Prayers For Our Children

One of the most powerful and important things we can do for our children is pray for them. Whether they are sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews, young, old, or in between, they need to be lifted up in prayer. Here are a variety of prayers for our children to help you get started or give you fresh inspiration.

The Power of Prayer

I joined a prayer group for moms when all four of my children were finally in school all day. We specifically prayed for our children and their schools. Back then, it was called “Mom’s In Touch” and it is now known as Moms in Prayer International.¹

One prayer our group prayed was that our children would be caught if they were doing something wrong. I shared with my children that I was praying this for them as a protection.

I’m pretty sure they didn’t share my enthusiasm. In fact, one exasperated child finally asked me to stop praying this, as every time they slipped up, they were being caught and they didn’t like it! (Needless to say, I continued to pray.)

Pray for Your Children

“Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children.” Lamentations 2:19.

Our Father loves to hear the prayers for our children rise to His throne room. After all, He created them and entrusted them to our care.

I’ve composed a variety of prayers to intercede on our children’s behalf.

I’m praying they not only bring positive results in your children’s lives, but they will be your go-to when you worry about them! May they bring added trust and faith in our God, who blessed us with these precious gifts.

Simple Prayer to Thank God For My Family

Father God, My heart overflows with thankfulness for the blessing of my family. I see your love and faithfulness in each one you have given me. I know the plans You have for them are good and full of hope. When I fall short, step in to guide and encourage them as only You can. Only You know their future, and I entrust each family member into your loving care. Make their paths straight and bless them, Lord. Thank you for faithfully loving them more than I can even imagine. Amen.

Prayer to Accept Jesus 

I would guess that the number one prayer of every Christian parent is for their child to have a saving faith in Jesus. We can teach, encourage, and be wonderful role models, but most of all, we can pray.

(With a few tweaks, you can adapt this prayer for children who have drifted away from their faith.)

Father, I pray with my whole heart the desire for my child to know you and love you personally. May Your Word embed itself deep into their hearts and grow to be a wellspring of comfort and joy. Give them your eyes to see the world as you do- full of your gifts and blessings. Don’t let worldly desires and choices overwhelm them. Help me cultivate an atmosphere of learning and searching for your truth. Open their hearts to receive your unconditional love and I pray they respond with love for you. Let them understand your grace and mercy and their worth in your eyes. I put my child into Your loving hands, trusting them unto you. Amen.

Prayer for Children’s Day 

Begin your day by praying for your children- no matter their age or stage! We often pray with children at bedtime when they are younger, but praying with them in the morning is a wonderful habit to instill.

A habit of morning prayer starts your day (and theirs) off right by focusing on how God works in their lives.

Father, I thank you for this new day, filled with possibilities for my child to learn and grow. Please go before them to lead and stand behind to protect them. I pray they know Your constant love and presence throughout their day. Give them patience when challenges arise and your wisdom to do what is right. Provide good friends to encourage them, and to be a good friend to all. Amen. 

Or here is one for little ones- I learned this prayer sung to a simple tune when I taught a children’s Bible study (I still sing it in my head sometimes when I wake up ♥):

“Good morning, God, this is your day. I am your child; show me your way.”

Prayer for My Children’s Protection 

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11.

It’s been said that when our children leave our side, a piece of our heart goes with them. While we would love to protect them at all times, we must trust in the One who loves and created them.

Lord, I pray for Your protection over my child. Command your angels to guard and watch over them continuously. Be their protective shield and place of refuge. Guard them from physical, emotional, and spiritual harm and the discernment to recognize it. I pray for your divine intervention, Lord, if danger crosses their path. Help me surrender my fears to you, Jesus, when I worry about my child’s safety. I know how much you love them and that You hold them in your powerful arms. Amen.

Prayer Against Spiritual Warfare 

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8.

We know the enemy prowls around our children, attempting to pull them away from their faith. But when we lift up our children to our mighty God, we are interceding to the One who has already won the victory!

Heavenly Father, I pray you give my child the wisdom to make good choices. Strengthen them and cover them with your mighty power. Silence every voice raised up against them. May they stand strong and speak your truth. Draw them closer to you, O Lord, and do not let spiritual attacks defeat them. I pray for a thick hedge of protection around them and claim your promise to strengthen and guard them against the evil one. Guide them to fight the good fight of faith and overcome any spiritual warfare with You by their side. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer for a Bright Future 

Father, I know you hold my children’s future in your hands. You created them with a purpose and a plan. I pray you would give them a clear picture of your desires and give them the courage and strength to fulfill them. May they be bold for you and persevere in the race set before them. Surround them with Christian friends to support them. Place strong Christian role models in their lives to influence their choices. Bless them, Lord, as they grow in your wisdom, grace, and strength! Amen.

Praying Scripture Over Your Child 

Praying the Bible back to God is a powerful way to pray. God spoke His powerful words to show us His perfect plan and how to live. They are His beautiful promises and truths that we can count on. They also give us specific ways to pray for our children.

Bible Verses to Pray Over Your Daughter 

Isaiah 43:1– Do not let her be afraid, Lord. Help her understand you have formed her in your image. Remind her you have redeemed her, she is yours, and You have called her by name.

Ephesians 2:10– I pray that she always sees herself as you do- a work of art, a masterpiece. The world ties her worth to things that have no eternal meaning, Lord, but you gave her life meaning and a purpose. Give her eyes to see herself as chosen and immensely loved by You.

John 13:34– Father, I pray she has a heart to love, honor, and obey you for all her life. May she always know your love for her above all else so that she can see others as you do and share your love with them.

Hebrews 4:16– May she know she can always come before your throne with great confidence and boldness, and that she will find the mercy and grace to help her whenever she needs.

Proverbs 31:25– Clothe her with strength and dignity of character, Lord, so she will not worry or fear but rejoice today, and in all her tomorrows to come.

Bible Verses to Pray Over Your Son 

Joshua 1:9– May your constant presence in my son’s life give him the strength and courage he needs daily. Fill him with your God-confidence and boldness to drive out any fear.

Psalm 51:10– Lord, I pray as David did, that you create a clean heart in my son. Renew his spirit to live a godly life, firm in his faith and trust in you.

Acts 13:22– Lord, I pray my son becomes a man after your own heart. May he seek your will and honor you. Give him a soft, repentant heart that loves and pursues you.

Philippians 1:6– Thank you for the good work you began in my son’s life. Water the seeds we are planting with your Holy Spirit. Grow him into a man whose heart remains steadfast in you.

Micah 6:8– Show my son clearly, Lord, what you require from him. Give him a humble heart that treats others justly and with mercy.

The Importance of Praying for your Children

We need to pray for our children daily- no matter how old they are! This world is a battleground for their hearts, minds, and souls. It is our lifelong mission.

While we don’t have all the answers in raising our children, we know who created them, loves them, fights for and protects them. Lift them up to Him who desires to mold and transform them into men and women of character and strong faith.

Remind yourself of Jesus’ words when He “told (His disciples) a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.” Luke 18:1 NRSV.

Don’t give up, get discouraged, or be afraid to pray big, bold prayers for your children!

 God knows how much you love your children and your desires for them. Praying for your children is the best gift we can ever give them!

Blessings!

AnnMarie

You can print out all these prayers plus Bible verses from the post (and a few extra) by clicking on the image.

All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.

Photo Credit: Canva

¹https://momsinprayer.org/