Praying that I Will Love My Parents

God, I want to love my parents well. Supply the grace I need to… 

Honor 

“Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). 

In the Old Testament, the word honor means to “give weight.” Ask God to help you honor your parents by giving them the proper weight in your heart and life. Pray that you would reflect our merciful Savior, who honored us by seating us in the heavenly places with Christ, despite our sinful state (Ephesians 2:5-6). 

Pray 

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). 

You’re in a position to be one of your parents’ biggest prayer advocates. Ask God to help you love your parents by continuing to intercede for them before the throne of grace. In what particular areas do your parents need your faithful prayer? Bring those requests before God now, and praise him for hearing you. 

Welcome

“Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13). 

Thank God for welcoming you into his family and inviting you to sit at his table. Ask him to show you ways in which you can welcome your parents into your home and life. Pray that you would be willing to sacrifice your time, resources, and comfort out of love for God and your parents. 

Bless 

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14). 

Whether you have a great relationship with your parents or a troubled one, pray God’s blessing upon them. Ask the Lord to make his face shine upon them and to grant them grace and peace. Thank God for your parents—and for the other parental figures in your life—recalling specific ways God has used this generation to minister to you. 

Live at peace 

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). 

As Christians, we’re called to follow Christ’s example by living at peace with everyone—including family!— as far as it depends on us. Thankfully, we don’t have to muster up peace in our own strength. The Prince of Peace equips us to make peace with others. Ask him to grant you peace today.

We hope this plan encouraged you. For more prayer prompts or to explore other resources from The Good Book Company, visit our website: www.thegoodbook.com.