by Pastor Rich Bitterman
There are days when parenting feels like walking through fog.
You can’t see five steps ahead, and you’re not sure if what you’re doing matters.
Lunches packed. Tears wiped. Prayers whispered at midnight.
And still—questions linger.
Will they follow Christ? Will they love Him more than this world?
Every Christian parent knows the ache.
But there’s also an anchor.
We are not powerless.
We have the promises of God—and the privilege of prayer.
So here are three biblical declarations I pray over my own children. They are not magic words. They are not formulas.
They are faith-filled pleas, wrapped in Scripture, and lifted to the throne of grace.
Feel free to pray them over your child, grandchild, or the children in your church.
1. God Hears When I Cry for My Children
📖 “I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.” – Psalm 3:4
There’s nothing quite like the sound of a child crying in the night. A fever. A nightmare. A heartbreak.
And there’s nothing quite like the helplessness a parent feels when they can’t fix it.
But David—king, fugitive, father—knew something we often forget:
The mountain is not too high, and the throne is not too far.
When I cry out to the Lord for my children, I’m not speaking into the void.
God hears. He answers.
So I declare this:
Father, You hear every cry I offer for my children.
You are not distant. You are near.
Even when I cannot see You working, I know You are.
Protect them from harm. Keep them from evil. Surround them with Your presence.
Even when my voice trembles, heaven is not deaf.
2. My Children Will Grow in Wisdom and Favor
📖 “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” – Luke 2:52
This world will teach your children to be clever, loud, and self-promoting.
But God desires something deeper: wisdom.
Not just IQ. Holy discernment. Godly insight. Truth that shapes decisions.
And favor—not popularity, but grace from above and respect from others.
That doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens when parents pray with purpose.
So I declare this:
Lord, let my children grow like Jesus.
Let them be filled with wisdom—not just knowledge.
Let them walk in favor—not just success.
Give them hearts that seek You early and follow You fully.
I am not just raising good citizens—I am raising kingdom ambassadors.
3. My Children Will Be Strong and Courageous
📖 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
There’s a storm out there.
A cultural tide pulling kids in every direction—toward confusion, compromise, and fear.
And yet, God calls His children to courage.
Not fearlessness, but faith.
Not recklessness, but reliance.
Not strength from within, but strength from Him.
So I declare this:
Father, make my children bold.
Not by their own power, but by Your Spirit.
When the world mocks truth, help them stand firm.
When they feel alone, remind them You are near.
Let courage rise—not from pride, but from Your presence.
I cannot walk the path for them. But I can pray courage into their bones.
Final Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You gave me these children.
They are Yours before they were ever mine.
I lay them at Your feet—not as a last resort, but as an act of faith.
Build them. Shape them. Use them.
Make them arrows in Your hand.
Let them be mighty in the land—not for fame, but for Your name.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Reflect & Act
If this prayer helped you, take a moment to reflect. Write down what you’re feeling in a prayer journal—an invaluable practice for deepening your faith.
Here are some recommendations to support your spiritual journey:
- E.M. Bounds on Prayer – A heartfelt exploration of the power of prayer.
- The Power of a Praying Life – A guide to living a prayer-filled life.
- Praying the Psalms – Learn how to incorporate the Psalms, including Psalm 51, into your prayer life.
Also, consider journaling your thoughts after praying.
Here’s a beautiful prayer journal I recommend for capturing your reflections and prayers.
Explore More
Would you like to deepen your connection with God? Check out my other resources on faith, healing, and spiritual growth:
- Struggling with Prayer? Here’s Why It’s Easier Than You Think
- The Power of Intercessory Prayer: Standing in the Gap for Others
- Finding Strength in Difficult Times
Affiliate Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. By purchasing through this link, you’re supporting this ministry and helping us continue to bring more content like this.
If you need someone to pray for you email me at rich.w.bitterman@gmail.com