7 Prayers Every Parent Should Pray For Their Growing Child

I was the perfect mom once. Before I had kids, of course, never did it occur to me before I had our sweet three boys what anxiety really was.

Worrying about our kids comes with the territory of parenthood.

I have found and often must remind myself that praying to God is the best defense and provision for our growing children. I find that I worry less when I actively pursue God’s wisdom and care to guide and protect our family. Below are seven prayers that parents might find helpful.

Protection

Scripture reference:

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV): But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we live in a scary world with evil all around. I know that I can’t keep my children from being harmed alone. Father God, I need You. I desperately need You.

Please fill my spirit with strength and courage to know our children will be safe. Please keep them safe in their activities, at school, and at church. I pray that You will wrap your arms around them and protect them even when I can’t physically be with them. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Newborns

Scripture reference:

Psalm 121:3-4 (NIV): He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Prayer:

Father God, as we sit in this season of sleep deprivation and learn about this precious baby you have gifted us with, please hold my feet steady. Even though I am tired, please remind my soul that you are watching and guiding our steps while we learn to be parents. Thank you for never slumbering and keeping this sweet baby healthy and safe.

Thank you for choosing me to be their parent and for watching over us. Amen.

Toddlers

Scripture reference:

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV): Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.

Prayer:

Father God, the toddler years are hard. Sometimes, I feel like all I do is say no. I do my best to prevent the inevitable booboos that come with this age as they take their first stumbly little steps only to catapult themselves to running, jumping, and climbing.

I realize that even at this young age, I must be mindful of showing them Your love and Bible stories. Please instill in me patience and the age-appropriate words to tell them about the scriptures and pray with them. Amen.

Teens

Scripture reference:

Ephesians 6:4 (NIV): Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, our child is quickly approaching adulthood, and I am scared. I have always been there to guide them and keep them safe, but I know that all too soon, I will have to let them go out into the big, wide world.

I pray, Father, that they have been listening and watching our attempted example as we have tried to provide the training and instruction to lead Christ-like lives. Please guide their heart toward you, and when they are scared or in doubt, I pray that they will come straight to you in prayer and that they will always know that they can come to me for guidance, love, and support as well. Amen.

Friendship

Scripture reference:

Proverbs 18:24 (NIV): One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we know that good friends stick closer to us than our own siblings. We also understand the damage that can come from untrue friends. Please help our child find a friend who can be a brother or sister to him/her, help them support each other, and help them make the choices that honor and glorify You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

A Cheerful Heart

Scripture reference:

Proverbs 17:22 (NIV): A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Prayer:

Father God, Your Word tells us the best medicine is a cheerful heart. I pray that You will always hold Your mighty hand of protection on my child’s tender heart. It is my prayer that as they grow up, they will always be able to find joy in whatever circumstances or seasons of their life they may be in.

Please be present in their mind during times of adversity and help him/her to remember that those times are meant to teach him/her something and that life will get better again.

In times of pure happiness—graduations, weddings, births of children, and daily life with husbands/wives, children, and friends—please pulsate that joy in their heart and help it beam through their eyes so You may be seen at the moment. In Jesus’ sweet name, Amen.

Salvation

Scripture reference:

2 Peter 3:18 (NIV): But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Prayer:

Father, the most critical request I could ever make is for You to guide our child to Salvation. I pray that he/she will learn and grow in the grace and knowledge that only You can provide so that he/she will come to know and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

I want him/her to grow a relationship with You, talk with You, read Your Word, and love You. Please direct their soul toward You and help him/her hear Jesus’ knock at the door of their heart. I pray that he/she will enthusiastically open the door to let Him in. Amen.

Praying for Our Heritage

Prayer has such power. In closing, remember Psalm 127:3 (NIV). Pray for those sweet rewards every day, in every stage. God knows parenting is hard, which is why He wants us to come to Him and ask for His wisdom and care.