Prayer for Parenting: Examples from the Bible

Parenting is a huge responsibility; from conception to graduation and beyond there are many things that will challenge parents. Those challenges may come from the kids themselves or elsewhere. The challenges will come in different phases, from sleep training to potty training, driver education, and dating. That’s why prayer for parenting is so essential.

Prayer for Parenting: Examples from the Bible

Despite the myriad parenting books on the market, no manual comes with your child. You will make mistakes, discover wonderful gifts, and generally learn a lot along the way. For Christian parents, prayer is an anchor in the uncharted seas of parenting. The Bible shares many examples of parents praying for their children.

Hannah

In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. – 1 Samuel 1:10, NIV

Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. – 1 Samuel 2:1, NIV

Hannah prayed both in grief and joy, recognizing God’s hand for all things in both her life and the life of her child, Samuel. You will have times when children cause you fear and heartbreak, and when that happens you pray. There will be some amazing times when you want to celebrate progress after a long hard road; when that happens you pray.

Proverbs 31 mother

The sayings of King Lemuel – an inspired utterance his mother taught him.

Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers! Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. – Proverbs 31:1-2,8-9, NIV

The final chapter of Proverbs is a mother’s instruction to the son she prayed for. Praying for our children is an extension of the wisdom we teach them before they leave our care. Wisdom is taught in word and deed, and wise parents continue to pray for their children all their lives.

Jesus and parents

Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:13-14, NIV

It can be easy to fall into thinking that spiritual parenting is a thing just done by parent figures in a child’s life. But many people can and will pray for you and your children. It can be immediate family, members of your church community, or friends far away. Prayer is not limited to certain people at certain times. Praying for children is for all times, all people, and all places. You can pray to Jesus Christ, knowing He welcomes children in his kingdom.

Cornelius

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. – Acts 10:1-2, NIV

Prayer can be accompanied by action. Lead your children by example, living a life that you want them also to live, just as Cornelius does here. He lives a life of compassion, as well as religious practices.

There is no circumstance beyond God, and parents’ faithful prayers of hope will not go unheard. Being a parent is a constant cycle of learning and relearning, teaching, and reteaching.

What prayer is not

Demanding and expecting a specific lifestyle or result

Children are individuals, with different gifts and experiences than their parents. Do not pray for them to fit your predetermined ideal. Hannah prayed to have a child and then gave that child to the priests to raise.

A means of guilting and shaming children

It can be tempting to hide a lecture inside the act of prayer. Prayer is an act of humbling ourselves before God, not humiliating others.

An excuse to gossip

Asking for prayer from others should never be a time to malign or gossip about other people’s parenting, or about our children’s lives. Much information is on a need-to-know basis. State your prayer requests carefully.

Prayer for parenting and therapy

Bringing our children before God in prayer for parenting is not the only way to seek wisdom as parents. Both parents and children can benefit from talking to a counselor, particularly when they have trouble communicating with each other. We offer both individual and family counseling services. Contact Orange County Christian Counseling today to make an appointment.