When our children were babies, they depended us on to do everything for them. However, as they grow up, we must continually release them to the Lord. It’s not always easy and we may overstep our boundaries to do more than what we should. Yet when we have released them into God’s hands—we are free to pray over them in faith—trusting in God to do His great work in their lives. Begin today to pray these 8 great Bible verses over your children or grandchildren regardless of their ages:
Lord, I pray that you bless and keep them throughout the day
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
This was the prayer of Moses over the children of Israel and it’s still as necessary to pray over our children in these last and evil days. The blessings of the Lord are much greater than financial wealth; rather the blessings of joy, peace, and love along with the knowledge of God has tremendous pay offs for their future.
Lord, I pray that your light will shine through them
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
The light of Christ within our children can’t be put under a bushel and hidden away. We want our children to stand unashamed of the Lord in the darkness. Their words and actions will reveal the light within them, draw others to Christ, and establish them in the community of believers.
Lord, I pray that you would give them a spirit of power, love, and sound mind
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
In times of fear, our children have to be ready to stand in power, love, and a sound mind under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Their faith in God will be strengthened when they overcome the spirit of fear. No matter their age, they will find themselves growing into strong warriors for Christ.
Lord, I pray that they will not be anxious about anything
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
There are tremendous number of children who are filled with worries—from their family problems to the issues of crime and unrest in the world. We must pray that they will grow in their trust in God to keep them and prepare them for the future. Teaching our children to pray to God regularly with their requests—both small and great—helps them build a stronger faith in God.
Lord, I pray that they will know that You are with them
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Every believer at one time or another will feel like God has abandoned them. Yet we learn to overcome that feeling as we grow in our trust in His faithfulness and promise to never leave us. We must train our children to look to the Lord even before they look to us. In this way, they will grow their confidence in God’s presence whether they sense Him or not.
Lord, I pray that they will grow in the grace and knowledge of God
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).
Our children’s awareness of God’s grace and knowledge is rooted in how acquainted they are with the Bible. The less they know, the less they will grow. Yet the more they know, meditate, and apply God’s word in their everyday lives—they will grow spiritually and become greater influencers over those God has placed around them.
Lord, I pray that they will stand for what is right
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place” (Ephesians 6:14).
Peer pressure on every level is hard. The children who choose the narrow and straight way of eternal life will feel the angst of those who follow the broad way to destruction. We can’t always be there to nudge them in the right direction, but we can pray for their strength in the day of temptation to choose what is right.
Lord, I pray that they will know Jesus Christ more intimately
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11).
Our children can know about our relationship with Jesus without ever having ownership of this knowledge for themselves. We must pray and be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit to guide them to know Jesus for themselves. When given the right promptings, they will eventually learn to recognize His voice speaking to their hearts.
Lord, I pray…
Are you praying for your children every day? As parents and grandparents, we can’t afford to give way to Satan by neglecting this great privilege. Praying for our children with Bible verses can strengthen our faith especially if we don’t readily see the spiritual fruit. We lay the foundation of living what we believe and praying with all earnest that our children will walk in faith to accomplish great things for the Lord.
Take a look at some more: Bible Verses by Topic
Resource – New International Version Bible, The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblca, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.