I would never have guessed what parenting would do for my prayer life.
My pre-conceived notion was that parenting was about making peanut butter sandwiches and tucking kids into bed at night. About kissing boo-boos and reminding them to close the front door. And mostly about being kind to others and learning to love God.
About loving, correcting, supporting, cheering, and then loving them some more.
But I can see now that parenting is also a whole lot about prayer.
And for a while there I thought it was just me. You know, like I wasn’t doing enough right or I wasn’t quite enough or…..something.
That I found myself so often throwing myself down on my knees. Calling out to God.
With a heart-cry to keep our kids safe – and hopefully thriving- in this world we find ourselves living in.
But I was recently talking with a dear friend of mine who also happens to be a seasoned parent—and a really good parent too.
She mentioned to me that she relies more on prayer now than ever before.
And I confess that I was glad to hear it.
So whether you’re a “seasoned” parent or a brand-new fresh one, let me encourage you that your prayers will have a powerful impact on your children – both now and for the rest of their lives.
You’ll find that some of your best parenting happens when you’re humbly bent down on your knees.
Table of contents
12 Powerful Verses to Pray and Over Your Children
1. Strength
Pray that God gives them the strength to do what they need to do each day.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13
2. Courage
Pray that they will be brave as they face the challenges that are before them.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ~ Joshua 1:9
3. Peace
Ask that their hearts will be calm and peaceful as they go through their day and in their sleep at night.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ~ Philippians 4:6
4. Provision
Ask God to provide for all that they need – for stamina, spirit, and finances – for each day.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:19
5. Direction
Pray that the Lord will lead them as they begin to make more and more decisions as they get older.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
6. Protection
Ask that God keeps them safe in this increasingly unsafe world. That He will protect them from harm and wickedness.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2
7. Joy
Pray that God fills them with the kind of joy that can only come from Him.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. ~ Psalm 16:11
8. Compassion
Pray that they will show compassion on those in need and who have less than they do.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32
9. Justice
Ask God to give them a sense of justice – to stand up for what is right and to defend the weak.
Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. ~ Isaiah 1:17
10. Wisdom
Pray that they will grow in wisdom and understanding. That they’ll be more than “smart” and embrace what is good and right.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ~ James 1:5
11. Hope
Ask God to give them the hope that comes from above – the kind that far exceeds what we have in the here and now.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. ~ Romans 15:13
12. Love
Pray that our children are filled with the love of God. That they will know how deeply they are loved, and that love will overflow onto others.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. ~ 2 Corinthians 13
Want to hear one more unexpected blessing of praying these things for our children? We can pray the same requests for ourselves.
So, as I go over these verses, I remind myself that they are true for me too.
Download the free printable here: 12 Powerful Verses to Pray for Our Children
In His grace,
*I can’t think of anything more powerful or precious than praying for our children! Not only are these 31 Prayers for My Daughter and 31 Prayers for My Son lovely gifts for our parenting, but they are something to hang on to as keepsakes for years to come. Highly recommended! ~ Lisa Jacobson, Club31Women.com
*A small reminder, or if you’re new here: If you purchase the items through the links here, Club31Women might get a small affiliate compensation – with no additional cost to you – from some of them and so I thank you for that. But while I appreciate your purchase, you should also know that we share this as our genuine opinion and personal enthusiasm for these items. See my full disclosure here.
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Lisa is the happily-ever-after wife of
Matthew Jacobson
and together they enjoy raising and home-educating their 8 children in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She’s also rather fond of dark chocolate, French press coffee, and deep friendships (though not necessarily in that order). She encourages women to embrace the rich life of loving relationships and the high calling of being a wife and mother. Lisa is the author of
100 Ways to Love Your Husband
and her husband is the author of
100 Ways to Love Your Wife
. You can follow Lisa on
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Children are a gift – an amazing blessing from God. Every single day we may find ourselves doing a lot for our kids, loving and caring for them, nurturing, teaching, training, helping, leading, equipping, encouraging, protecting, and so much more. We spend precious hours just living out life, helping with homework, and driving them to activities. We spend money on sports, lessons, and various classes to help them grow and become all they can be, providing opportunities for them to do what they most love in this world.
But in the midst of busy, full lives, we have to ask ourselves: Are we praying? I mean, really praying specific, powerful, promise-filled, hope-inspired prayers. Are we praying God’s powerful Word and promises over their lives? I’m freshly aware, and challenged to pray more.
There’s a battle over our families today, and the enemy would love nothing more than to destroy all that we hold dear in this life. He’s ruthless and cunning, deceitful and sly. He’ll attack when we’re not watching, he’ll do everything he can to lure our kids his way. Don’t let him win.
Prayer is essential over our children and families, in order to stay alert, aware, and discerning of God’s voice, as well as to stand against the attacks of the enemy in our lives. We should never underestimate the importance of speaking blessing and truth over their lives. Prayer is powerful and his words are true.
Prayer + God’s Word = Power – the pathway for Him to do miraculous things.
Dear God,
We praise you for your love and faithfulness. We thank you for your protection and care over our families. Thank you that you give us the power to love well; the wisdom to lead and teach our children. We know you’re for us; that you fight for our families today. You are Redeemer, Restorer, and Friend, we believe you have good in store. We confess, some days, parenting is tough. Many days we can feel anxious or overwhelmed. We ask that you would make us more like you, more aware of your constant Presence in our lives. Help us to release our children to You, so that You are free to fully accomplish all that You desire, in them, through them. Please fill our families with your truth and cover us with your favor.
Lord, we pray for these blessings over our children, today, and every day…
Belief – “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” Acts 16:31
Blessing – “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
Courage – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Contentment – “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
Encouragement – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
Endurance – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” Hebrews 12:1-2
Faithfulness – “Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.” 1 Sam. 12:24
Favor – “For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12
Forgiveness – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Fruitfulness – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
Generosity – “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:18-19
Godly Relationships – “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Prov. 13:20
Grace – “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14
Health – “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 1:2
Honesty – “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
Hope – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Humility – “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4
Integrity – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9
Joy – “…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
Kindness – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Love – “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” 1 John 3:1
Obedience – “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1
Patience – “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” James 1:19
Peace – “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
Protection – “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart…He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:1-2, 4, 11
Provision – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Purity – “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” Psalm 119:9
Purpose – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Respect – “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:17
Safety – “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:8
Salvation – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Self-Control – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Servant Heart – “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
Strength – “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11
Submission – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Thankfulness – “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
Trust – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Value – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:9
Wisdom – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” Proverbs 9:10
Wise Instruction – “All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace.” Isaiah 54:13
Please let your blessings and Word shine on our children and family, as we seek to honor you.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children…” Lamentations 2:19
For prayers to help your child learn how to pray, read 10 Simple & Easy Children’s Prayers.
When it’s time to sleep and you want to help your child learn how to pray at bedtime, use our Kids Bedtime Prayers.
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor’s wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead’s facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also at and
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 ForgivenessPrayer for GuidanceIntercessory PrayerMother’s Day PrayerPrayers for My HusbandPrayer for PeacePrayer for FaithPrayer for LovePrayers for My SonPrayers for My Daughter
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I lift my hands in worship to You Lord for You are so awesome. You reign on high and I adore You. I pour out my heart Heavenly Father for a special outpouring of Your blessings upon the lives of my children.
You promised me Abba, that if I bring up my children in the right way they will honor You. At this time, I feel that they have turned completely from You and Your Word. So today, I look to You for Hope and Encouragement.
I lift my hands in worship to You Lord for You are so awesome. You reign on high! Click To Tweet
Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Bring good things into their lives
Father God, You are the Living God of opportunities and are filled with promises. I constantly expect to see good things happen in my children’s lives.
But my expectations are soon dashed by what I see happening to them. I know that they can overcome every obstacle once they refuse to give up because the Spirit of God lives in them.
Isaiah 54:13 – All your children shall be taught by the Lord , and great shall be the peace of your children.
This is their season
Almighty God, it is my prayer, as I intercede on their behalf and stand in faith, that this is their season. They will begin to walk in righteousness and see new opportunities flooding their hearts and minds.
Rivers of living water will flow through them, exposing the awesome wonder of Who You really are.
The power and peace that will overtake them will have them wanting more of You.
I pray that they will learn to ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and as they walk in victory and obedience, they will also declare that Jesus is their Lord and Saviour.
I pray that my children will learn to ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and walk in victory Click To Tweet
Colossians 2:6-7 – As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
You may also be interested in these articles:
- Prayer: Standing in the Gap for my Children
- Protection Prayer for our Children
- Testimony – Miracle From Heaven
Standing on your promises
As a mother who stand on Your promises, I pray these mercies upon the lives of my children.
I declare success, health, strength and prosperity over them. In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, SO BE IT…
Amen.
Acts 2:17 – And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.
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