Moms' Prayer Groups
Overview
Starting a Mom's Prayer Group
Thank you for visiting us at Mom's Prayer Journal. Allow me to introduce to you the concept behind the prayer groups and then quickly we'll give you an overview that will help you determine if this is a good fit for you as you walk out this season of prayer for your children.
First of all, I don't know of any mom who isn't looking for fellow companions on this blessed journey. For me, convinced that God alone will make the difference in our children's lives, having a group of friends who will walk out that journey with me—in the high and hilarious times, the everyday routine times, and in the times of crisis—has been the “body of Christ” at its finest. We've cried together, laughed together, shared wisdom and hope, drawn upon each other's gifts, and have literally been God's lifeline for each other.
Isn't it true that we, as moms whose faith is in Christ Jesus, deeply desire to pray for our children daily--to hold them before our Father in Heaven at all times, to soak them in His truth, to seek His face on their behalf for wisdom and guidance and protection? And yet, how quickly our busy days get away from us! Perhaps a group of friends walking the same journey will be just the ticket for staying intentional in this area of prayer.
If you choose to use MPJ as your guide for this group, you and your friends will pray together and record your insights and revelations from God on your child's behalf once per week for some 9 weeks. I think you'll find that as the years pass, you'll have friends whose hearts are bound to yours and in your hands you'll have a beautiful gift to pass on to your children—the recorded prayers and insights of their mom when they were but a child.
Getting Started:
Note: You will find below a summary of what is involved in starting or joining a Mom's Prayer Group for your children. After checking it out, if you feel this is what you would like to do, please see Leader's Guide for more details in getting started and weekly discussion outlines.
Goals:
1) To create a community of moms who support and encourage each other in the spiritual development of their children 2) To give moms this tool of engaging with God and His heart for the lives of their children 3) To open the eyes of every mom to the truth that God has created her child(ren) for His glory and that each one has a unique place in the kingdom.
Who will be in the group?
Any mom or grandmother of any child, regardless of age. Note to most preschool mom's: Please be aware that there will be suggested journal entries that will be left open until your child is a bit older. That is completely fine. It will be so much fun to come back later to fill in the blanks—like the story of your child's salvation.
Cost
Each person will need to purchase one Mom's Prayer Journal ($10 + shipping)
Size of Group
Because we moms love to talk about out kids, I think the optimal group size would be 4-8. Every mom or grandmom should have time and be encouraged to share. And... you want to be certain that there is time left at the end for prayer.
Location
You'll need to meet someplace that is quiet and without disruption. You will definitely need childcare. Please consider that sharing times sometime become ministry times. You want each person to feel safe and free to express what is on her heart.
From a personal perspective, I love a home. In a perfect world, I think it would be lovely for a grandmom to host a younger moms' group. Younger moms are sometimes a bit frayed around the edges and there is nothing more comforting than to walk into a home that is quiet and peaceful, and maybe...just maybe...something warm from the oven and something hot or refreshing to drink would be waiting to soothe to the soul. (Can you see that I love a storybook world? Sometimes that works out for me; often it doesn't!) But what a blessing to have the hospitality and wisdom of a grandmom at hand. Certainly a church or school setting works perfectly also.
Weekly Meeting Schedule (2 hour)
Greeting and Snacks (optional) |
30 min |
Discussion of Intro page and Journal Entries |
1 hour |
Prayer |
30 min |
Weekly Meeting Schedule (1 ½ hour)
Greeting and Snacks (optional) |
10 min |
Discussion of Intro page and Journal Entries |
50 min |
Prayer |
30 min |
Duration
9 Week Schedule
Responsibilities of Discussion Leader
Commitment to pray daily as guided (15 min daily)
Commitment to record journal entries weekly (30 min per week)
Create a method of communication for the group (usually email)
Check in with the group in general weekly, specifically as needs arise
Lead discussion at meeting
Facilitate prayer for children at the end of each meeting
Plan the final night with the children. Enlist help as needed.
Confidentiality
Note: Discussion Leaders are not to become a parenting advisor or counselor. These meetings can tend toward parenting issues. Please refrain from giving advice or allowing this to become a parenting class. Be diligent to maintain a focus toward what God will do in the children's lives and what He will reveal to parents through prayer.
Responsibilities of Participant:
Commitment to pray daily as guided (15 min daily)
Commitment to record journal entries weekly (30 min per week)
Commitment to attend meetings each week
Participate in discussion and prayer at meetings
Confidentiality
Leader's Guide
Suggested weekly meeting structure:
(I would suggest a 2 hour schedule if at all possible, but certainly adjust times as needed.)
Catch up and enjoy the beauty of friendship. Yummy treats, if desired. Take care of any announcements or administration during this time. |
30 min |
Review previous week intro page and ask for a couple stories about what moms saw God do in their families this past week. Allow time for moms to share their journal entries. (Optional weekly questions are found below.) |
60 min |
NOTE:Try to keep your group focused on what God is doing, how they sense God is leading, and what they hope to see Him do. Remember that this is not a parenting class. That is not to say that there isn't always room for healthy “give and take” among moms and grandmoms as the body. As parenting issues are sure to surface, certainly treat all issues with sensitivity and grace, pointing to the encouragement, hope and wisdom of Christ Himself.
Catch up and enjoy the beauty of friendship. Yummy treats, if desired. Take care of any announcements or administration durning this time. |
30 min |
Pray for children and wrap up.(It is so easy to crowd this time with too much conversation. Please try your best to protect this time. To protect your time, I would not recommend taking prayer requests in this setting, but to encourage each mom to pray according to what is in her heart. Remember, the most powerful work of the night is done right here.) |
30 min |
Before Week 1
Communicate beginning date, location, time of first meeting to each member of the group along with what she will need for the class:
Bible and Pen
Her own copy of Mom's Prayer Journal
A photo of the child who will be prayed for throughout these meetings.(It will be easier to focus on one child throughout this class)
Purchase one book for each class member to be available on Week 1- Get the Book.
Become familiar with the book:
Content: Take a couple of hours before the first class to simply read through the book beginning with the How to use this Book page. It is a quick read that will give you a better grasp on the different areas of prayer you will be covering. This book is designed to be a simple, uncomplicated tool to be used as a reference and a guide for moms in praying for their children. The scripture prayers are divided into categories to provide help for moms as they begin to pray for their children.
Weekly Assignments: Two chapters each week. 1) Read intro page 2) pray scripture prayers from that chapter daily for half the week 3) make journal entries-questions found on pages 62-65 regarding the journal entries.
Goals for this group: 1) To create a community of moms who support and encourage each other in the spiritual development of their children 2) To give moms this tool of engaging with God and His heart for the lives of their children 3) To open the eyes of every mom to the truth that God has created each of her children for his glory—to live in relationship with Him as son or daughter and to live out their own unique purpose in the kingdom.
Prepare your heart by simply being still with God, asking Him to reveal anything that is on His mind for these meetings. Pray some of the prayers on page 39 for the moms and grandmoms who will be in your group. Relax. Anticipate lots of laughter and new friends.
Weekly Questions
Week 1:
(Have a glue stick or clear tape on hand) Use this time on Week 1 to make introductions and to briefly overview the goals and the layout of the journal. Explain the weekly assignments. Look at photos of children-let each mom tell about the child who will be prayed for during this class. Glue or tape photo to inside front cover of book. Pray for your children and each other as moms. (Refer to weekly schedule each week as a guide.)
Questions to help guide your discussion each week:
Week 2 Chapter 1:
Consider the heart of Christ and His ministry while He walked the earth. How would you describe His heart?
After praying these specific prayers and considering His heart, what are some things that you would love to see develop in your child's heart?
Was there any particular scripture that grabbed your heart as you were praying?
Week 2 Chapter 2:
If you could choose any Bible character or historical figure that you would want your child to be like, who would it be? Why?
Do you think it is possible that your child was created for the same greatness as that person? What does greatness actually mean in relation to God's kingdom?
Was there any particular scripture verse that quickened your heart in Chapter 2?
Week 3 Chapter 3:
Describe a time in your own life when you sensed a supernatural love pouring out to someone. Did it feel like there was a supernatural source? That it was beyond you? How did it change things?
Consider that the sum total of God is love. You can bring to the table every attribute of God, you can talk of His ways, but the sum total is love. And then consider that He, complete with all His love, lives within every believer. So why doesn't it pour out all the time? Is it possible for your child to love as Christ loves? YES! The answer is yes! Because of our precious Savior, Jesus! When we give Him full reign in our lives and know—really know—the love of the Father, His love will begin to pour out of us through “rivers of living water.”
Was there any particular scripture that grabbed your heart as you were praying?
Week 3 Chapter 4:
Describe your own relationship with God. Do you truly feel like a daughter of a loving Father in Heaven?
Describe what you want your child's relationship to God to look like.
Was there any particular scripture verse that spoke to your heart in Chapter 4?
Week 4 Chapter 5:
What are the barriers in spending time with your child in God's Word?
Think about how you began to enjoy and get life from God's Word. Did it begin as a child or as an adult? Or, are you still waiting? (If so, stop and pray for that now.) Wouldn't it be so exciting to see your child enjoy God's Word now?
Was there any particular scripture that spoke to your heart as you were praying?
Week 4 Chapter 6:
Humility may be a little difficult to detect in a child. It probably comes in the form of having a grateful heart, or being teachable, or deferring to others, being a forgiver, etc. How do you think your child is doing in these areas? Now don't panic! They are children and God has got them. This is why we are praying for them.
Discuss: How could “humility be the avenue to glory?” It was in Jesus' life. How can it be in our lives?
Was there any particular scripture verse that spoke to your heart in Chapter 6?
Week 5 Chapter 7:
Isn't it so great to know that the price for our righteousness has been paid? We have the righteousness of Jesus!!! I don't have to try harder, I don't have to “buck up,” I just sink into God's grace by faith, agreeing with Him and He'll move me along to look more and more like Him. Amazing! Ask someone to tell a story of how they have been moved by God from point A to point B just because they trusted in Him.
What is an area in your child's life that you would love to see changed? Trust Him to do it. He'll show you where to step in and where to let go.
Was there any particular scripture that spoke to your heart as you were praying?
Week 5 Chapter 8:
Moms, when do you need guidance from the Holy Spirit? Share how you sense God talking to you. What is your measuring stick? (The Written Word)
Do you believe that children can hear from God? Share stories of when your child has heard from God. (Remember, it is very important that parents or other adults who know God's Word are involved in this learning process with your child.)
Was there any particular scripture verse that spoke to your heart in Chapter 8?
Week 6 Chapter 9:
This is my favorite chapter in the whole book. I feel that when I pray these scriptures, I can breathe, let go, dance, praise, trust... all the things that I want to do continually for the glory of God. Why do I forget? Let me ask you this question... Do you trust Him as a good Father? Ask this question directly and sincerely. Perhaps ask each mom to describe herself as a little girl in relation to this Heavenly Father. Is she scared of Him? Is He close or far away? Does He listen to her? If there is any doubt of His love or nearness in the room, stop and pray, simply asking Him to build faith in His love in each of you. He will!
Take some time to declare the goodness and faithfulness of Christ in your lives. Tell stories of His faithfulness!!! Psalm 92:1-3 says it is good to declare the faithfulness of God. (Circumstances don't always seem to line up, but stay tuned... His faithfulness will shine forth!)
Was there any particular scripture that spoke to your heart as you were praying?
Week 6 Chapter 10:
How do you emotionally handle your child's fears, pain and anxiety? In other words, do you get hooked into their hurts or can you stay in a place of faith through them? How would you want to walk through these issues from a spiritually healthy perspective?
Why do you suppose your child tends to get hurt in the same ways over and over again? Could it be that their enemy is trying to shut down the powerful image of Christ in them? Moms, be on alert in prayer always, looking for the bigger picture. Ask the Lord to show you what is going on.
Was there any particular scripture verse that quickened your heart in Chapter 10?
Week 7 Chapter 11:
Psalm 91 says: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty....” Can you get any better than that? Here is a good Father, who is the ALMIGHTY, and if we choose to live in His shelter, we will abide in His shadow. What is your greatest struggle with dwelling in the shelter of the Most High? Control? Join the ga-zillions that have gone before you. Here is the question: How does a mom's responsibility to protect her children fit into this principle from God's Word?
Do you really believe God is good? Do you really believe He has good in mind for you and your children? These are questions that are worth pondering because oftentimes, lurking underneath the surface of our fears (and our intellect) are lies that must be resolved with truth. God's power is released by our agreement with His truth which is called faith.
Was there any particular scripture that spoke to your heart as you were praying?
Week 7 Chapter 12:
What questions do you have regarding the healing power of Christ? Read Isaiah 53:4 NAS. (The word griefs here means sicknesses). The whole chapter of Is 53 is referring to the atonement that Christ Jesus will make on the cross for our salvation. It was a great shock to me as an adult to find that His atonement, which happened just as Isaiah described, included physical healing as well as spiritual healing. Read Matthew 8:17 in NAS. Our time is way too short to study this in depth, but let this begin the search for you, to understand His great work of grace to us wrought upon the cross. No, I can't begin to explain why some are healed and some are not, just like I can't explain why some are not saved, but this I know... His heart is for our well-being in every way and I want to pray in agreement with His heart.
Questions to ponder: Are there places of disappointment with God in your life where things didn't turn out as you hoped? Does it keep you from believing again? If so, He understands and wants to bring you comfort in those places.
Was there any particular scripture verse that spoke to your heart in Chapter 12?
Week 8 Chapter 13:
What are some current issues in parenting your child where you need the wisdom of the Lord?
Referring back to the scripture prayers on page 55, what were you reminded of about God that brought you hope or confidence?
Was there any particular scripture that spoke to your heart as you were praying?
Week 8 Chapter 14:
What hope did you find in these scripture prayers this week?
What is your biggest God-dream for your child? Do you feel this dream was given to you from God? Does it look impossible? It isn't! It may not take the shape or form you expect, but watch out, God is always on the move for your child.
Was there any particular scripture verse that spoke to your heart in Chapter 14?
Last Class Guide
Week 9—Special Night with Children
This final week is set aside to invite the children to join you. Following is a guide for that evening. Feel free to adjust to your own needs. Be sure the children feel comfortable and encouraged, know why they are there and have a special time of prayer for each of them. (Please do not force any child who is reluctant to participate).
Week 9-Preschool Age:
If you are praying for preschoolers, then I would suggest a very simple play time but try to find a moment for each child to sit in mom's lap while the other moms gathers around. Have just one person to pray a prayer of blessing over the child.
Preparation for Preschool Night: Have some toys available that they would enjoy. Do not expect them to play together as much as side by side. A simple yummy treat for them would be nice.
Week 9-Special Night with your Children-Elementary Age:
Goal: To help the children understand that God has created them to be His sons and daughters and to live a glorious life with Him.
Preparation: Have each mom to email to you three things about themselves that the children probably don't know--the sillier the better. Have the list available to the leader for a game.
Purchase a toy sword at a party store for each child.
Plan some simple but yummy treat for the children and adults-something they will see as special for them.
Have some 11 x 17 art paper and several markers available-enough colored markers that the children can choose two or three colors each.
Schedule:
Arrival - Have a plan and be ready for them when they arrive. (As we've said in Sunday School, the first one to arrive-whether child or adult--is in charge and will likely stay that way) ha! As they come into the room, greet them as the special guests and show them to the place you've set for them. If you don't know all the children, you may need to have name tags. Make introductions as appropriate. Do not sit boys and girls next to each other unless they are already comfortable with each other.
Snacks - While sitting around a table, make casual introductions if the children don't already know each other. Be sure to introduce them to the moms. Tell the children that these are the moms who have been praying for them. Enjoy these few minutes with the kids just chatting. (Conversation Tips: As a general rule, children of this age love pets, sports they play, and silly jokes.)
Game - “Are You My Mother???”: After snacks, have the children sit on the floor while the moms are in chairs or on sofas. Explain the game: The goal is to see if you can guess which mom the leader is describing. On this list are three things that you may not know about your mom. The leader will read the list and then you get to guess which one it is! It is fun and interactive—a bit of an ice breaker.
Introduction - Leader: Ask the children if they know what the word glory means. Definition: to attribute to something or someone worth or value.
We can give something or someone glory by telling about their worth/value OR we can show their worth or value by letting it shine forth.
For example, I would be giving glory to someone (use one of the children as an example) if I told all the good things about them. I could tell you that John is a fantastic helper, he is extremely smart, he plays a mean game of basketball, and He is a wonderful son to his mom and dad. I would be giving John ______? (Glory) So... in the same way we give God glory by praising Him, or talking about Him in good ways if we mean it with our whole hearts, OR we can give glory to God by letting His glory shine through us. (When we ask Jesus into our hearts, Jesus, who IS His glory lives in us!) WOW!!!
Let's give it a try: Who can tell us something magnificent about God? (Ex: He is King of all Kings!) Yes, that is giving glory to God because we are telling of His worth!
Now... let's see how His glory (JESUS) could shine through us. The most important way for His glory to shine through us is to love God as your Heavenly Father! When we do that, His glory shines all over the place! And then, when we let Jesus have His way in us, WOW!!!! It is amazing how people see God's glory in us. What if we forgave someone who was mean to us? Does that sound like Jesus? YES! That is letting His glory shine through us. THIS is how you become mighty in the Kingdom of God-by letting His glory shine through you!
THIS is the very reason you were created! To bring God glory!
Let's think a minute about what the glory of God would look like if we could see it! Do you think it would be dark or shiny? Warm or cold? Big or small? In just a minute, I will ask each of you to choose two or three markers and a piece of art paper. You and your mom will find a place in the room to work together to draw a picture of God's glory. You'll have about 5-7 min to finish. Then we'll come back together and you can tell us about your picture.
When they come back together, let them show you their pictures and tell about them. Encourage them to see that this is the purpose of their lives. Be sure they understand that being in a close relationship with God as His son or daughter is the greatest way to bring God glory and that first happens when we ask Jesus into our hearts.
Story: Tell the children that you are going to read them a story that will help them understand the secret ways of living a life for the glory of the Lord.
Who knows what a knight is?
Knights are people who lived in the Middle Ages who protected the weak, defenseless, helpless, and fought for the general welfare of all. (Does that sound a little bit like Jesus???)
Once upon a time in a far away land, where the forests are deep, the enemies strong, and the giants always on watch, lived a band of very courageous knights. They lived in a small castle at the edge of the forest, just beyond the sun.
These men and women were the bravest of all knights. They were confident, strong, and their hearts were good. And so, as time passed they became known as the Warriors of the Sword! They loved to tell all that their strength didn't come from themselves but that the Mighty Warrior himself, the ancient king of old, had given them his very own strength. Few people understood or even cared and so the secrets ways of the king were sealed in their hearts, only to be understood and followed by the band, forever. Old men, young men, children, mothers and even the animals of the woods would come to them for help. “A giant has stolen my daughter...come quickly.” “My horse has fallen into the river...hurry!” “I'm hungry and there is no food to eat...please help.” The Warriors of the Sword were always ready and on guard, their swords in their sheaths, ready to set people free.
When young Peter joined the band of knights, he was the most thrilled of any person ever knighted in the kingdom. You see he had spent his whole life being afraid! Now...he would be counted among the brave, the Warriors of the Sword! Unfortunately, after the beautiful ceremony where he was knighted as the brave and courageous Sir Petra, and was given his very own magnificently forged sword, he found himself still afraid! “Oh, no,” he cried to himself, “surely this can't be true. Surely I will not be the only one in this band that is still afraid!” He silently cried himself to sleep that night. Now little did he know that in the dark of night, one of the other knights heard his tears.
Early the next morning, Sir Julius took Sir Petra aside and said, “We need to go for a ride into the mountains today. Put on your armor and gather your sword. We will seek the cliffs of truth.” Sir Petra quickly did as Sir Julius instructed, mounting his burly white horse ready to ride. Through the hills and over the streams, up the steep mountainside they traveled in silence. Finally, after hunger and thirst had all but overtaken him, they arrived at the fabled cliffs of truth. Dismounting and fairly stumbling from exhaustion, they built a fire and had their meal.
Now, anxiously awaiting the purpose of this venture into the mountains, Sir Petra looks at Sir Julius, imploring with his eyes, to please answer his many questions.
Finally, Sir Julius begins to speak! “It is at these cliffs of truth that all men find the courage and bravery they are looking for. You see, there are secrets of the king that can only be yours if you know the truth and believe! We, the Warriors of the Sword, have learned that we have no bravery of our own. Our courage lies in the king Himself! It is the ancient king of old who has given us our hearts, our wisdom, our love for mankind. And we know this because we have seen His great love for us! The real secret to our power and strength, courage and bravery, is in learning that truth, and believing! It is upon these cliffs that you will have to decide for yourself if you will believe!” Sir Petra could hardly breathe. He had always been afraid, how would he know if these words were true? As if Sir Julius could read his mind, he interrupted his thoughts with these words, “You will know!”
The night fell upon them. Sleep escaped Sir Petra, terrified in his thoughts. Finally, in the early morning hours, he crept along the ridge with great turmoil in his soul. He was looking, searching, but for what? He didn't know. Suddenly... a light came forth. At first he thought the sun was dawning early, but this light was different. This light seemed to be moving toward him. Sir Petra knelt down under the cleft of a rock. The light hovered over him. At first fear nearly took his very life, but then a warmth began to penetrate his very soul. It was a sense he had never experienced. It was a feeling of joy...peace...security...even power! “What could this be?” he wondered. He'd never known of anything so wonderful! At the very second he had that thought, another thought struck him, as if someone else had dropped the answer into his mind. “It is love!” Love???? That is love? He heard a step behind him, he turned to see Sir Julius behind him laughing in the most glorious way! Not at him, but with every ounce of joy in his body.
The light ever so gently disappeared. Sir Petra could hardly speak. The sense did not leave. The next thing happened so quickly, he hardly had time to think...the magnificent, golden sword that was sheathed on his belt began to brighten with heat. He pulled it out just in time to see it's red flare in the pre-dawn haze, and then it settled again. Sir Petra had so many questions, he couldn't put words to them. But then the most amazing event yet was to come...
He realized in that one glorious moment of time, that he was no longer afraid. For the first time ever, there was a sense of courage, bravery, power, LOVE! “I believe!” “I believe!” “I believe!” Oh the joy in that camp that early morning as the light dawned. Sir Julius said, “I think the work of the king has begun. We shall go back home to the valley.” Sir Julius mounted his horse, and then Sir Petra, yet he was not the same man who rode into the mountains the day before!
“So this is the secret to courage, to bravery, to love? To receive the King's love and that it is HIS love in us that makes us be brave???” Sir Petra just couldn't understand how this could be? It didn't make any sense to him at all. Sir Julius still joyfully laughing interrupted his thoughts, “It doesn't matter that you don't understand how it works, just that you believe... that you put your trust in it!” “Oh, I do, I do, I do!” answered Sir Petra.
On their way home, so many thoughts filled his mind. What he knew in his heart, is that because He finally received the love of the king, there was no need for fear. This truth was living and active and sharper than any two edged sword! It was that truth that would be sheathed on his belt from this point forward, and he would believe it with all his heart forever. It was that truth that would allow him to ride with glory into the forest with his band of courageous knights, safe and victorious all the days of his life!
And so it was!
Debrief (Please be conversational with the children): Sometimes the Bible talks about God being a good Father. But God is so big and so wonderful that He is described in many ways. Another way He is described in the Bible is that He is our KING. In the story, where did the knights get their courage and bravery? From themselves? From their sword?NO! When they realized AND BELIEVED how much they were loved by the King and that the King would always take care of them, then a supernatural courage would come upon them. That is the way it is with God. The more you know how much God loves you, and you actually believe it in your hearts, the stronger and mightier you will become in His Kingdom and the more glory you will be giving to God! Who wants to be mighty in the kingdom of God??? Well here is what you need to know in your hearts... God loves you and you can trust His love for every part of your life! Do you believe that? Really???
Prayer Tell the children that their moms have been praying for them. “Actually, do you know that your moms will pray for you all of their lives? That is a very special thing to be very grateful for.” Tell them that you would like to pray for each of them before they leave. Ask one of the children that will be a likely participant if you can pray for him/her first. Ask him to come sit in front of you (both you and child on floor if you are in a comfortable setting) and invite Mom to join you. Pray for each child to know God's love and purpose for His life--that he/she would.... Pray as you are led--not a long prayer. Continue until you've prayed for each child. (Sample prayer on next page.)
Ask all the children to stand up, that you have a gift for them. (Do this just as they are leaving b/c even a few children with swords can get intense!) Give each of them a sword. Tell them this is to remind them that they were created by God for His glory and that as they know His LOVE, and believe, they will be mighty in the kingdom of God.
End
Sample Prayer for Elementary Age Child:
Father, you have created this young man for your glory upon the earth. You have made him unique among all young men. You thought of him before the foundations of the earth were laid...and here he is! For this time in history, he walks the earth. Father, thank you for his life and the joy he brings to us. Thank you that you have created him to be ___________________. (Funny, kind, giving, etc) How we love him. Now, Father, I pray that (John) will live under the shadow of the Almighty God all the days of His life—that He will know you and love you with every cell of his being. I pray that he will know in the depths of his soul how high and wide, how deep and how broad is your love for him. Jesus, will you take this child by the hand and teach him your ways, just like you taught your disciples while here on earth? Bless him and keep him. And may his life bring glory to you and to your kingdom all the days of his life. Thank you, Father. Amen.
Father, how we love your daughter, ________. Thank you for creating this beautiful, lovely reflection of yourself. Your eyes have not left her since her creation. Thank you for caring for her, watching over her, guiding her, loving her and growing her up. Now on this night, Father, we ask that you fill her up to overflowing with your Spirit. Cause her to love you with all her heart and to know the fullness of your love toward her. I pray that you protect her mind, heart, body and soul always. Send your angels to hover over her to perform the work of heaven on her behalf. Father, I pray her face shines with your glory all the days of her life. Thank you, Father. Amen.