Tag: children

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Families with Little Ones in Worship

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. Jesus told his disciples to let the little children come to him. Therefore, I thank you for young parents and families who faithfully attend worship. That season of life can be filled with more than enough hassle and headaches that would make it easy to stay home. Those parents recognize not only their own spiritual needs, but also the needs of their children. They are establishing healthy worship habits that can serve to bless their children for a lifetime.

When their Saturday evenings or Sunday mornings are filled with stress and frustration, and the pull to just stay home is strong, let your Spirit provide the determination they need to stay the course. And, when they do, and little ones are out of sorts or unsettled during worship, give other worshipers an extra measure of patience, and remind them how good and healthy it is to have little ones together in worship. At the same time, give parents the discernment to recognize when circumstances call for them to take a break if little ones have become a distraction for other worshipers, while also compelling other worshipers to lend a helping hand whenever possible. When we view worship not just as an opportunity to be served, but to serve, we’ll gladly welcome all worshipers – including children – and rejoice that they are present. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Encourage Children to Use Their Gifts

God our Father,
Children are a blessing in many ways, but we often underutilize their gifts. While they are capable of contributing in our homes, congregations, and communities, we easily overlook them. Sometimes we don’t want to deal with the grumbling and complaining that accompanies these opportunities; other times we don’t feel up to the added time and energy it takes to prepare for their involvement or explain all the details to them. 

Either way, we miss valuable opportunities to instill in them not only the importance of serving and using their gifts, but also the satisfaction and healthy pride that go along with the privilege of making a difference. Using their gifts in their younger years also helps them learn responsibility, become familiar with their limitations, and know when they can and cannot push themselves harder. It also allows them to get a feel for their unique gifts and the variety of ways in which they might enjoy serving. And, when others see children use their gifts to serve, it fills them with hope for an optimistic future as well. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Fathers to Prioritize Time with Their Children

Perfect Father,
Rarely can it be said that fathers and their children spend enough time together. Help fathers to prioritize spending quality time with their kids. When obligations, responsibilities, and deadlines are looming, free fathers from the stress of things left undone, and help them to realize that neglecting time with their children has potentially even greater consequences than incomplete to-do lists. 

Lead fathers to seek a balance between structured, scheduled activities and free time that is not marked for anything other than just being present together with their kids. Both uses of time are valuable and are a tremendous blessing to children as well as fathers. With this time together, let fathers have not only a positive influence on their children in general, but especially a godly influence. Use fathers to model what the Christian faith looks like, not in theory, but when put into practice in real life. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Mothers Who Have Lost Children

Dear Father,
As we honor mothers this week in prayer, I pray today for mothers who have lost a child. Some mothers have endured agonizingly long bouts of sickness in their children, only to see them lose their battle. Others have lost children through sudden and unexpected tragedy. However that loss occurs, it brings with it a unique and painful kind of grief. 

When that pain is raw and recent, reassure those mothers that you grieve with them and that they are never alone. Give them space to mourn, and when the well intentioned words and condolences of others miss the mark, help mothers to receive them with patience and grace. When years have passed and the pain still lingers, begin to shift the recollection of past memories from being a source of pain to becoming treasured keepsakes in the heart. Where possible and as you see fit, dull the sharp sting of death even the slightest bit with the blessing of additional children. Finally, allow the Resurrection to foster a deeper appreciation for the hope mothers have in knowing that death doesn’t have the final say. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Mothers of Teenagers and Adult Children

Dear Father,
As we honor mothers this week in prayer, I pray today for mothers of teenagers and adult children. As our children grow, they become more independent. At times, especially during the teenage years, that independence and general season of life can be turbulent. This often results in added friction in the relationship between teenagers and mothers. A similar tension is not uncommon when children become adults. As they develop additional relationships in these later years, including the establishment of their own families, their dependence on mothers decreases. 

Nevertheless, lead all children, regardless of age, to honor their mothers, in keeping with the Fourth Commandment. While the role of mothers transitions from one season of their child’s life to the next, keep their special connection strong. Help children to always treasure the love and care of their mother. Help mothers to respect the relationship boundaries their children establish with spouses, careful not to overstep them. Grant both mother and child grace and patience, and guide them to navigate their relationship by seeking to understand the other’s perspective. Bless the bond of mother and child, no matter the age. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Mothers Doubling as Care-Givers

Dear Father,
As we honor mothers this week in prayer, I pray today for mothers who also carry the added responsibility of being an adult care-giver. Whether that role is by choice or out of necessity, caring for other adults while also caring for children of any age as a mother can easily test a person’s limitations. The challenges may vary depending on the nature of who is needing the care – parents, other aging family members, or a husband – but the burden remains especially heavy no matter what.

Give mothers in these scenarios a competent and caring support system, so that others can intervene and provide them with assistance or even insist that they take time for needed self-care. Make children aware of the added responsibility their mother has, so that they might be more sensitive and appreciative, even lending assistance when possible. Sustain these moms with your strength and perseverance, and nurture their faith so they see you as their rock and refuge. Bless their children and all others on on the receiving end of their care. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Working Mothers

Dear Father,
As we honor mothers this week in prayer, I pray today for working mothers. Whether working full-time or part-time, in the office or from home, the juggling act of being a working mom takes its toll in many ways. It’s not as easy as flipping a switch to go from mom mode to work mode and vice versa. Not only do the responsibilities themselves overlap over and need to be carried out, but the mental and emotional burdens are heavy, too.

Grant working mothers coworkers and employers who are both understanding and accommodating. In cases where additional assistance is necessary for childcare, provide whatever is needed. When working moms wrestle with the guilt of not being available for their children around the clock, release them from that guilt and assure them that you are always present, caring and providing for every child’s need. Keep work requirements from robbing them of the joys of motherhood, and give them sufficient rest to be able to carry out both roles well and to your glory. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Mothers of Children with Special Needs

Dear Father,
As we honor mothers this week in prayer, I pray today for mothers of children with special needs. The general responsibilities of motherhood are daunting on their own, but even more is required of moms raising children with special needs. Whether the needs of their children are physical, mental, emotional, or some combination thereof, give these mothers an abundance of strength and perseverance. When they are exhausted or near the point of breaking, generously replenish them with whatever they need. When their faith is tested and their days are filled with defiance or discouragement, lovingly remind them that your grace sees and is delighted with their faithful efforts. 

Graciously allow them to experience the many unique blessings that children with special needs demonstrate. Let their children exude a joyful innocence and bright smiles whenever possible. Let them show obedience, gratitude, and generous affection to their mothers. When such blessings are not able to be present in the child, let others take note of the hard work and dedication of these mothers, and express their appreciation and admiration accordingly. Finally, while no earthly recognition these mothers receive may ever adequately suffice, reassure them that their rich rewards of grace await them in heaven.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For First-Time Mothers

Dear Father,
As we honor mothers this week in prayer, I pray today for first-time mothers. As they experience the mixed feelings of joy and fear over this new responsibility, free them from the worry and anxiety of feeling as if they have to have all of the answers. No mother has ever attained the status of perfection when it comes to motherhood, and no one ever will. There will be mistakes and things will go wrong, but remind them that you are able to provide and protect their child at all times.   

As they get more and more used to carrying out these new responsibilities of motherhood, alleviate their concerns and raise their confidence level. See to it that they have a network of support through family and friends who can help and assist when needed. Grant these new moms opportunities for rest and self-care. Let the husbands of first-time mothers be especially aware, both of the child and the mother’s needs, as they navigate this new chapter of their lives together. Lead them to be attentive to their child’s spiritual needs, prioritizing baptism, praying, and planning for continued spiritual growth.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Fathers to Lead Spiritually

Loving Father,
Equip fathers to be strong spiritual leaders in their homes. While it is one of the greatest responsibilities of Christian fathers, it is also among the most neglected. Many fathers struggle so much with leading themselves spiritually that they are not prepared to lead their families. Others may prioritize their own spiritual health, but lack the ability or confidence to lead anyone else.

Help fathers see how important their role is in shaping the spiritual health of their children. Children whose fathers worship with them are far more likely to continue attending church as adults, so lead dads to embrace the blessing of regular worship together and to take responsibility for leading their family to your house for worship. Make them aware of informal and unplanned opportunities to discuss your Word and their faith. Provide fathers with pastors and strong believing friends who can support them in their leadership. Move wives and children to encourage fathers in this area, and to cause their collective efforts to bear abundant fruit.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.