Which Of The 12 Disciples Is Your Child?

As we finish out our week of praying for our children’s physical, emotional and spiritual safety, I can’t help but think of this fact: We are raising disciples of Jesus Christ.  Don’t you wish you could have met the moms of Jesus’ twelve disciples? As those boy’s mamas wrangled and rescued them from childhood mischief, could they have ever imagined what would become of their boys?

The twelve disciples were ordinary boys made extraordinary men by God. Isn’t that what we want for our children? Just like the original twelve, our sons and daughters have been commissioned by Jesus to advance God’s kingdom and carry the gospel message to the world. Mom friend, your child is destined to be extraordinary! But remember, brave men and women start out as children, each with different personalities that need the tender, but sometimes firm shaping of the Potter’s hands. Do you recognize your child in one of the disciples?

Peter was impulsive, emotional and often spoke before thinking. Peter's brother, Andrew was a leader. But Andrew was not a boisterous leader like Peter, and often lived in his brother's shadow. John was full of enthusiasm and zeal, but was harsh toward others and a little arrogant. James was full of zeal and often demanded justice.  Bartholomew was a skeptic. Matthew was a lover of money and power. Thomas was prone to extremes. Thaddeus was tender-hearted and gentle. Judas was dishonest. The Bible doesn’t tell us much about the other disciples. But this we do know. With the exception of Judas, all these boys became extraordinary men and fulfilled the calling on their lives. Although they faced extreme opposition and persecution from men, their undaunted passion for Jesus caused them to persevere with audacious bravery. This small group of men changed the world forever.

God says this of our children, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5). Mom friend, our children are alive at this time in history to be world changers! They have a calling on their lives that is extraordinary. You are raising disciples of the King of kings and the Lord of lords, Jesus Christ! Admonish your children to be brave in the face of danger. Boldly remind them to trust God when they’re forced to walk through the fire. Model love, long suffering and passion as you persevere together in the race marked out for your family.

This life on earth is only temporary. What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory Christ will reveal to us later. Together we wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us and our children full rights as his adopted children. Mom friend, never tire of praying for your children! Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in your child will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Next week we will be praying for our children’s character and attitude!

But for now #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 that shares your heart with us. We love you!

*Note: Today’s prayer is a model of Jesus’ actual prayer for his disciples and for future believers (our children!). Jesus’ prayer is found in John 17.

O righteous Father, Jesus is revealing you to ________, the child you chose from this world as Your own. ________ has always been yours. Everything you have given ________ in Christ is an extraordinary gift! Let the truths of your Word entrench themselves in ________ heart. Thank you, God, that ________ belongs to you! Now protect ________ by the power of your name so that she will be united with you.  Fill her with joy and peace as she trusts in you.

I am well aware, Father God, that the world hates ________ because she does not belong to the world, just as Christ did not belong to the world. I’m not asking you

to take ________ out of the world, but to keep her safe from the evil one. Make her holy by your truth; teach her your word, which is truth. Just as you sent Jesus into this world, you have sent ________ into the world. Thank you for giving your son, Jesus, as a holy sacrifice for ________ so she can be made holy by your truth.

Thank you, Jesus, that you have hidden _______ under your wing and have given her your radiant glory. May she experience such perfect unity with you that the world will know you have sent her and that you love her with a perfect love. Let ________ be about her Father’s business and be where you are, God. Then ________ will bring glory to you! Thank you for loving ________ before the world began! You have set her apart for an extraordinary purpose (Jeremiah 1:5).  You have begun a  good work  in ________. I am confident that you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6)! In Jesus’ powerful name I pray. Amen!