Praying for Our Children

Having support is so important when you're trying to raise children. We had a visit with friends today and talked about the challenges of parenting our children. It can be a struggle at times trying to strike a balance between firmness and gentleness.

Discipling Our Children in Christ
My friend talked about the importance of praying with our children always. Discipline is about discipling our children in Christ. Our children need to hear us pray for them and ourselves. They need to see that we need Jesus as much as they do. Teaching them to submit their wills to Christ is something they will learn from observing us do the same.

Praying for Our ChildrenMy friend described a struggle she had with her son. She wanted him to settle down but he was lacking self-control. In exasperation, she sent him to his room and told him not to come out till he was ready to comply. After a time, he called her and asked her to kneel with him. Then her dear son, all of seven years old, prayed for her. He prayed that God would soften his mother's heart and show her that she had been too harsh. Praise the Lord! She apologized through tears.

Raising Christ-Like Kids
If we want to raise compassionate, Christ-like children, we must teach them to pray by praying with them and for them. Then, they will recognize when we need them to pray for us. If we want our children to respond to the Holy Spirit, we must respond to the Spirit's working upon our own hearts.