Christmas

I pray that as they experience the wonder and excitement of Christmas, that they would know you are at the center of our celebrations, and spend time thinking about you and why you came as a baby. 

May the adults in their lives not stress the getting, but help them experience the joy of giving. 

Boldness

I pray for boldness for our children - to sit with someone new on the bus, to say a kind word when others are being hurtful, to make decisions to speak and act and see others as you do, for your sake.  I pray that they would be willing to step out of their comfort zone with boldness when they know it's right and good.

A Painful Process, Sometimes

Paul writes (Galatians 4:19) that he is in the pains of childbirth - again - until Christ is formed in them (the Galatians).  A vivid picture.  As much work as it is to bring them into this world, it is the same to train them up.  To ensure that they have Christ in their hearts.  It's a long, hard, painful and worthwhile process.

Lord, help us remember the worthwhile part and stick it out through the hardships of raising children for you.

Respect

May the adults in their lives live in a manner worthy of respect.  May we put high expectations on our children in the way they treat us, and may we treat them with respect so they learn how.  May they have many adults in their lives who are worthy of respect; who are easy to respect so they learn how to respect all adults.

In Step with the Spirit

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  Galatians 5:25

Lord, may these children be sensitive to your leading and want to follow you closely.

Straight from Scripture

I ask that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

(Ephesians 1:17-19)

Hope & Encouragement

I pray today for hope and encouragement.  I pray that at some point today, someone would say a kind or encouraging word, or give a kind accepting smile at the right time; that our children would be built up, encouraged, motivated to continue, and that they would feel loved.

In the Story

May they understand your story, and that they have a part in it.  May they understand their place, both the smallness and the importance of it.  We are but dust, but we can make a difference.  We matter to you and to your story.

Treating Others Well

May each of these children I love seek to treat people well out of a sense that that is what is right, and not our of a selfish desire for popularity.

May they understand that true beauty and real character comes from how your are on the inside, not how you look on the outside.

Seeing Children as a Blessing

May adults everywhere see children as a blessing and a gift.  May we deeply desire to train them well and care for them deeply, recognizing how precious they are to you and that you've entrusted them to us.