10 Days of Prayers for ParentsSample

No Two Alike

Children are wonderfully unique. No two are alike, not even identical twins. Each child has their own personality, emotional needs, spiritual needs, physical needs, educational needs, sensitivities, and more. Because of these differences, there are times when we simply cannot treat our children the same, nor should we expect them to act or respond in the same way.

It is true that as parents, we should require all of our children to adhere to the same value system and follow the same (age-appropriate) rules. For instance, we should expect each child to treat others with kindness and respect. But the way we communicate, nurture, and discipline each child should be tailored to what we know to be true about each child and what is the best approach to reach and meet each one at their individual needs.

Isn’t this how God relates with His children, as unique individuals? He deals with each one according to the truth that each of us is “fearfully and wonderfully made.” No two are alike. Get to know, relate, and interact with each of your children as a unique individual, and increase your ability to help each one become his or her best self.

Prayers for Parents

1. Thank God for making each of your children wonderfully unique—each one His own masterpiece.
2. Ask God to help you to love your children the same, but to know when and when not—according to their unique personalities, needs, and sensitivities—to treat them the same.
3. Pray that God would give you the wisdom to know how to communicate, nurture, discipline, and interact with each child, in order to help each one grow to become his or her best self.
4. If you are in an adoptive or blended family, ask God to help you get to know and embrace your adoptive child or stepchild’s unique personality, needs, and sensitivities, and to resist expecting him or her to be, act, or respond like your biological child or other children in the family.