Calling Out Your Name: Scriptures and Prayers for New and Expecting Parentsنموونە

As we are approaching the birth of our third child, I can't help but marvel at God's faithfulness and love! Our first two children were an intentional prayer that we petitioned for. Our third is an unexpected gift from the Lord! 

The process of carrying a child or caring for a child can seem so overwhelming, whether they be your first child, your fifth child, a grandchild or an adopted little love. Either way, grasp the conviction and certainty that God knows exactly who our hearts need. He planned this child to be yours even before the beginning of time and He has promised to be faithful in their lives and in yours.

You are not parenting alone. The dreams and aspirations that swell in your heart have been placed within you by the Creator of Heaven and earth. You have been appointed, chosen and therefore qualified to be the mother, the father, the grandparent, aunt, uncle or guardian of the child(ren) that Christ has entrusted you with. It's a big job, but God is greater than the unknown, the doubt and the uncertainties that come with the responsibility of raising a child. He is with you and He is with them - always unfolding His perfect plan for each of you!

During our time together, I want to share with you some scriptures and prayers that the Lord placed on my heart for my children. The moment I found out we were expecting our first child, I began a journal to record my thoughts, my hopes, and comforting scriptures. One day, I plan to give each of my children the journals I have kept for them. This devotional is comprised of extractions from these very personal pages. They are my love over my babies and I pray it will bless you, encourage you, and inspire you to cover your own sweet ones in faith and prayer as God unfolds His beautiful story in your life and in theirs.

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A Prayer for Faithfulness

Hello Little One,

I pray that you will have a beautiful life! Not a life filled with trinkets and earthly treasures, but a life filled with joy unspeakable and the eternal. I know, without a doubt, that your life has purpose and I pray all of God's blessings over you. Not that life will not be difficult or that you won't have your challenges - these are so necessary for your growth of character and to produce wisdom and compassion. The world is not perfect, but the love of Christ is! His love is always faithful and never changing. His plans are always righteous and filled with hope for those who put their trust in Him. So, I pray that you will grow in the grace of God with humility, kindness and faithfulness; with confidence and courage. Refuse to grow a hardened heart. Reach out to others in love. And when it's hard to do that, reach out to Jesus!