Parent's Prayer

Parent's Prayer by Jewel Diamond Taylor

I often wondered why I went through tears, trials, tribulations and sleepless nights as a parent nurturing my sons. I’ve been blessed that my parenting years did not have major issues. My sons are wonderful, healthy, flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone. Yet they gave me a lot of reasons and times to look to the Lord for my strength, sanity, faith, sense of humor, patience and wisdom. I've had to learn hard parenting lessons about the issues of; responsibility, cars, sex, money, communication, discipline, expectations, emotional boundaries, unconditional love, acceptance, tough love, intercessory prayer and letting go of the little boys who are now men.

Everyday I receive e-mails from frustrated and worried parents who want to give up. Now I know why God allowed me to shed my tears because I can relate to a parent's heart. I know what it is like to have loving children and children who have a "I know it all - rebellious - chip on the shoulder - what's the hurry? - unmotivated" spirit and attitude. Parents see their children in pain, in prison, on probation, unplanned parenthood, addictions, abusive relationships and unemployment lines. We hurt for them. We pray for them. And too often we rescue them from their falls.

So many parents feel guilt and shame as if they failed Parenting 101.

They take care of their children's children, pay their bills and stay up late nights hoping they return home safely.

Some parents give too much and some don't have enough to give.

Some parents pass on their generational dysfunction.

Some parents are not emotionally or physically available to their own children.

Some parents did all the right things and still experience disappointment and pain.

Some parents have their life on hold and are held hostage emotionally and financially because of their children's choices and behavior.

Some parents have learned to detach and love them from a distance giving them emotionally and spiritually back to their Heavenly Father.

We long to: see our young people smile, healthy, hear a thank you, get a hug, associating with good friends, going to church, completing their education and walking in their purpose, protection and fullness of God.

Worrying about a loved one (in the hospital, prison, war; dropped out of school, unemployed, dealing with addictions, estranged from the family, etc.) can be challenging and exhausting for your health, family, finances, peace of mind and walk of faith and forgiveness. Read this often to calm your racing heart, to release the anxiety, renew your faith and to believe that all is in divine order.

Prayer Affirmation for coping with the behavior~lifestyle of your loved one that you don’t understand and/or worry about:

“I will not worry, be unhappy and stressed concerning you. I will not be afraid for you. I will not give up on you. I will remember first, last and always that you are a child of God. I know you have His Spirit in you. I trust His Spirit to take care of you, to be a light to your path, to provide for all your needs. I think of you always being surrounded by the Lord’s loving presence, enfolded in His protecting care, kept safe, provided and guided in all things. I stand by you in faith and bless you in my prayers, knowing that you are growing and finding your way. I now behold the complete healing of you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I touch and agree with you that all your financial needs are met, as mine are also. I have only good feelings in my heart about you, for I share with you the freedom to live your life as you feel guided by the power of the indwelling Christ. Your way, may not be my way. I’m learning to trust that God is in you and with you showing you the way to your highest good. God loves you. I love you. I am releasing my doubts, fear and stress. I am healing and receiving guidance, strength, courage, wisdom and peace to cope with my feelings regarding us and this situation.”

Lord, I love my child(ren) and I'm learning to let go of the stress and fear I sometimes feel. I have concerns about housing, food, child care, transportation, income, clothing, health, peace of mind, feeling alone and so often overwhelmed.

Heal me of my feelings of depression, fear and guilt. Guide me today to stay in peace to know that all of my family needs are met. My child(ren) and I deserve the best and I vow to give and expect respect, support and love. I will not compromise the safety, security and sacredness of our lives. I know my child(ren) learn from my example and rely on me for so much. Teach me how to forgive and heal from past emotional wounds. I want to let go of any anger, bitterness and pain so I can grow. I pray for strength, good judgment and patience. Whether I am married or a single parent, I know that you God are our source. We give you thanks for every blessing.

Teach me how to give my child(ren) roots, foundation, safety, love, education, time and support while they are young and dependent on me. As they grow, help me to give them wings so they are not dependent on me or others. Let me know when it is time to step back and allow them to learn from their own experiences and choices. Lord I pray for the wisdom and self-control to cope with behavioral issues about my child(ren). I now let go of any feelings of guilt, worry, depression, anger, shame or stress.

I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them. (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40)

Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are "God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:10)

Grant that my children may learn responsibility, "for each one should carry his own load." (Galatians 6:5)

Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to live a life of love through the Spirit who dwells in them. (Ephesians 5:2; Galatians 5:22)

Dear heavenly Father, make me a better parent.
Teach me to understand my children,
to listen patiently to what they have to say,
and to answer all their questions kindly.
Keep me from demonstrating any contradictions in my behavior because I know I am their first teacher.

Forbid that I should ever laugh at their mistakes,
or resort to shame or ridicule when they displease me.
May I never punish them for my own selfish satisfaction
or to show my power.

And when I am irritable and stressed,
help me, oh Lord, to hold my tongue.

May I ever be mindful that my children are children
and I should not expect of them the judgment of adults.
Let me not rob them of the opportunity to wait on themselves
and to make decisions.

Bless me with the resources to grant them their reasonable requests,
and the courage to deny them privileges I know will do them harm.

Make me fair and just and kind. Shape me, oh Lord,
to be loved and respected and imitated by my children.

Amen

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