| PRAYING PARENTS 3 Tools for a Praying Parent How I'm I going to make it through parenting?
If you've asked this question, you're in good company! As parents we often give orders (or take them), get kids out the door, taxi them to and from school, to and from activities, we feed them, teach them manners and right from wrong, we try to keep up with societal expectations and the list goes on..... and on...... AND ON. I'm exhausted just thinking about the demands. Add worry on top of this and it's no wonder parents are stressed (https://thriveglobal.com/stories/parenting-in-the-age-of-stress/).
Here are three tools of prayer that can help us put the brakes on stress and worry, as parents. Prayer makes us mindful of God's presence, His strength, His comfort and His guidance.
TOOL #1: Pause/Take a Breath/Pray
Be still and know that I am God. Isaiah 46:10
The context of this verse is important to our application. To be still means more than to rest.
"Instead of interpreting “be still” as a gentle suggestion, the meaning in this psalm lends itself more to: “cease striving” or “stop” and more specifically in this context “stop fighting,” which is directed toward the enemies of the people of God. The people of God should interpret the command for themselves to read more like: ‘snap out of it,’ ‘wake up,’ ‘stop fearing’—acknowledge who your God is—be in awe!......Verse 10 has something to say to both the enemies of God and the people of God, but it is the people of God the psalm is written to. Verse 1 starts, “God is our refuge and strength” (emphasis added)." https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-is-the-meaning-of-the-verse-be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god.html
Where are you striving or fighting in parenting?
Practice TOOL #1
Pause,
Take a deep breath, and
Pray, be honest with God:
Dear Lord, I'm stressed. I'm striving to be a good parent and it seems I've hit a wall. Help me to be still and take refuge in You. May I act with Your infinite strength, rather than my limited resources. Help me to "snap out of it". Forgive my reliance on self. Lead me with Your wisdom and Spirit as I pray for myself and my children. Amen.
TOOL #2: The 4 G's for a Praying Parent
Give Thanks:
Thank God for their physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and personality traits.
Thank God for the opportunity to grow as you parent and to see your children grow.
Thank God for entrusting them to you.
"Thank you" is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding. -Alice Walker
Guidance:
Seeking God’s wisdom for parenting in general and specific situations.
Gang Up:
Share with other parents your parenting celebrations and challenges. Lift each other up in prayer!
God’s Word:
Praying God's Word over your children and yourself! See more in TOOL #3.
TOOL #3: Praying God's Word for You and Your Children
Most of us love a time tested tool. The scriptures, God's word, is the most durable time tested truth we have in our possession. As parents we hope to pass on a solid foundation that our children will carry with them for a life time. Scripture offers a solid foundation.
"The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever."
Isaiah 40:8
As parents we also desire tried and true (effective) methods. The word of God offers us an effective, living and active tool!
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
Praying God's word for ourselves and our children is eternally solid, effective, and promises a ROI (return on investment).
"so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Isaiah 55:11
Here are some examples of making scripture personal and prayerful in parenting.
Prayers for Protection/Strength/Courage:
(as they go to school, a party, a ball game, an outdoor camp, or anyplace-including home😊) Where there is a blank, place your child(ren) name(s).
Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
Father in heaven, I ask that You be __________________’s (child’s name) place of refuge and safety. Help her/him to have a song of joy in her/his heart as you cover them with your protection. Keep them safe today and forever in your care.
OR almost word for word:
God, let ______________ take refuge in You and rejoice. Let her/him ever sing for joy as You spread Your protection over her/him. May ___________ love your name and exult in You alone.
Other scriptures for protection:
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
Lord, YOU ARE FAITHFUL, I ask that you strengthen _______________ and protect her/him from the evil one.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
God, I pray for your strength and courage to parent. When I am afraid or worried remind me that you go with me and never leave me! I pray this same strength, courage and comfort for _____________ as they face _________________ (the child’s challenge/fear/worry). Remind ______________ that you will NEVER leave her/him.
Decisions/Choices:
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Lord, guard ________________ heart today. May you flow from her/his heart.
OR
Lord, as ___________________ spends time at this event, guard her/his heart. Help her/him to make decisions that honor You.
Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
Lord, help _________________ to respect you and turn from evil today. May she/he lean on you for wise decisions.
Resources for Parents:
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Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Praying Parents
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