10 Ways to Pray for Myself as a Parent & 10 Ways to Pray for my Child
10 ways to pray for myself as a parent
1. Patience — Lord, teach me during this time to be joyful in hope and patient in tribulation. Help me to continue steadfastly in prayer, even when it seems life is getting more complicated, not less. May I become swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. (Romans 12:12, James 1:19).
2. Endurance — Father, may I be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work you have given me, knowing that my labor is not in vain. May I be strengthened to run this race with endurance, looking to Jesus who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross. I grow weary, but you do not. Show me what it looks like to wait on you. (1 Cor 15:58, Hebrews 12:1-3, Isaiah 40:28-31).
3. Wisdom and Discernment — Your word promises that if I need wisdom, I can just ask for it and you will give it. Right now, I need wisdom in every part of life — from dealing with small conflicts at home to making major decisions for my family. I know wisdom comes from you alone. May I also be in tune with the Holy Spirit, and His voice which says, “This is the way, walk in it.” (James 1:5, Proverbs 1:7, 3:13, Ephesians 1:16, Isaiah 30:21).
4. Trust and Faith — Father, as much as anything, right now I need to trust you with all my heart — not leaning on my own understanding, but rather acknowledging you in all my ways. In my fear, weakness, and frustration, help me to cry out to you, “Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief!” You are infinitely worthy of my complete and total trust. (Proverbs 3:5-6, Mark 9:24).
5. Peace - Along with trusting you, Father, comes peace. Help me to keep my minds and heart fixed on you, because it is your will that I have your perfect peace. This world sure won’t give us peace, but you have given me the peace of Jesus, so my heart doesn’t need to be troubled or afraid. (Isaiah 26:3, John 14:27).
6. As a single parent - Lord, I pray that as a single parent, may I be strong and courageous, firmly convinced that you will never leave me nor forsake me. Help me rest, knowing that my family has your special protection and care, and that you have given me absolutely everything they need for life and godliness. (Joshua 1: 5-6, Psalm 68:5, Peter 1:3).
7. For my marriage — Lord, may my spouse and I be completely humble and gentle with each other, patient with one another and bearing with each other in love. We pray that above all, we would keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins and binds husbands and wives together in perfect unity (Ephesians 4:2-3, 1 Peter 4: 8, Colossians 3:14). This time is no less a challenge for single parents.
8. Self-care — Jesus, you made me with a spirit, soul, and body. During this busy time of caring for my family, I pray that you would help me find time to receive refreshment from you. You have such compassion for weary, hungry people. Lead me beside still waters, and restore my soul. (1 Kings 19:7, Mark 15:32, Psalm 23:3).
9. Rest - Father, when I am weary and heavy laden with all the burdens of this present time, I pray I would come to you and find rest for my soul. I pray that I would leave aside all worrying, striving, and anxiety. Teach me to be still and wait on you. I pray, Lord, that I would enter into the rest you have for us in Christ Jesus. May I take can take comfort in the finished work of Jesus on our behalf. (Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 46:10, Hebrews 4: 9)
10. Grace — Father, in these precarious and unpredictable seasons, may I know that your grace is sufficient for me. Jesus, you made a way for me to approach your throne of grace with confidence, and to receive the grace and mercy I so desperately need. As you have lavished your grace upon me, Lord, I pray that I would show grace to everyone around me, too. (2 Cor. 12:9, Hebrews 4:16, Ephesians 1:8).
10 ways to pray for my child
1. May they respond to the Gospel and Jesus’s gift of salvation (Romans 10:9)
2. May Christ be deeply formed in them in the work of sanctification (Gal. 4:19).
3. May the Holy Spirit lead them to deeply love God and their neighbor. (Mark 12:30-31)
4. May they fall in love with God’s Word, and desire to obey and follow His life-giving commands and invitations to walk in holiness and godliness (Psalm 119:105).
5. May they be deeply in-tune to the Holy Spirit speaking inside them (Isaiah 30:21).
6. May they come to full know and embrace their new identity in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-19).
7. May they be guided along paths of righteousness and know the purposes and plans God has for their lives (Psalm 138:8).
8. May they fall in love with the church and Christian community, enjoying Godly friendships and wise mentors (Hebrews 10:25).
9. May they walk in daily discipleship with Jesus, seeking to also become fishers of men and women (Matt. 4:19).
10. May they strive to be salt and light to the world, walking well among outsiders as the aroma of Christ (Col. 4:5-6, Matthew 5:13, 2 For 15-17).