Monday, April 30, 2012

Love & Hospitality

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.  Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. - Hebrews 13:1,2

May these children see others in a good light, as people worthy of treating well.  May they see them as family or respected strangers, even though they may be wearing the disguise of a classmate they see every day and sometimes have a hard time liking.  This is a hard thing, but I pray that you would help these children have your perspective on people, and the ability to be genuine in their love and good treatment of all others.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The Wisdom Filter

I pray for their ability to filter the things that make them upset, sad, angry and disappointed through the 'wisdom' part of their brains and souls before they let their faces and voices respond in a way that's not appropriate.  Help them learn to deal well with the negatives in life.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Wisdom not Folly

May she understand, at her core, the difference between wisdom and folly and may she choose wisely.

When she rebels against us, I pray that she keeps you in mind still and turns to respect and submit to authority.

May she be creative, imaginative and exploratory all in ways that bring you glory, not in foolish ways.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Disappointments

I pray that when circumstances around them are disappointing (like a rained out class outing), they would understand that they still have the power to control their attitudes.  My they learn to express their hurts and negative emotions in ways that are constructive and don't hurt other people.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Chores

I find it hard sometimes to ask my child to do something I know she won't like... Help me know what things need to be asked and what things can be ignored.  Help me remember that my child won't grow strong unless she disciplines herself through - and I make her do - hard things.  Help me develop a thick skin to her negative reactions and teach her how to respond appropriately.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Healthy Bodies

Lord, as these children get older and begin to make decisions for themselves, I pray they would choose to look after their bodies.  I pray they would choose to eat healthy foods, and not eat solely for pleasure.  I pray they would choose activity over being sedentary.  May they value feeling good and healthy and make choices to take themselves in that direction.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The Way He Loves

I pray that this child loves you with a life long devotion that is evident in the things he does, the way he does them, and to all who surround him.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Easter!

He is Risen!  He is Risen, Indeed!

May the last few days for these children have included a celebration; may they have heard the story of the miraculous and been amazed at your power.  May they have been captivated by the one who can move mountains and beat death and grow new life. 

May they see this spring season as a celebration, a coming to life, that echoes how you once brought the dead to life to save the world.  Our earth around us shouts that truth.  May these young eyes be wise enough to see it and be amazed by you.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Good Friday

Father God, may each of these children that I care about know today that you love them.  May they know the measures that you took to allow them to be close to you.  May they hear what Jesus went through on the first Good Friday and understand that it was done for them.  May we model sacrificial love for them, but may we point them to the one who gave it all and loves them far more than we possible can.  Draw them to you through your Son, Jesus Christ.

May they understand their need for forgiveness and accept your gift of forgiveness and cleansing and fresh starts.  May they grow up knowing how to repent and start anew.  May they come back to the cross time and time again, knowing your sacrifice and loving you for it.

Draw them, Lord Jesus, draw them to you.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

The Spiritual Side

Today is the last day of school before the kids are out for a week and a half Easter break.  Lord, I pray that they would hear this year, for the first time or the hundredth, what Easter is all about.  I pray that they would be told what is good about Good Friday.  I pray for the adults in the lives of each of these kids at M's school, and for each of my nieces and nephews, to be bold in taking the opportunity to tell your story.  May your story be fresh in each of these little one's hearts this weekend, and may they understand that the Easter break is not just a holiday away from school, but a celebration of how you have redeemed us for yourself.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Responsibility

I pray for these children in the process of learning responsibility.  May we as parents have the proper balance of high expectations and appropriate discipline, and also grace & kindness.

May my girl know she is loved and not just feel hard done by.  may she see the end result and what that for herself and try.