The Secret Life of a Christ Follower Praying Circles around our kids Part 2 ““And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:5–8, NIV84) Jonathan Edwards the purveyor of the First Great Awakening Left this legacy, I believe largely due to secret prayer 1 U.S. Vice-­‐President, 3 U.S. Senators, 3 governors, 3 mayors, 13 college presidents, 30 judges, 65 professors, 80 public office holders, 100 lawyers and 100 missionaries. Max Jukes’ descendants included: 7 murderers, 60 thieves, 50 women of debauchery, 130 other convicts. 310 paupers (with over 2,300 years lived in poorhouses) 400 who were physically wrecked by indulgent living. It was estimated that Max Juke’s descendants cost the state more than $1,250,000. This is a powerful example showing how a parent’s leadership and prayers can have a profound effect on their children. Praying over our kids makes a difference. Not praying over them, can have a profound effect too. None of us will ever be perfect parents, but all of us can be praying parents! Here are some brief examples:
Acts 19:20………I thank you Father that Your Word prevails over our children.
Isa 54:13………..That they are taught of the Lord and continue to be
Prov 13:1………. the fruit of godly instruction and correction.
Isa 54:13………..Great is their peace and undisturbed composure.
Prov 2:6………… Father, give us counsel and wisdom in bringing up our children.
1Pet 1:14………. I say they are obedient, not conforming to the things of the flesh,
1Pet 1:15………. but holy, in all conduct.
1Pet 2:2……….. desiring the pure milk of the Word that they may grow thereby.
Jas 1:19…………That they are swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.
Heb 13:5………. Their conduct is without covetousness,
Heb 13:5………. and they are content with what they have.
Heb 13:16……… They do not forget to do what is right and to share.
2Pet 3:18………. I pray that they grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord,
1Thes 4:1……… and abound more and more in how they should walk and please
You.
1Pet 5:5……….. That they submit to their elders, and to one another,
1Pet 5:5……….. being clothed with humility.
1Pet 5:7……….. That they cast their cares upon You, Father, for You care for them.
Jas 1:22…………I thank You that they are doers of the Word, and not hearers only,
Ph’m 1:6………..effectively sharing their faith.
2Tim 1:7 ……….not having a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
2Tim 1:9………..Father, You have saved them and called them with a holy calling,
2Tim 1:9 ……….not according to works, but according to Your own purpose.
2Tim 4:18………Deliver them from every evil work and preserve them.
John 10:5 ……..They will by no means follow strangers, not knowing their voices.
2Tim2:22 ………They abide with others who call on the Lord out of a pure heart,
Jas 3:10 ……….and cursing comes not out of their mouth.
1Jn 5:18 ……….Because Jesus keeps them safe, the wicked one does not touch
them
Ps 91:11……….Give Your angels special charge to accompany, defend, preserve
Ps 4:8………….and provide safety for them, day and night.
1Jn 2:5 ………..Because they keep Your Word, Your love is being perfected in
them.
1Jn 2:15 ………They do not love the world or the things in the world,
3Jn 1:11……….and they do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.
1Jn 1:7 ………..They walk in the light as You are in the Light, Jas 4:8 ………..cleansing their hands and purifying their hearts, 2Tim 2:22 …….They follow after righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Heb 13:18……..They have a good conscience and desire to live honorably, Prov 3:4 ……….having favor and high esteem with God and man. Be a P.R.O.U.D. Parent Praying-­‐ Take everything into proper perspective by praying for them daily. Some issues will only need to be addressed in prayer as they grow and others will need adjusting. You need to pray to know the difference. Rewarding-­‐ Find ways to encourage them both by words, gifts and actions Observant-­‐ Notice what God is saying about them and say it to them Understanding-­‐ Tune in to what their world is like Discipling-­‐ Don’t just parent…make disciples. Let your passion for God overflow into them so they will have a passion for God. Create a prayer book for each child. Include extended family members who have their own memories to round it out. Write down the scriptures and prayers prayed over them through their lifetime. Include key moments of answered prayer as well as maturity moments when they overcame obstacles. Use pictures, promises and prophetic words. This book will be the best predictor of their future. Or: Get a bible with wide margins and write the date and prayers you prayed over them as you read it. Give it as a gift on their wedding day or graduation. NEW MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY PROPHETIC NURSERY MINISTRY