Praying For Children

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

– Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)

The caffeinated aroma filled all corners of our kitchen as 2 cups and a glass were waiting on the wooden table. I arranged some cookies dusted with snow-like sugar and my child’s favorite chocolate muffin and banana-walnut for my husband and I were carefully stored in a white paper bag, to surprise a gnawing pang of late afternoon hunger for three tummies.

My son walked in, toting his semi-heavy backpack on his back, smiling and started spilling how his day went on his first day of school. He was so excited! His day was filled with seeing his old friends again, with some of them ending up being in the same class as his, his teacher in Graphic Design who was happy to know that his presence in his class meant he was there to assist him and to help out new faces in this new school year, and the patience he needed to have in going home as the traffic piled up in the loop and some parents or driving students tried to take advantage of each other at times.

How I enjoyed his moment of sharing and I was happy for him, the way he handled small trials with confidence, strength, and “not going with the usual flow of this world.” We were so caught up in our sharing that we almost forgot he had an Orthodontist appointment. I was thankful my husband remembered and in short 15 minutes, barely made it to his appointment.

The small tension that arose in our hearts, wondering if we would make it because of the large volume of traffic out on the road was replaced with laughter as we were relieved to arrive right on time. On the way home, we both were laughing so hard about how much we got so lost with his stories that we almost forgot about everything.

I smiled at him and I told him how proud I was of him for always working hard and never forgetting the things of God and that how he did well with his driving to and from school for the very first time, all alone.

In between pauses of a deafening laughter, my heart softly cried in prayer as my son taught me another thing:

“For me to always be excited in His presence and spill how each of my day goes…”Oh how much He must long for each of His children to come to Him and talk to Him with all their hearts and minds the way I expected my child to do with his father and mother.

“Thanks Mom. I love you,” my child uttered which interrupted my secret prayer.

“You’re welcome,  Kristian. I love you, too.”

Off he ran toward his father waiting in the garage and gave him a hug, as I carefully tried to park my car in the designated space. I was alternately looking at the direction I was supposed to be watching for. Yet I couldn’t help but look at my child who was already half-child, half-man.  Gratitude overwhelmed my heart upon his sight. Thankful to be given this precious blessing and at the same time, I was thankful to be given the opportunity of becoming a “mother.”

 A role that is not easy but at the same time is an important part in shaping the precious life entrusted to me and that of my husband’s. With his figure still present in front of me, I saw a little bit of me. I saw a little bit of my husband. But what was not obvious was his heart being shaped by His Word. That was the best way to train a child! His way!

Help me us as parents, Lord, not to neglect praying for our children. Help us remember that the best way to train them is to nurture them with the kind of love that comes from You. Guide us Lord with Your wisdom to help us teach our children about You. Thank You Lord for Your love and grace. Thank You for being our heavenly Father Who loves us unconditionally. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

A Mother’s Prayer (HANNAH'S SONG) Words by Rachel Aldous
  Music by John Mandeville
Verse:
My sweet baby on loan from above.
No better treasure could I more love.
I stand here beside your bed as I pray
I lay my hand on your head and I say:

Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
all of your days.
May He lead you and guide you
in all of your ways.
May His hand bless your future with
friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
and not grow up too fast

Verse:
I stare in wonder at your tiny frame.
Just to think that God knows you by name.
He knows every hair on your beautiful head.
He knows your thoughts before they are said.

Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
all of your days
May He lead you and guide you
in all of your ways.
May His Hand bless your future with
friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
and not grow up too fast.

Prayer:
May God grant you peace
in the midst of a storm.
May God give you strength even when you’re forlorn.
May you answer the door when
Jesus comes knocking.
May wisdom guide when
your mouth is talking.
May discretion protect you
and keep you pure.
May you never stumble
or fall for a lure.
May your heart remain humble
to the very end.
May uprightness and truth
be what you defend.
May the world not ensnare
or change who you are.
May the light that's within you
shine like the stars.
May angels surround you
body, spirit, mind.
May favor and peace be yours to find.
May rejection and pain
never reach you.
May your spirit grow bold
for what you’re called to.

Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
all of your days
May He lead you and guide you
in all of your ways
May His Hand bless your future with
friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
and not grow up too fast.

Singing:
As you rest in God’s care I will rest, too.
Knowing that Jesus is watching over you.
Amen

Hannah speaks: I love you, Mommy…