Every morning for the last two years, I’ve made it a point to pray with Peyton before she heads off to school. It never takes very long, and we don’t make a production out of it. Sometimes, she bows her head and closes her eyes while I pray. More often than not, you’ll find her applying her mascara in the mirror as I talk to Jesus about her and her day to come.
My prayer is simple. I pray that she has a good day, free of drama and anxiety. I pray that if she has any tests or questions the teachers may ask, that she be confident in her answers and that she remember what she’s learned. And every single time, I ask that God protects her spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally from anyone or anything that would seek to do her harm.
This week I was challenged by a dear friend of mine to continue praying over her even though school’s out, particularly during this season of life where we’re struggling with some life issues. It really got me to thinking about this idea of prayer over my child.
Why didn’t I keep going? Just because she’s out of school doesn’t mean she’s not influenced by people around her. She still sees her friends. She still has social media. She still talks on the phone, and she still deals with day to day matters. Part of the reason I pray over her is to seek protection over her. The other part, however, is for her to have an example of how we should take our petitions to God in prayer. And our requests and the need for that protection in Christ doesn’t end when the school day ends or the vacation is over.
The prayers that we pray over our children are important to our relationship with Jesus. It doesn’t only show Peyton who He is. It reminds ME of who He is and how He loves us. I’ve made the commitment, effective today, to pray over her every morning out loud. She’ll see that we go to our Father in Heaven. And she’ll see how He provides for us in big AND small ways. It still won’t be a big production, and there will be days where she may even ask me ‘what’s the point.’ The point, sweet Peyton, is Jesus.
Do you pray over your children or is this something you’d like to start doing? Comment below and let us know!
~Erin
Iron Porch 
I pray for our family, asking God to place His hedge of protection over all of us. 🙂
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What a fantastic prayer! His protection is so necessary into today’s world.
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Hey Erin. For a long time now, I’ve been texting my children (group text) every Sunday morning a different scripture. Usually taken from a devotional I’m reading, or perhaps pertinent to a time or season. You’ve made me realize that I could, and perhaps should, have been showing them some of the prayers I pray for them each day. I wish I could go back to when our kids were getting ready for school, and stand by them, petitioning God aloud (for their sakes) instead of keeping those prayers in my heart. God still heard; they didn’t. Good job Erin; you have a fortunate daughter. Trisha
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Thank you, Trisha, for the sweet words. I think any prayers that we give our children are a blessing. And I’m sure your children know and have felt your prayers for years. My oldest lives out of state with her family, and I’ve never thought to send things via text to her! You’ve given me a great idea to let my oldest know that I’m still praying and thinking of her spiritual growth even from fare away! Thank you!
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