At times the challenges of parenthood are frightening and confusing. Prayer for parents is so important. I remember those years of parenting well, when my cries for wisdom and help stormed heaven’s gates daily. But during difficult times like these, when nothing seems normal, and so many families are struggling just to get by, I’m convinced even more of the need for prayer. Do you feel that way too? Our kids need prayer covering, but we as parents also need God’s help. In good times or challenging times, I still approach God’s throne with passion and urgency, and my petitions now include grandchildren.
Prayer can take wings and fly where we can’t travel. And when we pray for our children or grandchildren, God listens. He loves kids!
Maybe you don’t know where to begin to pray. If you are a parent or grandparent or you know those who are, here is a simple prayer for parents, grandparents, and their children in these difficult times that might start you in the right direction:
A Prayer for Parents, Grandparents, and Their Children in Difficult Times
Lord Jesus,
As parents we come to you as little children ourselves, with hearts eager to please, needing direction, ready to trust Your leading. Many of us are experiencing a new normal, and we are fearful ourselves, struggling to get by. Equip us for the challenge of parenthood, especially in difficult times. Help us deal with stress calmly and make wise choices each day. Bless the ones You place in our care that they might grow up to be like You.
Give our children and grandchildren eyes to see You clearly, hearts that love you dearly, arms that reach out to others, and legs that run quickly to do Your will. Guard them from temptation, and place godly friends in their path to influence them for good.
Grant Wisdom and Protection
Grant wisdom, a strong conscience, and protection from harm. Keep evil far from them–at all times, but especially now. Wrap them not in a cocoon, but in a spirit of readiness and obedience, unafraid to stand up for You, even if it means standing alone. Show them–and us–how to use our time wisely.
Reveal Your Purpose, Joy, and Beauty
Let them know that heaven is their real home, but reveal to them the beauty of all that You have made while they live on this earth. May they find purpose, meaning, and a joy-filled life in both small and great ways right now that You provide. Guard them from wrong motives, lies, and philosophies that may seem right but that will only lead them away from You. Fill them so full of Yourself, that they spill over with the character of Christ at every turn.
Help Us Offer Grace, Love, and Forgiveness
Guide us as parents and grandparents to train them up in the path they should go, teaching them that greatness and success are found in servanthood, kindness, and godly character–not in performance. Help us to offer them grace in the same way You have poured it into our lives. Let our love for them be unconditional, like Yours, filled with forgiveness, yet with faithfulness and firmness to teach what is right.
In every season of their lives and ours, make us steadfast, immovable, and faithful in our prayers for them. When we–or they–make mistakes, may we both look to You to correct those errors, to receive Your mercy, and to never give up in this spiritual journey with You.
Help Us Give Assurance and Comfort
May we as parents be slow to anger, quick to hear, and eager to accept our children and grandchildren for the precious treasures they are. Right now, they need our assurance of love and comfort more than ever. We’re all tired because of the added pressures in our lives. Help us to listen to their fears and their disappointments. Show us how to encourage them and to help them find creative ways to use their time and gifts. Show us–and our kids–how to express care and love for others during this pandemic crisis.
We know they are only gifts to us on loan, so we release them to Your safekeeping, yet never shirking the responsibility You entrusted to us to take good care of them, no matter what.
Thank You for the Privilege of Parenting and Grandparenting
Thank You for blessing us with the responsibility and privilege of parenting and grandparenting. At times we feel so weak, but You are strong. You will make a way through this. Our trust is in You.
You Are Our Model, Lord
Lord, You are our Model, our Guide, our very Hope. Keep us faithful no matter what, and let our prayers be a covering for these precious ones daily. This day–and throughout their lives–we dedicate our children and grandchildren to You, Lord.
Day-votedly Yours,
Rebecca
We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. (Psalm 78:4 NLT.
*You might also like this post I wrote about Prayers with Kids at Bedtime.
It’s Your Turn
What are your biggest concerns about parenting or grandparenting during this pandemic crisis? Will you commit with me to pray for your kids and/or grandkids daily–both now, and in the days to come? I’d love to hear from you anytime. You can always write me through my contact page. Just fill out the basic name and address info, and then the email will come to me. Your name or info will never be shared with anyone without your permission.
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