In the journey of parenthood, there’s a profound yet often underestimated power: Prayer. From the moment our children come into this world, our prayers weave a protective cloak around them, guiding them through the twists and turns of life’s path. But it doesn’t end there; it’s a lifelong commitment, resonating even as they step into adulthood and embrace the responsibilities of marriage and parenthood themselves.

From infancy through young adulthood, our prayers serve as a foundation, nurturing their growth, shielding them from harm, and instilling values that shape their character. As they navigate the turbulent waters of adolescence, our prayers provide solace and wisdom, guiding them towards making choices aligned with their highest good. Through college and career choices, the parents’ prayers provide a shield for divine directions and help.

Even as they embark on the journey of marriage and parenthood, our prayers continue to be their silent support, interwoven with hopes for their happiness, strength during challenges, and wisdom in nurturing their own families. Through prayer, we affirm our unwavering love and commitment, bridging physical distances and generations.

In essence, praying for our children from birth through young adulthood till they marry and become parents themselves is more than a ritual—it’s a sacred bond that transcends time, anchoring them in a legacy of faith, love, and resilience. As they grow and evolve, our prayers remain a steadfast beacon, illuminating their path and reminding them of the enduring power of a parent’s love and devotion.

Prayer turns ordinary parents into prophets who shape the destinies of their children, grandchildren, and every generation that follows

Mark Batterson

As parents, we can, and should be praying for our children in the following areas of their development:

1. Infancy and Early Childhood: Prayers for health, safety, and development, nurturing their curiosity and innocence, and laying a foundation of love and security.
2. Childhood and School Years: Prayers for academic success, social and emotional growth, guidance in making friends, developing resilience, and discovering their talents and passions.
3. Adolescence and Teenage Years: Prayers for strength and wisdom as they navigate peer pressure, identity formation, and life choices, guidance in making moral decisions, and protection from negative influences.
4. Young Adulthood: Prayers for clarity in career and educational pursuits, guidance in relationships and life partners, and resilience in facing challenges and setbacks.
5. Marriage and Parenthood: Prayers for a strong and loving marriage, wisdom in parenting, unity as a family, and the passing on of values and traditions to future generations.
6. Spiritual Growth: Prayers for their spiritual well-being, connection with their faith, and understanding of their purpose in life.
7. Mental Health: Prayers for emotional resilience, mental clarity, and protection from anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
8. Financial Stability: Prayers for wise financial management, success in their careers or endeavors, and freedom from financial stress or hardship.
9. Health and Wellness: Prayers for physical health, strength, and vitality, protection from illness or injury, and guidance in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
10. Relationships: Prayers for healthy friendships, supportive relationships, and harmony within family dynamics, as well as guidance in romantic relationships and marriage.

We all need to understand that we can’t “fix” or “change” our adult children. Only God can make changes that last in anyone. Our job is to release our adult children into God’s hands and then pray

Stormie Omartian

Covering these areas through prayer provides holistic support for our children as they journey through life, ensuring that they are nurtured and protected in all aspects of their well-being.

Sample Scriptures for Praying for Our Children’s Protection and Safety

Read the scriptures out loud and personalize them by replacing every “you,” “me,” and “your” with your child/children’s names or the appropriate pronoun. I used the first prayer point as an example.

Protection and Safety:

Psalm 91:11-12: “For he will command his angels concerning you my child/children to guard you him/her/them in all your his/her/their ways. On their (the angels’) hands they will bear you (him/her/them) up, lest you (he/she/they) strike your (his/her/their) foot against a stone.”

• Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; my son/daughter the being righteous will run to it and are be safe.”
• Isaiah 54:17a: “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. …”
• Psalm 121:7-8: “The Lord will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
• Psalm 34:7: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
• Proverbs 3:24: “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
• Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”
• Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
• Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, God will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
• Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am is with you always, to the very end of the age.”

May God hear and grant the petitions of your heart. 🙏🏾