Praying God's Word Over Your Kids: Part 1Намуна

Jesus said that if we love Him, we will obey Him. Man, that's tough, isn't it? Especially when we know that on any given day we will fall short and disobey Him. 

Not only are we called to obey God, children are called to obey their parents. It is the first commandment with a promise. What does that mean? In the most simplest of terms it just means that most of the time, parents know what is best for their children. And when children obey them, they are going to escape some negative consequences because they heeded warnings and guidelines from their parents. Sounds simple, right? I wish. 

We will all disobey God  and our children will disobey us. So, we need to pray that they will trust us as their parents. I often tell my sons, "I know you don't understand why I said no. But I need you to know that nobody on earth cares more about you and your well being than your father and I do. We need you to trust us." It does not necessarily free them from frustration but it does appeal to their hearts.

This "children obey your parents" commandment is just that - for children...not adult children. Once they cross from adolescence into adulthood, regardless if they "adult" well or not, they are not required to obey. Honor and respect, yes. But obedience is not part of the adult children/parent relationship. You may still pay their bills and if you do, then you certainly have a say. But, you must remember that at some point, they have to live their lives and live with their own consequences. 

Because we want our children to have a long, full life, let's pray that they obey God and us, their parents.

●Teach ____________ Your way, Lord, that ____________ may rely on Your faithfulness; give ____________ an undivided heart, that ____________ may fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11)

●The Lord delights in ____________ who fears Him because ____________ has put his hope in God’s unfailing love. (Psalm 147:11)

●____________ will obey his parents in the Lord, for this is right. ____________ will honor his father and mother - which is the first commandment with a promise - so that it may go well with ____________ and that ____________ may enjoy long life on earth. (Ephesians 6:1-3)

●____________ will obey his parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. (Colossians 3:20)