Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Looking back at my parenting years, I’ve gained a lot of perspective. One, that parenting never ends. Adult children still need you, just in different ways. I’ve also come to appreciate what a blessing it is that God creates a strong desire for parenthood within you, so that you can only imagine the joy of having a baby, versus the intensity, difficulty, responsibility, frustration, and sacrifice of parenthood.
I’ve learned that without God to guide you, encourage you, and surround you with supportive friends, family, or strangers, the parenting hill to climb would just be too overwhelming. In humility and gratitude, I am grateful that God never asks for perfection, only that we take His hand and be led, or in some instances, allow Him to carry us and all of our burdens.
Perhaps it is exactly because of our trials that our reliance on God increases which produces the wisdom of heart to lead our children to Jesus.
Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly. 1 Peter 12:14
It is through the prayers of others that parents are lifted up each day, allowing them to continue the journey with a renewed vigor. They will know that God is with them, for even in the desert they will find flowers of joy. So let us lift the masses in prayer!
Heavenly Father, look with love and compassion upon parents, especially those struggling in their responsibilities the most. Help them tend to the hearts and minds of their children to guard their purity, praise their goodness, maintain their sense of security, and affirm or reprove them as needed. Give them the strength to stand firm against the (satanic) culture that seeks to destroy their childrens’ souls. Unite them with like-minded families, so they can build a community of love and support for one another. Renew their hope when they see their children traveling down paths that point away from you. Increase their faith and humility, allowing them to bend their knees in prayer and confidently ask for your grace and intercession. Lord, you know the crosses you allow for each parent. Increase their joy. Gift each parent with the virtue they need most right now in their parenting, whether they are engaging with a small child or a young adult. Father, you love them more than we ever can. Give each child the grace they need to find their way to You. Send them a few extra Guardian Angels too! With confident trust in your mercy and love. Amen.
I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.
2 Tim 4:7
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
May prayers for parents never stop!! Pass it on!
