Turning Prayers to Praises

Undoubtedly, being a kid in today's culture brings extra challenges. Cyber bullying, identity crises, political tensions—all demand total dependency on the Lord to get our children through.

Thankfully, God is faithful. Greater dependency can lead to stronger faith as your kids learn to turn to God and see him work. In great challenges, great faith can be forged.

I am poor and needy,

but you, the Lord God,

care about me.

You are the one who saves me.

Please hurry and help!

Psalm 70:5 (CEV)

David lived a life of great challenges, as recounted in the Bible. As a Military leader who was often in tight spots, he often found himself praying for his very life. Yet in his many recorded prayers, even in his most desperate situations, we still find expressions of his great faith in God.

David didn’t try to hide or gloss over his pain and needs behind a religious mask. Rather, he told God all his feelings—anger, fear, hope, joy . . . His requests frequently turn to remembering to whom he was praying and what this God was capable of. David’s pleas turned to praises. In awe, he saw a God of wonders who saved him again and again.

As we pray with our kids and for the many needs of our children, let’s take David’s example and turn our thoughts to praise. As we pray about our next move, let’s be amazed that the Lord already knows each step we should take. As we face a deployment, let’s remember our lives are in the hands of our sovereign God. As we ask for help raising our kids, let’s acknowledge that God is the source of all wisdom. In all our prayers, may we remember to praise. And may we teach our children to do the same.

PRAY

Father God, we are continually amazed at all you can do. Our only hope comes from you. You are the only one who can truly help us. Thank you for loving us so much that you would care and be involved in every part of our lives. We look to you for everything. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): Do you think going through difficult things can strengthen your faith in God? How?

Apply: Take a moment to encourage your kids. Acknowledge that being a kid today is hard and requires much of them. Thank them for their resiliency. And also let them know how strong they are.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand their Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Psalm 86:14-15

Matthew 6:9-11