Between age, maturity levels, and personality differences, our children are going to be at different places in their growth process. One of my children was pretty much born with a naturally happy and grateful attitude, and one was born asking the question, “Why?” One gave their life to Jesus at an early age, and one when they were in high school. Because of this reality, we were not dealing with carbon copy people and it required that we pursue and communicate with each child differently and spend much time on our knees asking for wisdom.
Thoughts for Mom:
- Because each individual child is at a different place in their relationship with God, and most of what we deal with when it comes to our children (and ourselves) have at the root of the problem being a heart issue, we have to approach each one carefully, depending on where they are in their development.
- We are in this for the long haul, and it takes much prayer and intentionality to come alongside our children as they grow in their walk with God.
- In the marathon of parenting, we can model what it means to be a grateful and thankful person. We can talk about all God has done for us and how He provides for us in our daily conversation so that it becomes a familiar topic. This is the training ground that God can use to work the reality of being thankful into the heart of each person in our family.
- Affirmation is important! Because you and I, as adults, are in a fight to be grateful and thankful, we must be sure to communicate to our children that we understand the battle and then offer much affirmation when they show gratefulness in any form. Any evidence that God is working in their heart is something to be acknowledged and celebrated!
How to Pray Through This:
Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
Prayer: Father, sometimes I feel anxious because I don’t see my children growing in the way I’d like to see them grow. Thank You that I can trust You to work in the heart of each child and that Your timing is best. I ask that You would cause my children to grow and become grateful and thankful people.
Verse: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2
Prayer: Father, I know we are in this parenting journey for the long haul. Help me not grow weary in praying for my children, Help me to continue steadfastly in prayer, and to be watchful for how You are going to work in their lives. I thank You for all You are going to do.
Verse: “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” 1 Chronicles 16:18
Prayer: Father, thank You for all you have done in my life. Thank you for all You have done already in the lives of my children. I pray for opportunities to testify of Your faithfulness to my children and also to those around me.
Verse: “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
Prayer: Father, I acknowledge the reality that I cannot be an effective, thankful parent if I do not have the wisdom that only You can provide. Please help me to tune into each of my children and know how to best communicate and love them so that I might be able to help them learn about You.
Related Resources:
Thank you, Brooke and Erin so much for your dedication to the ministry God has given you. I started following you two many years ago when my boys were 3 and 1. They are now 9 and 7 and we have a 4 year old daughter 🙂 I LOVE LOVE LOVE your podcasts, emails, and resources you provide. My husband and I are both nurses so juggling our work schedules and now homeschooling is overwhelming as it is for so many families during this time. And I’m in graduate school…. 🤯
My heart and prayers go out to those struggling financially and to the children/adults in abusive homes. I think God has a greater purpose for this time but as always satan is going to try to put his work into it as well.
On a lighter note thank you both so much for what you do. I use my prayer journal almost every day, especially now since my prayers turn into scattered thoughts as the song says (Jeremy Camp? I think that’s right).
God bless and stand strong in Him.
Thanks soo much for this prayer. I was so frustrated by the behavior of my 2 adults children towards their father who is severely burnt. They showed not empathy
My husband and I are very compassionate persons. It is simply heartbreaking to see such behavior and from our own children to whom we showed nothing but lové.
Thanks for bringing back HOME with this prayer.
You are welcome!
Thanks so much for your encouragement and timely posts.
My daughter is 11 and my son is 24(hf autism)
We want to be a godly example to them and want to be more aware of those teachable moments.
I thank God for both of you. You two are doing amazing work. May the good Lord continue to empower and strengthen you two the more.
Thank you for your encouragement I do appreciate it very much