Praying over children

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? 

SEE ALSO: 40 Powerful Blessings to Pray over Your Marriage

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. 

SEE ALSO: This Is Why I Pray for My Children Every Day

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…

SEE ALSO: 4 Ways to Pray for Your Kids

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

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

Publication date: July 28, 2016

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.

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Let’s face it parents — we pray dreams over our children. It’s the nurturing part in us that wants a better life for them over what we have.  Praying prophetically brings a hope and future into their lives in ways that invites God to develop their gifts and talents. What we actually provide is the faith that God will gift them with something great, and that God will use them for His greater purpose. As parents, we believe in the potential that only we can see in them and that they don’t see in themselves.

It’s exciting to pray this over our children. We often realize many things about who God is in those moments too. A prophetic word is just that a word for the future, and what an awesome opportunity to speak hope into our children’s futures.

The great plans of God don’t always result in a large bank account or a prominent position, although God can do anything in our lives with willing people that submit to Him. We need to ask God for a vision for our children. With our physical lives we see them as they are, but with our spiritual eyes we can see them as God sees them. It’s only when we close our eyes in prayer that God will open our spiritual eyes to who we are in Christ with an identity based on Him.

We need to help children know and find their identity in Christ alone.  Our roles as parents are to help them find their sweet spot where their God-given gifts and passions overlap.  There is something powerful about naming our children in prayer and asking God to impart wisdom in our children and grow them up in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man.

Dear Lord, there are those days when our children exasperate us and anger us and our minds just want to correct them.  We need your help in doing this in a loving way.  We also need help in growing them and teaching them wisdom that can only be found in your Word.  We tend to remember what we need to forget and forget what we need to remember.  Lord, help us pray your potential gifts and plans into their lives and show us how to grow those – and prosper them in ways that are in love and excellence. It’s your character that we want to see in our lives, and through the lives of our children. May we as families reflect your love and character in all things.  Help us to see their hope and their future with You, Lord. Amen.

Takeaway verses:

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Proverbs 16:9  “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

Proverbs 16:3  “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

Matthew 6:33  “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

2 Timothy 2:15  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

life973.com

Let’s face it parents — we pray dreams over our children. It’s the nurturing part in us that wants a better life for them over what we have.  Praying prophetically brings a hope and future into their lives in ways that invites God to develop their gifts and talents. What we actually provide is the faith that God will gift them with something great, and that God will use them for His greater purpose. As parents, we believe in the potential that only we can see in them and that they don’t see in themselves.

It’s exciting to pray this over our children. We often realize many things about who God is in those moments too. A prophetic word is just that a word for the future, and what an awesome opportunity to speak hope into our children’s futures.

The great plans of God don’t always result in a large bank account or a prominent position, although God can do anything in our lives with willing people that submit to Him. We need to ask God for a vision for our children. With our physical lives we see them as they are, but with our spiritual eyes we can see them as God sees them. It’s only when we close our eyes in prayer that God will open our spiritual eyes to who we are in Christ with an identity based on Him.

We need to help children know and find their identity in Christ alone.  Our roles as parents are to help them find their sweet spot where their God-given gifts and passions overlap.  There is something powerful about naming our children in prayer and asking God to impart wisdom in our children and grow them up in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man.

Dear Lord, there are those days when our children exasperate us and anger us and our minds just want to correct them.  We need your help in doing this in a loving way.  We also need help in growing them and teaching them wisdom that can only be found in your Word.  We tend to remember what we need to forget and forget what we need to remember.  Lord, help us pray your potential gifts and plans into their lives and show us how to grow those – and prosper them in ways that are in love and excellence. It’s your character that we want to see in our lives, and through the lives of our children. May we as families reflect your love and character in all things.  Help us to see their hope and their future with You, Lord. Amen.

Takeaway verses:

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Proverbs 16:9  “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

Proverbs 16:3  “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

Matthew 6:33  “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

2 Timothy 2:15  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

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When our children were babies, they depended us on to do everything for them. However, as they grow up, we must continually release them to the Lord. It’s not always easy and we may overstep our boundaries to do more than what we should. Yet when we have released them into God’s hands—we are free to pray over them in faith—trusting in God to do His great work in their lives. Begin today to pray these 8 great Bible verses over your children or grandchildren regardless of their ages:

Lord, I pray that you bless and keep them throughout the day

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).

This was the prayer of Moses over the children of Israel and it’s still as necessary to pray over our children in these last and evil days. The blessings of the Lord are much greater than financial wealth; rather the blessings of joy, peace, and love along with the knowledge of God has tremendous pay offs for their future.

Lord, I pray that your light will shine through them

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

The light of Christ within our children can’t be put under a bushel and hidden away. We want our children to stand unashamed of the Lord in the darkness. Their words and actions will reveal the light within them, draw others to Christ, and establish them in the community of believers.

Lord, I pray that you would give them a spirit of power, love, and sound mind

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

In times of fear, our children have to be ready to stand in power, love, and a sound mind under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Their faith in God will be strengthened when they overcome the spirit of fear. No matter their age, they will find themselves growing into strong warriors for Christ.

Praying for our children with Bible verses can strengthen our faith …

Lord, I pray that they will not be anxious about anything

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

There are tremendous number of children who are filled with worries—from their family problems to the issues of crime and unrest in the world. We must pray that they will grow in their trust in God to keep them and prepare them for the future. Teaching our children to pray to God regularly with their requests—both small and great—helps them build a stronger faith in God.

Lord, I pray that they will know that You are with them

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Every believer at one time or another will feel like God has abandoned them. Yet we learn to overcome that feeling as we grow in our trust in His faithfulness and promise to never leave us. We must train our children to look to the Lord even before they look to us. In this way, they will grow their confidence in God’s presence whether they sense Him or not.

Lord, I pray that they will grow in the grace and knowledge of God

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

Our children’s awareness of God’s grace and knowledge is rooted in how acquainted they are with the Bible. The less they know, the less they will grow. Yet the more they know, meditate, and apply God’s word in their everyday lives—they will grow spiritually and become greater influencers over those God has placed around them.

Lord, I pray that they will stand for what is right

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place” (Ephesians 6:14).

Peer pressure on every level is hard. The children who choose the narrow and straight way of eternal life will feel the angst of those who follow the broad way to destruction. We can’t always be there to nudge them in the right direction, but we can pray for their strength in the day of temptation to choose what is right.

Lord, I pray that they will know Jesus Christ more intimately

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11).

Our children can know about our relationship with Jesus without ever having ownership of this knowledge for themselves. We must pray and be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit to guide them to know Jesus for themselves. When given the right promptings, they will eventually learn to recognize His voice speaking to their hearts.

Lord, I pray…

Are you praying for your children every day? As parents and grandparents, we can’t afford to give way to Satan by neglecting this great privilege. Praying for our children with Bible verses can strengthen our faith especially if we don’t readily see the spiritual fruit. We lay the foundation of living what we believe and praying with all earnest that our children will walk in faith to accomplish great things for the Lord.

Take a look at some more: Bible Verses by Topic

Resource – New International Version Bible, The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblca, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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