Add These To Your Prayer List For Your Child

Every good parent has reasonable concerns for their children. They want them to live a fulfilled life and serve God to their best capabilities. Yet, life makes that difficult. There are enemies that we can’t see who desire to carry out their own will for our children. As prayer warriors, it’s our duty to pray for our children using the Word of God as our guide. There are many areas that need our attention and prayer. Therefore, I created a list of areas to add to your prayer list for your child.

All scriptures come from the NKJV unless otherwise noted.

Protection From Harm

I think every parent can agree their first concern for their children is for them to be safe. We desire that they be safe from harm, evil, and wrong thinking. There are times when it can seem a bit much because we cannot always be present with them.

However, God can. He created them and loves them more than we do. He can be at all places at all times. If we trust in God, we will be able to have peace while we are away from our children by praying for their safety and trusting God to do His part.

“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

– Psalm 4:8

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

– Psalm 91:9-10

Click here to read a prayer for your child’s safety.

Understand They’re Loved And Accepted

As parents, it’s our job to help our children understand they’re loved. When a child is really small, they know nothing except what they learn from their parents. That’s why it’s critical for parents to shower their children with love so they can learn they’re important.

However, as time passes children must learn that it’s God who really loves them. God is love and true love originates from Him. We must teach our children that God created them the way they are and loves them even though they may be flawed.

Their acceptance and worth must come from God. The enemy loves to trick children into believing they’re not adequate the way they are and that they need to conform to the world in order to be accepted. It’s truly dangerous and ruins the lives of many people.

Understanding that true worth and acceptance comes from God is a powerful way to combat the enemy’s forces. It’ll keep our children safe from self-destructive behaviors and will lead them into the life that God has ordained for them.

Pray that your children will learn that God loves them and accepts them for who they are. Help them understand that God can be trusted with their life and future.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”

– Ephesians 1:3-6

“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.”

– Deuteronomy 7:6

Click here to read a prayer for your child to feel God’s love.

Honor Their Parents

Parenting is one of the most challenging experiences in life. Yet, children who are disrespectful and unapologetic toward their parents make the experience a whole lot worse.

As a parent, having children who honor you is so refreshing and can inject you with some peace during very trying times. Honoring parents is important, but that’s not all. It’s required by God in the 10 commandments. We want to be sure our children obey God and do what is best for themselves. Therefore, add to your child’s prayer list that they would honor their parents and do so with a loving and charitable heart.

“My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.”

– Proverbs 1:8-9

“The eye that mocks his father,
And scorns obedience to his mother,
The ravens of the valley will pick it out,
And the young eagles will eat it.”

– Proverbs 30:17

Click here to read a prayer for your children to honor their parents.

Resist Rebellion

I remember hearing one day that all children go through some form of rebellion against their parents. When you look at the world we live in today, it certainly seems that way. However, that’s not always the case. I knew someone who had children who never had rebellion in their heart and I was deeply impressed because they had four adult children.

The truth is that children who rebel against their parents are actually being led away from God by Satan. Therefore, if we know how to fight for our children in the spiritual realm, this would be avoided. In this case, praying for your children is essential and necessary for them becoming the person God intended them to be.

Being full of pride leads to rebellion, which is a heart problem. As parents, we need to keep a close eye on our children in order to identify any changes in behavior that we could take to God in prayer while asking for divine revelation. Praying works and by praying against pride and selfishness in our children, we could keep them from the rebellious path that often breaks the hearts of many parents.

Although rebellion may make an appearance in your child, refuse to allow it to stay. Pray for your child in the Spirit using the Word of God, correct their behavior, and teach them the way they should go.

“Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
Bound in affliction and irons—
Because they rebelled against the words of God,
And despised the counsel of the Most High,
Therefore He brought down their heart with labor;
They fell down, and there was none to help.”

– Psalm 107:10-12

“If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword”;
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

– Isaiah 1:19-20

Click here for a prayer for your child to resist rebellion.

Resist A Fear-led Life

God continually tells us throughout the Bible to not fear. There’s a reason for that. Fear derives from not believing God will keep us safe or doesn’t have the best plan for our lives. In essence, fear is the opposite of faith. If we have faith in God and believe His Word, then we won’t be overtaken by fear.

A life full of fear is a burdened life. You cannot truly enjoy yourself if you’re full of fear. Fear is a tactic of the enemy to keep us from the life God ordained for us.

Sure, we all experience fear from one time to another. However, fear shouldn’t be a normal part of our life and we definitely don’t want our children to be gripped by fear. The Bible talks about a spirit of fear which can latch onto a person. If you see that your child is struggling with fear, there may be a demonic spirit involved. Pray for the deliverance of fear immediately for your child and don’t neglect to pray against fear in order to prevent a demonic overthrow of peace and faith.

“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

– Isaiah 41:10

“He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and ^[a]buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.”

– Psalm 91:4-6

Click here to read a prayer for your child to overcome and resist fear.

Maintain Great Family Relationships

It’s critical for us to pray that our children will have wonderful connections with their relatives, especially siblings. We certainly don’t want our children to grow up and become distant from one another. As parents, it’s a delight when our children can get along well and genuinely love each other with respect.

Don’t neglect to pray for this purpose while praying for your children. Also, although siblings are important, pray for their relationships with other relatives as well. Family bonds are necessary and can bring great joy.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!”

– Psalm 133:1

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

– Romans 12:18

Click here to read a prayer for your child’s family relationships.

Gain Godly Friends, Mentors, And Role Models

If relatives are important, then so are friends! Every parent should be concerned about the company their children hang around. As Christians, we want our kids to attract other people who love God. We cannot wait until the moment presents itself. We must be on the offensive and pray that our children will find those friends that God wants them to have.

Friends, mentors, and role models all have a great deal of impact on our children. They will influence their behavior and thoughts. God has trusted us with these children and we have a responsibility to ensure they are not corrupted by our negligence. Therefore, start praying immediately that they will make great decisions in the friends they keep.

Also, God gives wisdom and discernment through the Holy Spirit. Never hesitate to ask God to reveal to you any friends or people hindering your child’s development into a godly adult.

“Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;”

– Psalm 1:1

“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.”

– 1 Corinthians 5:11

Click here to read a prayer for your child to attract godly friends, mentors, and role models.

Crave To Serve God

Ultimately, a Christian’s parent’s desire for their children is to continue in their faith and fear God while serving Him. We know that every good thing comes from God and how disastrous life can be for those who forsake Him. The Lord brings us joy, strength, wisdom, understanding, discipline, and freedom. All these things add deep content to our lives when we obtain them.

In order for our children to continue to have faith in God, we have to pray for it to be so. Satan works diligently to steal away the children of God. Therefore, we must work twice as hard at keeping our children away from his traps. This includes praying fervently for our children and their faith.

Pray that your child would fear God, love His Word, have a heart that seeks the Lord, and would have faith in Him all their life.

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death.”

– Proverbs 14:27

“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!”

– Psalm 119:20

Click here to read a prayer for your child to love obeying God.

Freedom From Unforgiveness

Unforgiveness is a strong force that can hold anyone captive to its poison. If we don’t teach our children the perilous consequences of unforgiveness, they may not learn them until it’s too late, if ever. Therefore, as parents, it’s our duty to ensure our children learn to forgive others fully and quickly.

Forgiveness doesn’t happen by accident. It’s something you have to decide to do. The Bible tells us to pray for those who persecute us. That’s not an easy thing to do, but it does help us to forgive.

I know from experience the never-ending pain from harboring unforgiveness against someone, especially a close friend or family member. We all experience moments in which we could be unforgiving. That’s why we must be on the offensive and pray that our children will be able to forgive those who hurt them. We have to lead by example as well.

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

– Ephesians 4:31-32

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”

– Mark 11:25

Click here to read a prayer for your child to live free from unforgiveness.

Life of Repentance

We’re all guilty of sin and fall short of the glory of God. However, when we confess our sins, God forgives us and forgets them. Unconfessed sin separates us from God. That’s why is so important for us to pray that our children will have a heart of repentance. If anyone wants to truly walk in the Spirit of God, then repentance is necessary.

Some parents are constantly critical of their children which leads to them having low self-esteem. The feeling of guilt can crush a spirit, especially that of a child. Parents need to be purposeful and spirit-led in how the correct their children. Also, we should be praying that God would reveal any sins that our children are struggling with so we can teach them how to deal with it and pray on their behalf.

Confession and repentance wipe the slate clean and give children a light burden. We don’t want their mind to be heavily weighed down with guilt.

“He who covers his sins will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”

– Proverbs 28:13

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”

– Acts 3:19

Click here to read a prayer for your child to live a life of repentance.

Walking In Wisdom & A Sound Mind

The Bible tells us that the Spirit we receive from the Lord is one of a sound mind. It also teaches that God gives wisdom to anyone who lacks and asks for it. Therefore, there’s no good reason to live life without any of these. Since we want the best for our children, it only makes sense that we would pray for these things.

In the spiritual realm, it’s not uncommon for parents to pass generational curses onto their children. These can include a wide array of things from a spirit of divorce, unforgiveness, anger, and even mental illness.

For instance, my family really suffered from depression. My grandmother attempted suicide. My grandfather was successful in his attempt. Then, my mother attempted it and so did I. Would this cycle of depression, hopelessness, and suicide would’ve ever ended without the Holy Spirit getting involved? I don’t know the answer to that, but I’m forever grateful that God rescued me from myself and gave me a garment of praise for my spirit of heaviness.

We want to pray that our children will have the mind to decide what is God’s will for their life. In addition to that, we definitely want our children to meditate and think upon the things of God. Don’t neglect this crucial part of life for your child.

“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

– Romans 8:6

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

– Romans 12:2

Click here to read a prayer for your child to walk in wisdom and a sound mind.

Grow In Discernment

It’s normal for parents to be concerned that their children might not make the right decisions in crucial times. They’re children so we expect them to make mistakes, but some mistakes are not acceptable. For example, what will a child do in a circumstance that a stranger may try to take them?

However, God listens to our prayers and is readily able and willing to answer them. Don’t leave things up to chance. Pray that your child will be able to hear the voice of God and think critically throughout their life.

God shows up in ways we may not expect. How many times have unexplainable things happen to us that ends up saving us in one way or another? The Lord is always looking out for us. We should be praying that when God presents an opportunity or a danger, that our child will act appropriately.

“Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.”

– Proverbs 3:13-18

Click here to read a prayer for your child to grow in discernment.

Developing Their God-given Gifts And Talents

Every child has their own God-given talents and gifts. It’s our jobs as parents to pray that God will reveal them to us in order for them to be fully developed. Their gifts are truly blessings.

If God placed them in our children, then it means the Lord wants them to be used for His glory. Even when the Lord reveals them to you, pray for which way He would prefer you to help your child develop them.

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”

– Romans 11:29

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

– 1 Peters 4:10

Click here to read a prayer for your child to develop their God-given gifts and talents.

Reject The Lies Of The Enemy & Walk In God’s Truth

The Bible teaches us that the enemy is the father of all lies. However, it also teaches us that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He informs us that the truth will set us free from the lies of the enemy and will help us to achieve the life in God that He ordained for us since the beginning of time.

That being said, of course, we want our children to operate in the truth of God. Children have to be taught that lying is bad according to the Word of God. We definitely want to pray that God will give us grace and teach us the way we should parent our children when it comes to this issue.

Another important issue that we need to address with our children is the fact that the enemy lies all the time and wants to lead them astray by the lies that he speaks. There are many people who live a life full of lies and deception without even knowing they are deceived. It’s extremely sad.

Always pray for your children to be full of the Word of God and to be able to recognize a lie of the enemy before it has a chance to do major damage in their lives.

“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.”

– Proverbs 12:22

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”

– 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

Click here to read a prayer for your child to walk in truth and resist the lies of the enemy.

To Be Full Of Joy

Nehemiah teaches us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Also, joy is listed as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians chapter 5. Therefore, joy should be expected in the life of a believer. That’s very important for us to teach our children.

Yet, there are times when everyone has a moment they feel less than joyful. That’s okay because we’re humans.

Before these moments come, we should be praying that a spirit of depression will not stick or make a home in or around our children. There’s tremendous power in being full of joy by the Holy Spirit. When we’re full of joy, anger and depression have no place in our hearts.

In addition to this, I believe teaching our children to find their worth in the love that God gives them will help them to remain joyful in a day of adversity.

“For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.”

– Psalm 30:5

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

– John 15:10-11

Click here to read a prayer for your child to be full of joy.

Great Health & Desire To Remain Healthy

I was well into being an adult when I learned that our health is a tremendous gift from God that He expects us to take care of. Our body does not belong to us. It belongs to God. I truly believe that He requires us to take good care and be great stewards of the blessings the Lord grants to us. We should teach this to our children.

However, our health is not only up to us. While it’s necessary for us to do what we can to be healthy, I also believe that God helps us in our lives.

Doctors are a huge blessing from God and I certainly believe they should be sought after for their advice. Even so, there may be some times when only God can help us.

The Lord can perform divine healing on His people. That’s why it makes sense to constantly pray for your children to be in great health or even healed from current ailments they may be suffering from.

God can do more than we could ever know. It would be a great mistake to not pray for our children’s health and for divine healing over them now for future sicknesses.

“Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”

– Isaiah 58:8

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

– James 5:16

Click here to read a prayer for your child to have great health.

Click here to read a prayer for your child to have a desire to remain healthy.

Resist Sexual Immorality

While there are many things that can make a parent deeply concerned for their children, sexual immorality is definitely near the top of the list. There can be many consequences to having sex outside of the protective barriers God put in place. Sexual immorality poisons the soul in such a way that it can infect all areas of life.

The best time to start praying that our children would resist the temptation of sexual immorality is as soon as possible. It’s never too early to pray for their safety in this area.

Sexual temptation has infiltrated every area in our world today. It’s in music, movies, TV shows, commercials, and even schools. The world is getting darker and further from God. It makes our jobs harder but more necessary. Our prayers in this area will make a difference in the lives of our children.

Also, keep in mind that if you don’t teach your children about the way God created things to be, there will be others who will distort the world and shape God’s creation and natural urges into something sinister and life destructing. This is one fight Christian parents cannot sit out on.

“Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”

– 1 Corinthians 6:13

“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”

– 1 Corinthians 6:18

Click here for a prayer for your child to resist sexual immorality.

The Love Of Learning

The Lord created children amazingly. They soak up everything and can learn almost anything. That’s extraordinary. As time goes on, people tend to stray away from learning. However, there are so many things to learn that one should never stop learning.

Wisdom comes from God and the more we grow closer to God, the more we should grow in learning. We should always want our children to learn more and more of the things of God so they can live a full and enjoyable life.

Take it upon yourself to pray that your children will love to learn and grow. Start praying as soon as you can for their desire of learning to grow.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being priest for Me;
Because you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.”

– Hosea 4:6

“A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.”

– Proverbs 1:5

Click here to read a prayer for your child to love learning.

Avoid Drugs, Alcohol, And Other Deadly Addictions

Addictions are deadly. There are many families, ministries, and friendships that are destroyed by addictions. They are a tool of the enemy to gain territory and ruin the lives of many. Satan will try anything and everything to destroy the lives of those who love God and especially their children.

There’s no such thing as ‘too early’ when it comes to praying against addictions. Every addiction is bad, but certainly, those of a harmful substance is most concerning.

The other day, a friend and I were talking about how there are people in the world who are addicted to horrible and deadly drugs like meth. It’s so unhealthy and the process of making it alone can kill you if done incorrectly. I remember thinking, “This is why you don’t even try it once.”

Many people who are addicted to substances like these got addicted from only one use. It’s easy to be disgusted and think, “How could someone do this?” However, the truth is often that these people are victims of Satan. They fell into his trap for them and are now stuck and will continue to be stuck unless the power of Jesus Christ helps them out.

Our children are our responsibility and we will have to give an account unto God for what we’ve done with our children. Pray that these satanic forces will not overpower your children and that they will live godly lives and make the right decisions to avoid deadly addictions.

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”

– Deuteronomy 30:19

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

– Romans 8:13

Click here to read a prayer for your child to avoid drugs, alcohol, and other deadly addictions.

Finding The Perfect Spouse

In my opinion, I don’t believe it’s ever too early to begin praying for their future spouse. Of course, God may have a plan for your child to remain single, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pray for it. God knows everything, including your child’s future spouse.

Getting married is one of the most life-changing things someone can do. Getting married to the wrong person is tragic while marrying the right person will fill someone’s life with great joy. You can’t control a lot of things in life, but you can pray. Don’t neglect something that can end up being the biggest decision your children ever make.

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”

– Hebrews 13:4

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the Lord.”

– Proverbs 18:22

Click here to read a prayer for your child to find the perfect spouse.

Tearing Down Demonic Strongholds

There’s a constant war going on for our children’s hearts and minds. The majority of the battle happens in the mind. All it takes is a little bit of doubt for someone to throw away their faith in Jesus Christ. But take heart! The power of a parent’s prayer is monumental and can help a child for many years to come.

Yes, your child will have to learn how to fight the battle themselves. However, we can pray for the power of God to break down any strongholds present in the mind of our children. We can declare over our children for the enemy to lose all power in their minds.

We cannot sit idly by and watch the enemy wage war against our kids. The power of the Holy Spirit lives within us and God loves our children more than we do. Therefore, it’s only logical for us to call out for God on our child’s behalf.

“Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished;
But the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.”

– Proverbs 11:21

“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.”

– Psalm 9:9

Click here to read a prayer for your child to be delivered from demonic strongholds.

Read More: How To Destroy Demonic Strongholds

Grow In Faith

Every former thing on this list is important, but our child’s faith is the most vital one. Yes, our prayers are wonderful and move mountains in the lives of our children. But eventually, they have to learn to pray for themselves. If our children grow in faith and walk close with God, they will be able to make great decisions based on discernment and can end up living the life God created for them.

That’s why I’m convinced that praying for their faith is the most significant thing we can pray for. Ultimately, we want our children to go to heaven and receive God’s forgiveness for their life. If you only take one thing from this prayer list, I suggest it be this one.

“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

– Mark 11:24

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

– Hebrews 11:6

Click here to read a prayer for your child to grow in faith.

Conclusion

As a parent, praying for our child is a heavy duty. It’s one that cannot be neglected because our children need us. Our faith can carry them when theirs is failing. I know from experience the power that lies within the prayers of a parent. I wrote this list for people who want to add prayer topics to their prayer list for their child. These things include for our children to: