Praying God's Word Builds Your Child's Heart

Praying God's Word Builds Your Child's Heart

by Anna Frye

www.ChosenAndCrowned.com

Thank you for praying with us through Week One, Mom Army 15! We will move on to a new theme next week, Praying Against Our Child’s Fears. But, as we continue to pray for their hearts for the rest of our lives, let our prayer be that the Word of Christ would dwell in their hearts (Colossians 3:16). There are a vast number of things in our kid’s lives constantly begging to buy space in their hearts and we want to make sure it is God’s Word that builds and makes its home in every room.

So how do we help our kids break through the noise of the world with the gentle whispers of God’s Word? I love the practical advice given in Deuteronomy 6:5-9, “Love the Lord your God with all you heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

Those words were spoken by Moses to the Hebrew people. The Hebrews were experts in making religion an integral part of their lives. Religion was not something they did; it was something they lived. As parents, we will impact our kid’s hearts the most not by doing religion, but by living out our faith in Jesus Christ. Our kids need to see us living an authentic faith. We must diligently teach our kids to see God in their everyday activities.

This is good news for us, Mom friend! Let’s take the pressure off of thinking we have to come up with some elaborate plan to instill the Word of God in our kids, and instead, rest in the simplicity of doing life together with God. As you look at your day ahead, what is one simple way you can make God a part of your morning and evening with your kids? When will you be on the road with them or just hanging out at home? These are all opportunities for God moments. Ask God to open your eyes to the opportunities to speak his Word into their hearts. You can do it, Mom! Raising our kids to love God’s Word is a marathon, not a sprint. Author Jodie Berndt says, “Praying for our children to know and love God and his word often demands incredible patience, perseverance and trust.” Don’t give up!

So #MomArmy15, let’s pray like our kid’s lives depend on it! You may use the scripture prayer below and insert your child’s name when you see a blank. Or feel free to use other scriptures God has placed on your heart. We would love it if you typed at least one sentence of your prayer in the comments section or left a comment about one way you integrate God’s Word into the daily routines with your kids. Thank you!

Oh God, how I love your Word! It is alive and full of power, making it effective in transforming the heart of my child (Hebrews 4:12). Let your Word penetrate through the things begging for room in _______’s heart and let it dwell within her. Let it be a lamp to her feet and a light to her path (Psalm 119:105). Show her your path, God, for it is perfect, and your Word is flawless. It is you who arms ________ with strength and makes her way perfect (2 Samuel 22:31, 33). Arm her with your Word, which is the sword of the Spirit, so that she can take her stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-17). Purify her heart with your Word. Let her hide it in her heart so that she might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11). Thank you for the promise that your Word will not return to you empty, but when it goes out, it will accomplish what you desire and achieve the purpose for which you sent it (Isaiah 55:11). Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

This post is part of a blog series hosted by Anna Frye, founder of Chosen And Crowned Ministries. Anna's heart, along with the 12 other mom writers in this series, is to raise up a growing army of moms (#MomArmy15) who Pray Like Their Kids Lives Depend On It. This series runs from Sept. 7-Oct. 2. Join the Mom Army and invite your friends at www.ChosenAndCrowned.com/blog.