A Four Letter Word that will Change Your Kids!

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Ever parent has a list of four lettered words that they don’t use and teach their children not to as well- right? OK, at least we agree we shouldn’t use them, even when we smash our fingers in the car door. But, there’s a four lettered word that isn’t used in far too many homes. Oh, we talk about it. We tell our friends at church we will do it. Maybe you even included it on your New Year’s resolution list, but saying the word doesn’t bring results. It’s not a magic word. But if you do it, your children will change!

That’s a bold claim! Hoping won’t do it. Screaming, begging, bribing may make temporary changes; but, if you will do this four lettered word they will change.

Honestly, I realize parenting is a huge job. Sometimes our kids make us laugh and sometimes they make us want to scream. As a matter of fact, in spite of our best efforts, sometimes we do scream. Parenting is labor intensive, emotionally draining and fulfilling all at the same time. Still it is the most important thing you will ever do. The responsibility of parenting can be overwhelming at times. We make sure they do their homework, eat dinner before they eat dessert, take their vitamins and wear their shoes when they go outside on a cold day. We want them to grow up to be healthy, wealthy and wise—so we do all the things that we think will make that happen. But let me ask you a very important question, do you pray for them? There’s that four lettered word that is missing from too many homes. I’m not talking about the quick, emergency prayers when they’re fighting or sick. But do you make investment prayers into their lives that shape their destiny and attitudes?

First, let me establish that scripture plainly tells us that we don’t have things because we don’t ask for them. James 4:2 NIV The best hopes and intentions will not produce what prayer will. If you want your children to be kind, pray and plant seeds into their lives to grow kindness. I’m going to blog about planting the Word in our children’s heart in March, so I won’t go there today. But let’s look at the prayer part. What are you praying over your children? What do you say when you pray for them? What things should we cover in our prayers for our children? These are some prayer priorities that I have for my children.

1. That they will love God passionately.

2. That they will receive the love of God and all the benefits His love involves.

3. That they will follow God in obedience and fulfill God’s purpose for their life.

4. That they will be examples of believers in word, in conversation, in love

and in truth.

5. That all their needs would be met abundantly, so they can give and serve

and love.

So how do I say when I pray? I find a verse in Scripture and pray that verse. I find a verse that explodes in my spirit and then I pray that verse for them. I insert their name in the verse and turn the verse into a prayer that echoes my heart using scripture as a pattern. I don't pray the verse word for word, but I use it as a prayer pattern.

One of my favorite scriptures to pray

Father, I thank you for my children. They are precious gifts. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give ______ the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that they will know You better. I pray that the eyes of their heart may be enlightened so that they may know the hope to which he has called them, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength. which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. I pray that they will live up to your calling. I pray that they will fulfill the purpose that you placed them on this earth to fill. Ephesians 1:16-19 NIV

I've posted a long list of prayers that I pray, not necessarily all at one time, but as I feel the need to pray them. You can also download a pdf to print your copy and put in your prayer notebook or Bible to use as a pattern for prayer.

I hope you'll check out some of our resources to help you teach children to pray at

http://store.letusteachkids.com/prayer.php

Maybe you haven't heard any of my teachings. From now until Feburary 7 you can download Blessing Your Children for only 99 cents. It's intended for parents, but its a great source of ideas for Children's Ministry leaders.

Click on add to cart to download right now or go to