Your challenge this week is to pray for your kids and spouse every morning and night. Also pray every time you have a difficult or challenging situation with a family member or you need added wisdom or support.
I remember when we were getting ready to leave the hospital with my first child. She was so tiny and we put her in the car seat to go. I kept thinking, “They’re going to let us leave with this baby? We don’t know what we are doing!” It was surreal to think we were responsible for such a tiny person. I have 13 brothers and sisters and I was around kids most of my life, but a newborn is a lot of work and it was so scary for us! It took some adjusting and learning. I think the greatest asset I have had with parenting was a loving Heavenly Father who knew exactly what she needed! Let me just tell you that prayer works! He wants what is best for you and your children, His children. He will help you through ALL of your challenges that you face in this process of motherhood.
I love the quote, “Raise your children on your knees.”
How do you Pray? There are some things I have found that help me to have a more meaningful, “reach the heavens” kind of prayer.
- Pray for each child/spouse individually. I try to do this every morning. Be specific about their needs/struggles and talk about each one by name. What are they struggling with right now? Some examples for my kids-I prayed that one child could fix a grade, that one could make friends, things like that. If you pause for a moment and really think about that child, things will come into your mind.
- Set a time in the morning and evening for prayer. This is going to take a little longer as you go through each kid, so plan extra time. I also love prayers during the day when I am home alone. Those are some of my favorites because there aren’t any distractions.
- It’s okay to pray in your head or in the car as you are driving to a million places. Sometimes, just turning off the music in the car and offering a short prayer can help a ton! More than once I have found myself crying in the car while running errands!
- One of the blogs I found said that she prays at a certain time for each kid/spouse. Like at 11:18 she prays for her spouse (that’s her anniversary), or at the time of the child’s birth she prays for that child, or at the time of their birth day, whatever you choose-you can pray for them when that time comes around. I say-whatever will help you remember to do it.
- Fasting always amplifies my prayers. If you are looking for extra strength or help, fasting just adds that boost that I need to get through.
- If you get angry, say a quick prayer to help you calm down.
- Give a prayer of thanks for each child. I try to do this at night. Take your time and try to think of something specific they did that day, for which you are grateful. As you do this, it will become easier. You will start to look for good in them and in the things that they do.
- Pray with your spouse. Morning and night. As you unite in prayer, it really helps bring you closer as a couple.
- Pray with your family. We try to do this every morning before they start to go to school and every night before bed. When my oldest went to middle school it was a lot earlier than we were used to and she would have to wake us up some mornings for prayer. You can ask, “Is there anything we can pray about for you today? When they pray for their siblings, it really helps them bond and understand each other a little bit more.
Try to take this challenge. Take some ideas here and make them your own. As you pray for your children/spouse, you will find insights to help you. Sometimes answers come through others, other times you may have to wait a little bit, but answers and help will come. Trust in Him and you will see miracles! I’d love to hear how this challenge goes for you!
Some sites that inspired me….