The Importance of Praying for Your Children

I used to believe that prayer didn’t change things. If God is Sovereign, which in fact, He is, then why do I need to pray? If He already knows what I’m thinking, what I desire, etc. do my prayers really matter? The short answer is yes, yes they do. In this post we’ll discuss the importance of praying for our children and why you should not forsake this intentional act of love.

In my testimony I talk about my praying grandmother and how I believe that her prayers for me were not in vain. I believe the divine intervention I received in my life was in part due to her persistent prayers.

I’m currently in a very interesting dynamic of motherhood. I am raising 2 boys, one toddler, one teenager. I can still protect my toddler from the world and preserve his innocence for some more time. But my teen, who is in public middle school, is no longer naïve to things like sex, drugs & alcohol. Every day he goes to school, he is witness to the ways of the world & I already see it’s effect on him. And I know, as much as you may know, it can be enticing; let’s be honest.

That said, the acceptable ways of this world are not the standard for my kids. So how do I teach them how to live in this world but not conform to this world? I believe their biggest influence starts at home (read more on that here). But ultimately, my son can make choices that are outside of my control and I’m fully aware that his relationship with God, his accountability to God, heeding conviction from God, is solely up to him.

Spiritual Weaponry

I can’t put on the armor of God for my kids. But I can pray earnestly for them. Prayer actually goes hand in hand with the armor of God as our spiritual weaponry.

Prayer is a vital part/privilege of our faith and is a critical piece of armor. Let’s read Ephesians 6:10-18

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; v18 praying always with all prayer and supplication.”

In this area of scripture, Paul is discussing how to use spiritual weaponry against spiritual warfare. His recipe is not only armor but also prayer (see v 18).

Moms, dads, do not forsake praying for your kids, it is not in vain. Let me tell you that I am witnessing the very real spiritual battle between the flesh and the spirit, between good and evil, right wrong – in my sons life. Everyone is born with a sinful nature and if you’re unaware that it exists, well it’s super easy to fall prone to the wiles of the devil.

That’s why apart from teaching our children the Word of God & how to live a life led by the Holy Spirit, we must pray, pray, pray.

I’ve gone ahead and created a free prayer printable to assist you in how to pray for your kids. I hope you find it helpful. Click here to download.

Before you go, share this encouragement with another mama who needs it and visit the motherhood archives for more encouragement. You’re not in this alone!