Praying for Your Children

By Laurie Borowick

Parenting is a precious gift from God, filled with joys and challenges. While being a single mom adds more obstacles, remember you are not alone. We have God! He loves you and your children deeply and promises His power, presence, and provisions when we seek Him.

How do we seek God?  One way is through prayer. Prayer is talking to God and listening to Him. Big or small, we can talk to Him about anything. No fancy words are needed. Prayer is not a vending machine trying to get what we want but a way to connect with God and align with His will.

There are many types of prayer—praise, thanks, confession, and requests. And you can pray anytime, anywhere, whether you’re feeling pain, frustration, joy, or just need some guidance.

The ACTS Prayer Model is helpful to organize and focus one’s personal prayers.

·       A-Adoration:  Acknowledge who God is; praise Him for all He has done. Reflect on His majesty, love, and grace.  (Dear God, You are worthy of all our praise…)                        

·       C-Confession:  Admit and confess your sins to God, asking Him for forgiveness. (I’m sorry, God; please forgive me…)                 

·       T-Thanksgiving: Thank God for specific blessings—His love, guidance, protection, provisions, etc. (Thank you, Jesus, for…)

·       S- supplication:  Requesting God’s help to meet our needs.  (God, I really need you…)

Here are a few ways to integrate praying for your children into your day.  These are options for you to try. Choose whatever works for you. The key is to consistently seek and connect with God via prayer.

1.      Morning Prayer: Begin each day with a prayer for your children, thanking Jesus for their presence in your life and asking for His guidance in raising them. A simple “Thank You, Jesus, for my children” can set a positive tone and remind you of His blessings.

2.      Pray with Your Kids: Make prayer a joyful part of your daily routine. Before meals, at bedtime, or when leaving the house, take a moment to pray together. Encourage your children to pray to Jesus, sharing their hearts and concerns with Him.

3.      Prayer Walks: Use your walks or exercise time to pray for your children. Talk to God about their needs, challenges, and joys. It’s a great way to combine physical activity with spiritual reflection.

4.      Prayer Journal: Keep a prayer journal to document your prayers for your children. Writing down your prayers can be a powerful way to see how Jesus is working in their lives and to reflect on His faithfulness.

5.      Dedicated Quiet Time: Set aside a specific time each day for personal prayer focused on your children. Whether it’s early in the morning, during their nap, or in the evening, having dedicated prayer time helps you stay grounded and connected with God.

6.      Incorporate Prayer into Daily Tasks: Turn everyday activities into prayer opportunities. Pray for your children while doing chores, driving, or preparing meals. Make prayer a natural part of your day, inviting Jesus into every moment.

7.      Teach Your Kids to Pray: Encourage your children to develop their own prayer habits. Teach them simple prayers to Jesus and explain that they can talk to Him about anything, fostering a personal relationship with their Savior.

8.      Join a Prayer Group: Connect with other single moms or members of your church community for support and encouragement through prayer groups. This can strengthen your faith and provide a sense of community.  Check out ‘Moms in Prayer International’.  https://momsinprayer.org/

9.      Pray for Specific Needs: Make a list of character-building traits or other concerns you may have for your children. Create a calendar and focus on specific prayer requests for your children each day. Pray for their health, character development, friendships, and any challenges they may be facing. Praying for your children’s needs in Jesus’ name can have a significant impact.

10.  Spontaneous Prayers: Don’t hesitate to pray spontaneously throughout the day for your children. In stressful situations, joyful moments, or times of need, take a brief moment to pray and seek God’s guidance & wisdom.

Incorporating prayer into your daily routine can be a game-changer. It not only strengthens your relationship with Jesus but also nurtures your children's emotional well-being. As a single mom, you’re doing an incredible job, and prayer can bring added strength and comfort to your journey. So, take a moment to pray, and watch how it transforms your family's life.