Bible reading, discussions, and prayer. (See Deuteronomy 6:4–9, II Timothy 3:15, Ephesians 6:4, and Psalm 1:1–3, 18:6, 119:9–11.)
As a family, become thoroughly involved in a Biblical church. (See Ephesians 4:11–16 and Hebrews 10:24–25.)
Make your home a center of hospitality, a place where your child can be brought into frequent contact with many Christians. (See Romans 12:9–13, Hebrews 13:1–2, and II Kings 4:8–37.)
Make it easy for your child to approach you with problems, difficulties, and concerns. Learn to be a good listener when he needs you. Give your child your undivided attention. Avoid being a mind reader, an interrupter, or a critic. Show an interest in whatever interests your child. Make yourself available when your child needs you—even when you are busy. (See I Corinthians 9:19–23; Philippians 2:3–4; James 1:19–20, 3:16–18; and I John 3:16–18.)
Seek to bring your child to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. God is the one who grants salvation, brings conviction of sin, and gives repentance and faith. You, however, can provide an environment in which God saves—by prayer, Godly speech and example, family devotions, and involvement in a sound, Biblical church. (See II Timothy 1:5–7 and 3:14–17.)

kokodavids.com

Honoring aging parent(s) means more than sending cards on special days. And it’s more than an occasional invitation to dinner.

Credit: ThinkStock

Here are some of the things I’ve found useful to pray over the years. Perhaps they will be a template for prayers for your aging parent.

Father God…

I pray for your continuing PROVIDENCE in my parent’s life.

I pray You will bring to my loved one’s remembrance all the ways You have been their hope and help-in many cases since childhood (Psalm 62:5; 71:5; 121:2).

Ultimately, I know Your care for my parent is beyond anything I can offer, for every good gift comes from You (James 1:17).

RELATED: 9 powerful prayers for your war room

I pray for PROTECTION.

I pray my parent will be courageous, confident in Your presence, help and deliverance (Psalm 121:1-8; Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 34:19; Psalm 91).

I pray for PROVISION-that you will meet my loved one’s needs.

Show me how to meet my parent’s needs in ways that will please You, Lord. Equip me to be a good steward in my loved one’s care (1 Timothy 4:5; 5:1-2).

I pray for POWER, your strength in my parent’s weakness.

As strength declines, I pray for a greater sense of Your presence and power (Psalm 71:9, 18a). You are mighty, Father, and our strength is in You alone (Ephesians 6:10).

I pray for PEACE in my parent’s aging years.

I pray the Holy Spirit will teach and comfort, guide and calm (John 16:13; 2 Corinthians 1:4), and that my parent will not become discouraged in aging.

RELATED: 7 tips on how to pray for healing during sickness

I pray for continuing PURPOSE.

I ask you to help my parent flourish-“like the palm tree… bearing fruit in their old age”-with an eternal perspective (Psalm 92:12-15). Work in my loved one’s life for Your glory (2 Corinthians 4:16). Open appropriate opportunities for ministry and influence.

Fill my parent’s mouth with Your praise, and a desire to worship and bring You glory from a testimony strong and true (Psalm 71:8).

Thank you for the many ways parents can influence children and grandchildren for good. I pray my loved one will, by word and deed, proclaim Your power and care to this generation (Psalm 71:18b).

Dawn Wilson and her husband Bob live in Southern California. They have two married sons and three granddaughters. Dawn assists author and radio host Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth with research and works with various departments at Revive Our Hearts. She is the founder and director of Heart Choices Today, and also publishes LOL with Godand Upgrade with Dawn and writes for Crosswalk.com. Dawn also travels with her husband in ministry with the International School Project.

Credit: Crosswalk

Here are 4 powerful ways praying grandparents make a huge difference!

www.godupdates.com

A Prayer to Parent with Wisdom

By Betsy de Cruz

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Before my kids were born, I read every parenting book I could get my hands on, but they left me totally unprepared. What I read on paper never seemed to match my real life situation.

While parenting methods gave me some ideas to try out, God’s Word gave me the strength, wisdom, and encouragement I needed to survive as a parent. Scripture reminded me I was called to love and serve my children. Parenting strategies fall short, but God’s Word provides timeless wisdom.

1. Love and serve your kids.We can reflect God’s unconditional love to our kids when we love them no matter what. Even when they act downright unlovable and drive us crazy, God calls us to love and serve them. Ephesians 5:1-2 reminds us: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

2. Teach them to love God. Of course we want to train our kids to obey and become responsible adults, but it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that ultimately our biggest goal is to teach our children to love God first. We can model love for God by seeking to live out His Word ourselves. Taking our kids to church, reading Scripture, praying together, and discussing faith issues build a family culture of loving Him.

3. Lead by example. If I want to teach self-control, loving behavior, and respect for others, I have to model them so my kids can learn them too. If I want to show my kids what it means to love God, I need to live that out myself with behavior, attitudes and words that honor Him. “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity” (Titus 2:7).

4. Train them diligently. To learn how to act like a civilized, considerate, and responsible human being, every child needs consistent limits, and consequences for misbehavior. Some children learn more easily than others, but God’s Word reminds us that diligence plays a key role: “He who loves is diligent to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24).

5. Pray for them. Perhaps the most effective parenting strategy the books don’t mention is to pray for our children. Parenting isn’t a formula where you put in certain variables and get sure outcomes. We depend on God to show His grace and intervene in our kids’ lives, so we need to pray for them.

Parenting strategies may not work, but God’s Word offers wisdom and life principles for families.

Will you pray with me?

Lord, I need You. Give me grace each day to love my children and see them with your eyes. Help me to find in Your Word the wisdom I need to lead my kids well and to train them diligently. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

www.godtube.com

Оценка 5 проголосовавших: 2

Prayer for your parents

I pray for your continuing PROVIDENCE in my parent’s life.

I pray for PROTECTION.

I pray for PROVISION-that you will meet my loved one’s needs.

I pray for POWER, your strength in my parent’s weakness.

I pray for PEACE in my parent’s aging years.

I pray for continuing PURPOSE.

Here are 4 powerful ways praying grandparents make a huge difference!

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Popular Prayers

Prayers about worry

Prayers for learning

Daily prayer for peace of mind

Prayer for a miracle in my relationship

New Prayers

Prayers for pastors and family

Prayers for senior citizens

Prayers for bereaved families

Lord help me understand your plans