The task of parenting is both a daunting feat and an eternally purposed opportunity. Doubt, questions and panic quickly flood our hearts with worry. While our hearts know the supremacy and provision of God, our flesh desperately begs the questions of fear.
“How will I protect my child from harm in an aggressively harmful world?”
“How will I instill values into my children when I consistently fall short of them?”
“How can I prepare these innocent little ones for the trials that are ahead?”
The answer to our questions and the response to our fears are found in the presence of Jesus. His glory flies in the face of fear, and His presence overwhelms the seemingly powerful forces that rob us of our peace.
The power of prayer is our defense. It is our defense against worry, as well as the tool by which our children will walk in all that we desire for them. Scripture tells us that as we abide in Christ, we bear the fruit of peace that we desperately seek. Scripture also reminds us that adults, at times, hinder children from going directly where their hearts lead them: to Jesus.
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Luke 18:16, NIV).
I believe that Scripture ties the task of parenting to the mission of teaching our children how to pray, which is the mission of the Children’s Prayer Covenant.
The Prayer Covenant is a ministry that equips parents, churches and educators to teach their children how to pray. In recent years, the ministry developed an illustrated children’s book called The Power of the Prayer Covenant for Children. This book speaks words of truth, love and comfort to the eager and pure hearts of children. It is an invitation for children to experience prayer in life-transforming ways. It invites them into the presence of their heavenly Father, reassuring them of His never-ending love for them and His desire to hear from them daily. The prayer reads:
Dear heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving me and making me one of your children.
Help me love and obey You.
Help me love others the way You love me.
I am sorry for my sins. Wash me clean.
I will praise You with my whole heart!
Jesus, I want to follow You as my Lord. Change me any way You want.
Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I want to know Your plans for me.
Make me a messenger of Your grace, truth and justice.
Use me for Your glory and to invite others to follow You.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
The Prayer Covenant has impacted over 7 million children in 70 nations. We are here to serve ministries, churches and families. Please visit theprayercovenant.org for free downloadable resources or to contact us.
To learn simple and effective prayer strategy grounded in Scripture and the Christian Faith, listen to The Prayer Covenant with Candy Marballi on the Charisma Podcast Network now. {eoa}
Candy Marballi, president and CEO of The Prayer Covenant, has served in children’s ministries for over 30 years in the United States, Japan and the Philippines. Her newest book, He Hears Her Voice, will be released by Hachette in the Spring of 2022. In addition to serving on the International Prayer Council and on the Board of The Great Commission Coalition and the Prayer Covenant, she hosts Teach Us to Pray each day on KARI 55. She is a wife of 38 years to Vik Marballi, and they have two grown children. They reside in New Albany, Ohio.
Her book, The Power of the Prayer Covenant for Children was awarded GOLD for Education by Illumination Book Awards in 2015 and is presently being used to disciple, transform and evangelize children and youth in 70 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, North America and the Middle East. Over 7 million children and youth have been reached with this prayer tool.
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