I have no doubt that every parent reading this article loves their children and wants them to succeed spiritually. However, as parents we get so focused on the external needs of our children, we forget the needs of their souls. Prayer is the premier opportunity to address both the physical and spiritual needs of our children. But where to start? Each child possesses a unique set of character traits and spiritual strengths and vulnerabilities. Here are a few things you can use to fuel your prayer time for your children’s spiritual wellbeing. 

1.     Salvation

The beginning of spiritual life is salvation. Ask God to help your children understand the elements involved in salvation like the fact that they are a sinner, what it means to trust in Christ alone for salvation, Jesus’ death on the cross and the resurrection. Furthermore, pray that God will give your children assurance of his or her salvation even if they were saved at a young age. A lack of assurance can rob a child of joy in the faith. 1 John 5:13 is a great verse that teaches us we can have assurance when believing in Christ.

2.     Be Tenderhearted to Spiritual Truth

All of our best efforts to teach the Bible will not be effective if a child will not receive them.  We should pray that God would bless our children with a desire to please and obey him. Psalm 127:1 teaches that without the active participation of the Lord in our efforts, they are empty and will not succeed. Use verses like Psalm 119:18 and 36 to implore the Lord to “open the eyes” of your children to spiritual truth and “incline their hearts” to the Scripture as well.

3.     Develop Spiritual Discernment

Our children do not come equipped with the tools to protect themselves from the devastation of sinful choices and sinful people. We must pray that God will use his Word to develop discerning youth who can turn from evil and choose the good. (The book of Proverbs is an excellent place to take your children in developing this fundamental aspect of the Christian life.)

4.     Develop a Spirit of Service

It is no secret we are all selfish. Children can be especially self-focused. We need to pray that God will develop in our children “the mind of Christ” that finds true joy in serving others at home, in the church and in the community. Pray through Philippians chapter 2 and ask God to instill in each child a desire to serve the Lord as Christ did while here on earth.

God works when we pray! I hope these four categories will enrich your prayer time for your children.