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

A Prayer for Wisdom

Dear Little One,

After having my quiet time, I pondered how much God loves us. Scripture teaches that God chastens those He loves. His discipline is love. His correction in our lives is love. The same is true for me.

I am a realist and I know there will be times we won't agree. You will have your opinions and your plans and I will have my instructions. We won't always understand each other and I am fully aware that there will even be times when you choose to disobey me.

I love you, regardless.

I am praying, even now, that you will see my love, even in my discipline. It's an unnerving thought for me - the idea of you misunderstanding my intentions behind instruction; but I know that love and truth must go hand in hand. If I love you, then I must set boundaries for you - not to hold you back, but to preserve your future. 

In time, I pray that you will see my love in every "no" and with every correction. God has entrusted me to raise you for His glory and I do not take that lightly. I love you and I am honored to be your parent but I know that I am not perfect and I will make mistakes, just as you will. I may sometimes respond with impatience, with misunderstanding or even with frustration. Please forgive me in advance. I am human and I am learning, but I am willing to walk in humility before the Lord and before you.

My desire is not to raise you out of my own pride, but to champion you into bearing good fruits. Pruning is never enjoyable, but it always reaps a harvest of blessings. It may be hard for you to be obedient sometimes, but trust me when I tell you that there is nothing you can do to change my love for you!

I have had my share of a broken heart and broken dreams as a result of not heeding instruction. That is not God's best for you. And so, it is my prayer that you will trust my love for you and allow me to guide you. Trust your parents and lean into our love. You will be growing up in a generation where children do not value their parents' instructions. Some of your peers may be disrespectful towards any instruction that does not affirm them or appease them. Beware that you do not follow suit, because a life well-lived is only possible when we invite truth and wisdom to guide us. 

Rebellion is not strength. Disobedience is not freedom. God's wisdom surpasses any opinion, trend or cultural codes. His ways are higher and His instructions, when followed, will set you apart. As I follow Christ, I pray that you will follow my instructions and trust that they are for your good. You wouldn't believe the beauty that God has for you, but you must be obedient. I'm praying for us both in this area. Let's both keep our eyes on Jesus!