Joy

Today I pray simply for joy for my child.  May she be concerned with nothing she needs, but enjoy each moment, each person, and spread joy wherever she goes and in whatever she does.

A cheerful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22).  May she be healing to those around her today because of her joy.

Perspective

I pray today for proper perspective - not that they are the most important person in the world, but that they are their own best teacher.  They will turn out to be what they see themselves as.  May they aspire to be kind, nice, and influential for good, rather than rich, powerful, and popular.  May they not see their world as unfair, but instead decide how to live in light of their circumstances.

Scripture Songs

I read a verse today and in my head started singing it - it was one from a chapter that we learned thoroughly through a kid's video when M was young.

Lord, I pray that you would provide many ways like that for your word and your values to become ingrained in these children.  That it becomes part of who they are; that they welcome you to become part of who they are, in all areas of their lives.

Back at it.

Holidays are over and I am once again sitting watching for the bus.  I hope this Christmas you were able to spend time with some of the children you are praying for.

I read a great verse in Titus today, prompted by the mom's prayer guide (humility was the word of the day) - Titus 3:2 says "... to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone."  Wouldn't it be wonderful if that characterized all our children?  That's what I'm praying today.

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.