Praying for wisdom in raising our children

Written by Tabatha Hull
Published on October 11, 2022

As I sit here surrounded by the sweet innocent laughter of my children, I’m reminded that there are times in life when all seems right with the world. Their smiles, hugs, and contagious laughter bring about pure joy. God has given me a beautiful gift and privilege in allowing me to be their mother and he’s taught me many truths through this amazing role. It wasn’t until I became a parent myself that I began to fully understand the depth of my Heavenly Father’s love for me, and just how much I desperately need his wisdom and guidance in every area of my life… especially motherhood.

The thought of raising these precious kiddos in the world we live in today is overwhelming at times. If I’m not careful, I can easily drift into a fearful mindset rather than having a heart fully dependent upon my Savior. There are so many thoughts that run through my mind each day in regards to raising my children. Am I anywhere close to doing this right? How exactly am I supposed to raise my children for your glory, God? How do I best pray for them and navigate the many negative and harmful influences surrounding them? 

A life-changing passage

Shortly after my daughter was born, I remember reading Deuteronomy 6:1-8 with fresh eyes. It was as if I were reading this passage for the very first time. These are some powerful words of instruction! This one passage alone has become forever ingrained into my mind. It has taught me more about my responsibility and role as a parent than any modern day parenting book ever could. 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.  And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7 emphasis mine). 

Make it a habit

I believe that God is trying to solidify this truth into our hearts: We should be intentionally sharing his word and promises with our children all throughout the day. Not just when we tuck them in at night. Not just on Sundays. Not just when it’s convenient. 

We need to share God’s goodness with our children ALL THE TIME! Share about his faithfulness in your own life. Share about how he provided and answered your prayers. Share about when he healed or maybe he chose not to heal, but helped you grow through the pain. Share about a specific Bible verse that has repeatedly helped you through a trying time. Share about a particular person in Scripture whose life has influenced yours. 

Share about the Man who came to earth for the sole purpose of dying for you and your children so that you may be forgiven and spend eternity with him, if you choose to repent and accept his free gift of grace.

Share these truths when you’re at the grocery store, in the car, eating dinner, taking a family walk, giving your kids a bath, etc. Pray with them and teach them God’s word. Our love for him should cause our thoughts to naturally turn his direction as we seek opportunities to share truth with our children. 

The word diligently in Deuteronomy 6:7 stems from the original Hebrew word shanan which means “sharpen”. The idea is that our influence over our children in the way we love God and others should pierce their hearts. Our own love for God should be so evident to our children that they are irresistibly drawn to Him, broken over their sin, and ultimately fall in love with Him too. 

God’s design in the parent/child relationship has always been for the mother and father to have the greatest impact and amount of influence over their children. 

Specific prayers for your kids

When praying for my children, my thoughts often drift towards praying for their friendships and people who will influence their lives. I pray that they will stand up for what is right even when it means standing alone. I pray for the decisions they will make and for them to guard their hearts. I pray for their walk with Christ, that they will live a life that will honor him and share the beauty of the gospel with those around them.

I am also learning the great importance of praying for my husband and I to have wisdom in the way that we lead them. 

Love them.

Forgive them. 

Discipline them. 

Protect them.

Disciple them.

Raising children is an amazing privilege and responsibility. Whether we realize it or not, our own example to them has a tremendous impact on how they view the world and their Creator. 

May we pray for wisdom to be the parents we’ve been called to be and praise him for these sweet gifts we’ve been given. 

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us” (1 John 5:14). 


Consider a few extra resources:

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Tabatha Hull

Tabatha Hull is a homeschool mom and the writer behind AJoyFueledJourney.com where she seeks to encourage women in their faith, marriages, and parenting. She is the author of Build Him Up: 31 Days Of Blessing Your Husband and the children’s book Who Gave the Bird’s Their Song? She married her best friend more than a decade ago and currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, two sweet kiddos, and Pitbull named Lucy. 

Read more about Tabatha

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