So, I've been thinking about my spiritual growth lately and how I don't seem to be maturing much, especially as it relates to prayer. I know it doesn't really matter what I say or how I say it, but I didn't feel like I'm growing in this area. After talking with B-man about my lack of growth in several areas of my life, it was kind of obvious that I need to put in the work to get the rewards.
That being said, I came across this
blog and this
post in particular where this mama talks about praying for her children seven times a day for seven days. I thought this would be a great way to
jump start my prayer life. If you're reading this and are thinking, "I don't have children, this doesn't apply to me"...I'd ask you to take a second look at the prayers. Couldn't we all pray these prayers about ourselves too? I know I could!
So, please join me in praying for our children, ourselves, or whomever you'd like for the next seven days. It will take work to remember to do it and to stay the course...but I think if we give it a good effort, we will grow.
1.
When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for he has put his trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul."
(Adapted from Psalm 143:8)
2.
When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
(Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)
3.
While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through Him who gives (him/her) strength."
(Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)
4.
When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will."
(Adapted from Romans 12:2)
5.
While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek Him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
(Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)
6.
When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
(Zephaniah 3:17)7.
While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing."
(Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)
Feel free to comment on your progress and any feelings or revelations that come to you this week while participating in this exercise.
