A. WHY PRAY FOR CHILDREN
1. Because they are a special gift from God to you. “Children are a heritage from the Lord” (Ps. 127:3). “A heritage is something received because you have a special relationship to the giver.” -Webster
2. Because their whole life is before them. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6).
3. That they may be saved. “That from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation” (2 Tim. 3:15).
4. That they grow and serve the Lord. “These words which I command you this day . . . thou shall teach them diligently to thy children” (Deut. 6:6-7). “Gather the children . . . that they may hear . . . learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law” (Deut. 31:12).
5. That they may have a hedge of protection around them. “Hast not Thou (God) put a hedge about him?” (Job. 1:10).
6. Because of your natural love that wants to give them the best of everything.
7. That they must develop good lifelong habits. “Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned . . . that from a child thou hast known” (2 Tim. 3:14-15).
8. That they may develop good decision-making habits. “Every young man who listens to me and obeys my instructions . . . He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time” (Prov. 2:1, 9, LB).
How To Teach Decision-Making To A Child
* Receive good decisions.
* See examples of good decisions.
* Learn principles of right and wrong.
* Make commitment to do right.
* Make decisions under guidance.
* Allow to make small mistakes.
9. That they will make good friends. “Listen to me, my son! I know what I am saying; listen . . . the lips of a prostitute are as sweet as honey . . . but afterwards only a bitter conscience is left to you” (Prov 5:1,3-4, LB). “Be with wise men and become wise. Be with evil men and become evil” (Prov. 13:20, LB).
10. That they will extend your life and testimony. “A sensible son gladdens his father” (Prov. 15:20, LB). “A foolish son is a grief to his father” (Prov. 17:25).
11. That they may make your life peaceful and prosperous. “Teach your child discipline while there is hope; if you don’t, you will ruin their lives forever” (Pro. 19:27, ELT). “My child, how I will rejoice if you become a man of common sense. Yes, my heart will thrill to your thoughtful, wise words” (Prov. 23:15, LB).
12. That they may follow the example of Jesus. “Jesus grew tall and wise, and in His love for God and men” (Luke 2:52, ELT).
a. Tall – physically.
b. Wise – intellectually.
c. God – spiritually.
d. Men – socially.
B. HOW TO PRAY WITH YOUR CHILDREN
1. With a meaningful touch.
a. Embrace.
b. Kiss, “Kiss me my son” (Gen. 27:26).
c. Holding.
d. Touching the head. “By faith Jacob when he was dying blessed each of the sons of Joseph” (Heb. 11:21).
e. Holding hands or handshake.
2. Quote scriptures when praying. “A small rudder guides a huge ship, the tongue directs our life” (James 3:3-4).
3. Put numbers on their forehead, i.e., raise the bar realistically.
4. Pray a special blessing for their future.
5. Do all you can to fulfill the answer for which you pray.
How To Change Their Lives
a. Protect them from danger by prayer.
b. Add spiritual and physical rules by blessing them.
c. Reinforce your love with a meaningful touch.
d. Speak God’s Word over them audibly.
e. Value them as individuals.
f. Attach a special future for them.
g. Become active in answering your prayer.
C. HOW TO PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN
1. At the family table or altar, or prayer time.
2. Pray with them as they leave for school or (special place).
3. Pray daily in your quiet time.
4. Keep a journal and/or prayer list of answers.
5. Husband and wife share your prayer requests and answers.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
For more information on the TRBC Pastor’s Bible Class, log on to the Internet for TRBC Home page at www.trbc.org/pbc.
