Increasing in our knowledge of God ultimately leads to loving him more deeply. I want nothing more for my children than to see them in a deeper relationship with God. As we come to know God more deeply, our love for him grows. As our love for him grows, he transforms the way we see others and the way we live. We begin to live out of his endless love for us, and no longer crave the affirmation and acceptance of the world.
6. Pray they will be strengthened with all power, according to God’s glorious might. (Colossians 1:11)
We all need strength. Whether it’s strength to stand up to the bully at school, strength to walk away from temptation, or strength to witness boldly for our faith, we all rely on God’s strength. When God’s strength flows through us, we are able to give without burning out, stand in fiery trials, and endure through the valleys of life. This is what we want for our children, regardless of their season of life.
7. Pray they will have steadfastness and patience. (Colossians 1:11)
Whether or not we pray to bear the Spirit’s fruit of patience (Galatians 5:22), life will test our patience. We should pray to God to help us die to our self-centered impatience and bear his fruit of a patient heart. We are called to pray this for our children as well.
8. Pray they will be filled with joy and thanksgiving. (Colossians 1:11-12)
My daughter loves it when I pray for her joy to abound. We all want more joy. Let’s bless our children by praying they will have greater joy and greater thanksgiving, which go hand in hand. Joy is a beautiful fruit of a life deeply rooted in God’s love. When we learn to see all things as representations of God’s goodness, we move deeper into joy.
I cling to the confidence that God’s word never returns empty, and I see the fruit of my prayers often in the midst of my everyday life with my kids. Find a passage or set of verses to pray over your children, and watch God respond to his word with faithfulness and power.
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This article originally appeared at Desiring God, published with permission.
