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5 Prayers for Kids Growing Up in a Fallen World

5 Prayers for Kids Growing Up in a Fallen World

In the beginning, God created man in his own image so that we might be with him. He desired a relationship with his chosen creation but did not want to coerce his people into being his. He gave us a choice. Would we follow his instruction and walk with him in the cool of the garden, or would we follow our own way that would lead to separation from our Maker?

We all know that in Genesis 3, the woman and the man took a bite of the fruit that meant independence from God, and sin became a part of the human story. That sinful nature in us, that desire to rule ourselves without surrendering to the authority of God, continues to bring more and more chaos into God's once-perfect world. This is the place we live now: we live where sin resides, but God's grace can abide.

If you are a Christ-following parent or grandparent, you are doing all you can to show the next generation to live in God's grace and avoid the chaos of sin and death. The Bible tells us to train up a child in the way he should go so that they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). It's vital we model the love of Jesus to our children and grandchildren so that they always have a link to God's hope and redemption in an otherwise doomed world.

A huge part of the work of raising kids is praying over them. Prayer is powerful! God promises to hear our cries (Mark 11:24). We need to be a generation of intercessors for the beautiful lives to come. Just as we know the end of times draws nearer with each generation, the war over our souls becomes increasingly obvious. Let's pray without ceasing that God's Kingdom comes to earth through the lives of our children, grandchildren, and more!

Here are some prayers for kids growing up in a fallen world:

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Bohdan Bevz
  • Family praying before dinner

    1. A Blessing for Families

    Genesis 1:28

    And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

    God, we thank you, children are a part of your good plan for our lives. While bringing new life into this sometimes unbearably dark world can feel overwhelming, we trust that you do not see the generations to come as hopeless. You have blessed your people and commanded us to fill the earth. I stand on that promise and believe that as I am obedient to grow my family, you will be faithful to provide all they need. Multiply my patience, resources, joy, wisdom, knowledge, and faith in you as the need grows on this parenting journey. Bless our home. May it be a place where your Kingdom is felt here on earth. Amen.

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  • Family inside their home on couch

    2. A Prayer of Protection

    Proverbs 30:5

    Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

    God, from my view, this world is a scary place. I am burdened by the children growing up in a chaotic and evil world. I stand in the gap for those children who need your hand of protection. Be true to your word and allow the children of this generation to find refuge in you. Guard their hearts, minds, eyes, ears, bodies, and souls from the enemy. Fill their hearts with supernatural wisdom so they can find you even in the darkest places. Protect our children. In Jesus' name, Amen!

    Photo credit: ©GettyImages/monkeybusinessimages

  • child and adult praying over bible together

    3. A Prayer for Wisdom

    Psalm 111:10

    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

    Jesus, this world is full of so much noise. It feels more challenging than ever to find the truth. Jesus, would you pour out a revival of the fear of the Lord on the generation growing to adulthood now. May this reverence for your ways, Word, and truth lead them to your wisdom. May you give them the gift of understanding. Help them practice wise living even when it is unpopular or makes no sense to the world around them. May they be a generation that praises you first before moving forward to the next thing. May they hear you, know you, and seek you. Amen.

    Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Sasiistock
  • parent and child with prayer hands on open Bible

    4. A Prayer for Encounter

    Galatians 1:4

    Who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.

    God, the younger generations are looking for the real deal. In a world full of counterfeits, they want sincerity. In a world all about entertainment, they want meaning. Jesus, be their reason. Show yourself to be real in their lives. Give them a Jesus encounter moment that is indisputable. Give them a hunger to know more of the things of God. Let their search for meaning be met by a real God. Set their hearts on fire for you. Amen.

    Photo credit: ©GettyImages/rudi_suardi
  • Family on hike outside in nature

    5. A Prayer for Courage

    Deuteronomy 31:6

    Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

    God, raise a generation that is strong and courageous. May their hearts be filled with faith that leads them toward your presence. Help them cast off anxiety, dread, depression, loneliness, discouragement, and confusion. Give them hope, faith, courage, strength, wisdom, and community. May they be a generation that pushes back the powers of darkness and ushers in new light. Let them be conduits of revival. Seeking truth about all else. Use them to be the salt and light our world desperately needs. Amen.

    Let's not lose faith in God's ability to continue to be at work in the generations to come! His story is still unfolding. It's not time to throw up our hands and curse the darkness. We need to spend our time being the light, showing children your way, and standing in the gap for those who are lost and hurting. Let's begin to pray mighty prayers that are filled with expectations for the generations to come. You promise hope and a future for your people. Would you give that hope-filled future to our children, Lord?

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    Amanda Idleman is a writer whose passion is to encourage others to live joyfully. She writes devotions for My Daily Bible Verse Devotional and Podcast, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, the Daily Devotional App, she has work published with Her View from Home, on the MOPS Blog, and is a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com. She has most recently published a devotional, Comfort: A 30 Day Devotional Exploring God's Heart of Love for Mommas. You can find out more about Amanda on her Facebook Page or follow her on Instagram.