A Prayer for Your Children - Your Daily Prayer - May 5
A Prayer for Your Children
By Dr. Neil T. Anderson
“Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it.” - Psalm 37:5
You can and should uphold Christian values and standards in your own home. But when your child leaves your home, he leaves with his own values, beliefs and personal agenda. This is the first half of the prodigal son story (Luke 15:11-32). The prodigal son wanted to do his own thing, so his father let him. I don't think the father would have let the boy rule in his home, but he did let him go. We don't like to see our children fail or make mistakes like that. When they do, we are too quick to rescue them from the natural consequences of their actions.
The father in the story welcomed his son home after the boy came to his senses. His repentance was complete: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son" (verse 21). The critical insight we need is offered by the father: "This son of mine was dead, and has come to life again" (verse 24). When your child is out of your sight, only God can bring him to his senses, bring him home, and give him life.
You can't go everywhere your child goes, but God can. He is the child's heavenly Father, and He is fully capable of protecting him.
I know of a dear lady who has buried two sons and witnessed the miracle healing of her husband from a near-fatal car accident. But her hardest trial was discovering that her beloved third son was struggling with homosexuality. Months of dark depression were lifted in one day when she realized that her son belonged to God, so she gave her boy to Him. For 11 years she didn't hear from him. Then one day he called and said he had a Mother's Day present for her. He had come back to the Lord!
God is in control. When you pray, you release Him to do what only He can do in your child's life. And when you pray, He can mold your parenting style so you can do what He has called you to do in raising your child.
Prayer:
Lord, I release my children to Your care and protection, and I relinquish my will for them in favor of Your will. I know I can’t go everywhere my child goes, but I know You do. Please protect them. Give us wisdom for how to parent well. Give us peace in Your goodness toward our children and your love for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Editor’s Note: Content taken from the Daily in Christ devotional, Give Your Child to God, written by Dr. Neil T. Anderson. You can read that piece in full here. All rights reserved.
Related Resource: 5 Things Parents Need to Tell Their Kids About War Right Now
When war dominates the headlines, parents are left asking an important question: How do we talk to our kids about it? In this episode of March or Die, Jeremy Stalnecker shares practical and biblical principles for guiding young people through confusing and frightening global events.
Drawing from his experience as a Marine who lived through the wars following 9/11, Jeremy explains why moments of global conflict can become powerful opportunities for parents to teach their children about courage, faith, and moral clarity. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, parents can use them to help their kids understand fear, the reality of evil in the world, and the responsibility we have to stand for what is right.
This conversation explores how parents can alleviate fear, explain why conflict exists, and demonstrate a faith-filled response when the world seems chaotic. Jeremy also discusses the importance of teaching children the difference between necessary and unnecessary violence, why standing against evil matters, and how faith in God provides stability even in uncertain times. If this episode of March or Die helped your spiritual perspective, be sure to follow the show on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
