Today I'd like to share about praying with your children.
This is something I know first hand makes a difference.
I have three children, a son 23, a daughter 21 and another daughter 17. As a mom I've failed many times and made a lot of mistakes, but there is one thing I know I did right...
Every night I sat with each of my children and we prayed together. We prayed for tummy aches, for good sleeps, for forgiveness, for friends and family, and we thanked God for all we had.
As they got older their prayers became more serious and intimate with God and they began to have quiet time alone with Him.
In those times of prayer my children met Jesus.
Not a religious icon or symbol but the Son of the living God. The One who loves them more than we as parents ever could. I would remind my children that the love of God was so much more then the love we could give. I would often say... 'always remember we love you, but God loves you more.' : )
My children are older now and I love seeing and hearing them pray. Prayer is a form of trust in the Lord. A trust that He is there and listening.
"...they cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him." 1 Ch. 5:20
My children are far from perfect but it amazes me when every once in awhile I see the Lord perfecting them, showing them His perfect way. It's such a joy as a mother.
If I could give any advice as a mom it would be to pray with your children.
Introduce them to Jesus. And be real in your prayers. Children need to see their parents humbled at the cross, and parents who cry out to the Lord for strength. They need to see we all need Him.
| "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Ch. 7:14 |
Here's a little help to get you started praying with your children.
It's called the A.C.T.S. Prayer:
- A stands for “adoration.” Begin the prayer by simply adoring God for who He is.
- C stands for “confession.” Spend some time confessing your sins.
- T stands for “thanksgiving.” Take time to thank God for the blessings that He has given to you and your family.
- S stands for “supplication.” Lift up specific areas of your life in which you need God to supply for your needs.
Thank you for these encouraging words. I am the mother of two teenagers and prayer has been an important part of our lives right from when they were babies. You have highlighted something that truly resonates with me - praying WITH our children and praying FOR our children are both crucial in their development.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is excellent advise! I always used to pray for my sons, but there was a time when they started to pray alone. Today they both follow our Lord Jesus and they bring me so much joy!
ReplyDeleteLots of love XX
Mia
My dad said prayers with my brothers and I every night througout our growing up years and into our teens. It's something that my hubby and I now do with our girls - and with each other. Special time together and with God. Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteI remember being in a prayer group with other women & just how powerful praying A.C.T.S. can be! Hoping many others will see the blessings of this type of prayer through your post today! ~ Jen
ReplyDeleteYou don't look old enough Cathy to have a 23-year-old! What a great post to remind us to pray with our children. I love the A-C-T-S guide to prayer:-) Thank you so much for faithfully posting on your blog & on my Wednesday hop! You are a blessing on Internet! Juana
ReplyDeleteThat ACTS prayer is a great idea. Thank you for sharing this. I know I need to pray with my own children more often. It's so important.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, I have a book that helps children develop their relationship with Christ entitle My Journey with Jesus Christ. The prayer journal is based on ACTS prayer and you can download free journal pages here: http://myjourneywithjesus.weebly.com/resources.html
ReplyDeleteA lot of parents are printing a bunch out and putting them in a 3 ring binder
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment ladies! Good to hear so many parents are praying with their children. : )
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