Christmas is one of my most favorite times of the year. The excitement that fills our home as we partake in family traditions, the joy that fills our hearts as we participate in acts of giving and the desire to praise my Father even more for His grace, His mercies and His gift to the world.
This week I shared a photo on Instagram of myself and my family. I wrote how thankful I was that God loved us so much He sent His Son. I also shared that I was thankful that He loved me so much He gave me my family.
When you really think about it, as parents one of the most precious gifts we can ever receive is the gift of a child. To have the honor of being a parent bestowed upon us is humbling, at times terrifying and also joy inducing.
There are times when I want to pull my hair out, times when I lie awake at night and worry that I’m doing it all wrong. But more than that, there are times when I find myself thanking God for allowing me to mother two of His most precious creations. I find myself rejoicing in the gift of parenthood.
I find myself praying and asking Him to direct our path as parents, to give us the words, the patience and the wisdom. To help me as a mother, who is obsessed with her babies, remember that they are my children — yes they are mine — but they belong to Him. Their lives are meant to bring glory to Him. They will be kingdom builders. They are kingdom builders.
When I really think of God’s sacrifice and the fact that He sent His only Son that we might have life I find myself having a wow moment.
I am imperfect, I make mistakes and I am certain at times I disappoint Him. But through it all He loves me. He forgives me and never forsakes me. He wants to give me the desires of my heart. He wants the best for me and sometimes that means He has to tell me “no.” That also means sometimes helping me to realize that I do need Him, during those times when I forget and try to do it all on my own.
I think of the way God loves us and I desire to always love my children in that way; a love that always forgives, a love that says “yes” but also says “no.” A love that is so steadfast and so true that my babies know that no matter what happens I will be there with open arms. The way my God never turns us away even when we mess up or go astray.
This season I find myself thanking God with even more fervor for the gift of His Son — His only Son. And at the same time I thank Him for trusting me to care for the two children that He blessed me and my husband with. I want Him to know that I don’t take my role as their mother lightly. That’s my job, and it isn’t just to enjoy them but to prepare and equip them to thrive in life. Our babies only have one childhood. This is our chance.
So I’m stepping it up and part of that includes changing the way I pray. I am also learning to be still so that I can hear from my Father as I seek His guidance in all things including parenting.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above…” ~ James 1:17 (NIV)
And how He loves us. Look at all He has given us. I have a chance to show our gratitude not just in the saying of thanks but by giving this parenting thing everything I’ve got. Knowing that it may be the hardest thing I’ve ever done but it (along with being a wife to my husband of course) will also be the greatest and most honorable.
Here are 10 Bible verses to pray over your children….
1. To do what they were created to do
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” ~ Ephesians 2:10
2. To have a boldness to embrace their faith
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” ~ Romans 12:2
3. To live in a manner that is pleasing to Him
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” ~1 Timothy 4:12
4. To have a desire to grow in His wisdom and knowledge
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” ~ 2 Peter 3:18
5. To accept Christ as Lord and Savior and serve Him
“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” ~ 2 Timothy 2:10
6. To be respectful
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” ~ 1 Peter 2:17
7. To be strong and courageous
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
8. To possess integrity
“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, LORD, is in you.” ~ Psalm 25:21
9. To be protected
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.” ~ Proverbs 3:24-26
10. To have a kind heart
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” ~ Ephesians 4:32
BMWK — What are some other verses to pray over our children?