Bible-based prayers for “Children”, to read or listen to.
For my little children
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Jesus, friend of children, you took them in your arms and blessed them. Today I bring my little children to you. Thank you for their laughter, their curiosity and their simple way of trusting. Protect them at home, at school and wherever they are. Keep their bodies from accidents and their hearts from fear. Give me patience on the exhausting days, when there are tears, mess and little sleep. Help me teach them who you are more by my example than by my words. May they grow up knowing they are loved by you and by us. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
Wise Father, my child is growing up and I don't always know how to walk alongside him. There are changes, silences, closed doors and hard questions. You know him better than I do. I ask you to guard his mind and his heart in this stage of life. May your word guide his decisions, his friendships and what he watches on screens. Give him friends who look out for him and adults who inspire him. And give me ears to listen without judging, firmness with love and the humility to ask his forgiveness when I am wrong. May he never doubt that he has a safe place at home. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
Waiting Father, today I bring you my child, who has drifted away from you. I watched him grow up in the faith, and now he is going down other paths. It hurts, and sometimes I wonder what I did wrong. Take from me the guilt that paralyzes and give me the hope of one who waits by the road. You never tire of seeking your own. Speak to his heart in a way he can understand. Put people in his path who reflect your love. Help me love him unconditionally, without constant lectures, with the door always open. And when he comes back, may he find me running to embrace him. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
God of life, thank you for this baby growing in the womb. You are forming this little one with care, even though we cannot yet see its face. It is a wonderful work of your hands. I ask you to protect the baby through every week of this pregnancy. Take care of the mother's health, give her rest and calm, and give wisdom to the doctors and nurses who are with us. Take from us the fears that come at night. Prepare our hearts and our home to welcome this child with love. From this moment on, we place this little life in your hands. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Good Shepherd, you carry the lambs in your arms and gently lead those who care for their little ones. Today I need that tenderness. I am raising my children without a partner by my side, and often I lack both energy and help. There are bills, schedules, decisions and long nights. Give me strength for each day and wisdom for each decision. Fill the gaps my children may feel. Bring family, friends or a church community close to us to walk with us. Remind me that in this task you walk with me and never leave me. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Beloved Father, my children are adults now. They make their own decisions, have their jobs, their homes and perhaps families of their own. I can no longer protect them as I did when they were small, but I can pray for them. I ask that they walk in your truth. Give them wisdom in their responsibilities, strength in their struggles and a heart sensitive to your voice. Help me be a support without controlling, to give advice when they ask for it and to respect their paths. I have no greater joy than to know that they follow you. Keep them close to you all the days of their lives. Through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
