Did you know you have a powerful tool at your disposal? A tool that can change the lives of your children. A tool that can give you comfort and peace during difficult times that are sure to come in this parenting journey. That tool is PRAYER! As Mark Batterson says, “You’ll never be a perfect parent, but you can be a praying parent.” Amen!
 
As parents of children ranging in ages from 2 to 17, we have spent A LOT of time praying for our kids. But at the same time, we realized there is so much more we want to intentionally and consistently pray for them.
 
That’s why we created  LAUNCH!
 
Why LAUNCH? Miriam-Webster defines LAUNCH as…
To start or set in motion; to release, catapult, send-off; to give a start; to get off to a good start; to spring forward; to enter energetically.
 
We are calling this book LAUNCH because we want to help launch our children into a life of loving God and His Word, trusting His voice, seeking His wisdom, serving Him, seeking Him in temptation, finding refuge in Him in the trials, and following His path for their lives. No matter what age or stage they are in, God is always working. We want to be a part of our kids entering every stage of life full of Truth and on a path that leads to Life! Whether you are in the thick of potty training, or navigating middle school drama, or watching older children facing tough new adult challenges, or anything in between, this book is for you! And while we use the words “parent” and “child”, this book is also for you if you are a praying grandparent, aunt/uncle, mentor, godparent, small group leader, or friend.
 
We created Launch to guide you through a few specific categories of prayers for YOUR children. Here are several ways you may decide to use the book:

• Use the topics and sample prayers as a starting point to intentionally pray for each of your children. It can be as simple as that. Prayer alone is powerful!
• If you want to go a bit further and have something to give your children, consider purchasing a journal to take notes and draft out personal prayers from you to them. You can give it to them someday (when they are leaving for college, getting married, facing a big move or transition, starting a new job, having their own children, etc.). 
• You can also use the prayers and cited Scripture in each section to mark up a Bible to give them at some point. You can highlight and/or underline the Scripture you prayed for them, adding personal notes in the margins or on sticky notes in the pages of the Bible. What a gift it will be for them to have this special Bible full of your prayers to them with associated Scripture highlighted!

 
Within each chapter, we have included some family tips related to the prayer topic. Our desire is for these tips to help imprint truths on your children and help them grow in the foundation of these truths.
 
The LAUNCH page of our website has additional resources as well as a space for you to send us the names of the children you are praying for. We want to join you in praying for them.
 
Know that we are praying for you as you are praying for your child. What a gift it is for these precious children of God to be intentionally and consistently prayed for.
 
With love,
 
Joani & Shannon

God, thank you for the gift of ___[your child’s name*]____. What an honor and privilege it is to pray for (him/her). 
 
Please help prayer be a constant in our home. Help __________________ develop a powerful prayer life over the years. Let (him/her) seek You in all things.
 
Thank you, God, for partnering with me as I raise __________________. Guide me as I seek to guide (him/her).
 
Show me how to pray for _________________________. Give me wisdom and discernment about what to pray for (him/her) in different seasons and circumstances of (his/her) life. Increase my faith and help me to model a life of prayer and obedience.
 
Plant in me a desire to intentionally and consistently pray for ____________________. Help me to pray for Your will for (him/her) and not my own. Help my will and (his/her) will to be in sync with Yours.
 
In the precious name of Jesus. Amen!
 
 
(*The blanks in all of the prayers are for you to insert your child’s name.)

​The most foundational and fundamental thing we can pray for our kids is to KNOW GOD and accept His gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus. Without a solid view of who God is, our kids will never put much stock in who He says they are or what path He says they should be on.
 
Our kids are growing up in a culture increasingly antagonistic toward God and rebelling against the path of Jesus as the only way, truth, and life. The prevailing belief is along the lines of “your truth is your truth, and my truth is my truth…do whatever works for you...you are the boss of you.”
 
This is not truth at all, but we shouldn’t be surprised it is the mantra of the day. Jesus and the apostles warned there would be many false teachers among us seeking to distort the truth of who God is; seeking to tell us exactly what we want to hear instead of what God says is true.
 
It takes intentional effort to know God and His perfect gift of salvation. We want to pray for our kids to know Him and experience freedom and restoration through Jesus.

God, please place a desire in _________________ to know You. Let (him/her) know You deep in (his/her) soul…not simply facts about You, but a genuine relationship WITH YOU. Place in (him/her) a love for Your Word and Your Truth.
 
Open _______________ ‘s heart to the fact that (he/she) is a sinner in need of a Savior and Your Son is that Savior. Help (him/her) to fully know the depth of (his/her) depravity without Your saving grace. Let (him/her) embrace the freedom that comes from Your salvation and restoration.
 
Continue to passionately and persistently pursue _______________ throughout the course of (his/her) life. Let (him/her) know that You are all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. When things are good, You are there. When things are bad, You are there. There isn’t a time or place You won’t be near. God, let _____________ find comfort in these truths.
 
Let (him/her) know that You are a good, good Father. That You can be trusted. That in You and with You (he/she) can do ALL things. Let ___________________ seek Your glory above (his/her) own.
 
Let (him/her) know that You are patient, kind, merciful, trustworthy, full of grace, slow to anger, quick to forgive, and above all that YOU ARE LOVE. You keep Your promises and You cannot lie.
 
Let (him/her) know that YOU ARE ENOUGH. Shield (him/her) from the lies of the devil that the world has something more – something better – to offer.
 
Let _________________ know that You are worthy of praise, adoration, worship, and awesome fear. When times are hard – and they will be – let __________________ turn to You for wisdom, guidance, comfort, and peace.  
 
Help (him/her) know that you are in control of all things. That You are on the winning side. That You love (him/her) so much You sent Your son to die for (him/her). That You are worth following, obeying, and submitting to in all things.
 
God, let _______________ KNOW AND LOVE YOU deeply and personally. Let (him/her) treasure Your Word and Your commandments. Let (him/her) enjoy a beautiful relationship with You throughout (his/her) life.

God’s Word will guide you
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
 
Pursue knowledge of Jesus
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18
 
God’s Word is useful
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
 
God’s Word is alive and active
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
 
Submit to God
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
 
To know God is eternal life
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:3
 
Seek God and you will find Him
I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Proverbs 8:17

 
Scripture about who God is
 
God is love
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8
 
God is the creator of all things
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
 
God is creative
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1
 
God will fight for me
for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory. Deuteronomy 20:4
 
God will be near to me
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:8
 
God is a promise keeper
For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them. Deuteronomy 4:31
 
God is not partial
For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.  Deuteronomy 10:17

God’s ways are perfect
For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. 2 Samuel 22:29-31
 
God does not lie
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Numbers 23:19

God is light
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5
 
God provides a way to escape temptation
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
 
God is patient
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

God gives good gifts
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights James 1:17a

God never changes
with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17b
 
God loves me
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
 
God will provide for me
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26
 
God’s ways are perfect
This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30
 
God is my rock and refuge
For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? This God is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless. 2 Samuel 22:32-33
 
God will give me wisdom
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5
 
There is no one like God!
Who is like the Lord our God… Psalm 113:5a

The Bible is an account of God’s plan for Salvation. The entire Bible points to Jesus and tells this story. The “Roman Road” to salvation is a selection of Bible passages from Romans that presents the Gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus. It is a simple and powerful way of explaining the good news. If you are marking up a Bible to share with your child or preparing a journal for them, this Q&A with passages from Romans is extremely powerful.
 
Q: I consider myself a “good person”…won’t that be enough?
 
as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; -Romans 3:10
 
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God - Romans 3:23
 
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—Romans 5:12
 
Q: Is sin really THAT much of a problem? What is the big deal?
 
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23
 
Q: Why would Jesus willingly die in my place?
 
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8
 
Q: How can I be saved?
 
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. - Romans 10:9-10
 
Q: Does this count for ME?
 
…everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. - Romans 10:13
 
Q: What is the result of salvation? What does it mean for me?
 
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. - Romans 5:1-2
 
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. -Romans 8:1
 
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39

Even when our kids believe who God is, they often have a hard time believing they are who HE SAYS they are. The world is full of voices that try to place identities on our children…television, movies, ads, social media, friends, teachers…the list goes on, including us as parents. It is easy for our kids to let circumstances and others define them, not to mention failures and achievements. We all know this is true because if we are honest, as parents, we tend to let these things define us too.
 
The truth is, Identity rooted in worldly things will never satisfy or fulfill them (or us!). Any misplaced identities outside of who God says they are will ALWAYS come up short and disappoint.
 
The voices of others are so loud and so convincing. It takes intentionality to listen to God’s voice instead.
 
We want to pray our kids know that their identity is found in Christ. They don’t need to look around at others or even look within at their accomplishments and achievements. Christ alone gets to lay claim on who they are and He has some pretty powerful things to say about them.
 
When our kids learn to deeply root their identity in Christ, there is freedom to step into His path for their lives.

God, please help _______________ to always KNOW that (his/her) identity in is YOU. To know that as (his/her) Creator, You alone get to say who (he/she) is. Please help (him/her) see (himself/herself) as YOU see (him/her)…as Your beautiful, beloved, valuable child. Help _______________ to always feel Your deep love for (him/her).
 
Help ________________ know that in You (he/she) is more than a conqueror. That (he/she) is not a slave to sin.  That (he/she) is Your workmanship, chosen for good works prepared in advance FOR (him/her) BY You.  That (he/she) can never be separated from Your love. Ever.
 
When _______________ is tempted to look to others for who (he/she) is, turn (his/her) eyes back to you. When (he/she) is tempted to look to (his/her) achievements, accomplishments, activities, successes, grades, athletics, accolades for who (he/she) is, turn (his/her) eyes back to you. When (he/she) is tempted to look at (his/her) disappointments, failures, sins for who (he/she) is, turn (his/her) eyes back to you. When (he/she) is tempted to look at (his/her) status, popularity, social media, appearance for who (he/she) is, turn (his/her) eyes back to you.
 
God, let __________________ fully know that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. To know that because of what Jesus did, all (his/her) sins are forgiven with a clean slate. When You look at _________________, You see Jesus. Let (him/her) know that (he/she) is WORTHY because Jesus is worthy. Let (him/her) know that (his/her) identity is in the unshakeable, unchanging, unfading truth of who You say (he/she) is! Let this always be the foundation on which (he/she) lives (his/her) life.
 
God, let ______________ know that (he/she) is Your beloved masterpiece and vehicle for loving Your people and changing the world! Let (him/her) know (he/she) is a child of God…created in Your image and likeness…forgiven and free…valuable and needed with purpose and calling. God, let __________________ know how loved (he/she) is right now…not the future, cleaned up or improved version, but just as (he/she) is.

You are created in the image and likeness of God
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14

You are more than a conqueror
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

You are no longer a slave to sin
We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. Romans 6:6

You are a child of God
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, John 1:12
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. 1 John 3:1
for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. Galatians 3:26

You are not condemned
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

You can never be separated from God’s love
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

You are one with Christ
But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 1 Corinthians 6:17

You are chosen to bear fruit that lasts
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. John 15:16

You are in community with other believers
…so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:5

You are chosen, holy, royal; a special possession of God
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

You have wisdom from God
And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 1 Corinthians 1:30

Your work is not in vain
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

You are a new creation
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

You are a friend of God
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15

You are for the praise of his glory
so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:12

You have every spiritual blessing
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, Ephesians 1:3

You are redeemed and forgiven of all of your sins
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7

You are clothed and one in Christ
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:27-28

You have Christ living in you
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

You are chosen
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, Ephesians 1:11

You have been seated in the heavenly realms
and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:6

You are God’s handiwork; you are created for good works
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

You are near to God
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13

The Holy Spirit lives in you
In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:22

You are a Temple
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

You may approach God with freedom and confidence
in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. Ephesians 3:12

You are light
for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light Ephesians 5:8

Your true citizenship is in Heaven
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Philippians 3:20

You have been given power, love, and self-control
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

All your needs will be met in Jesus
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

You are held together by God
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17

You have hope of glory
To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27

Fear and anxiety can take a powerful hold over our children throughout their life. Studies show that children today are more anxious and depressed than ever, but it is certainly nothing new.
 
Fear is a powerful weapon the devil often uses. He knows if he can keep us in fear, he can diminish our power. Fear is a liar straight from the father of lies himself. Fear blurs our vision and muddies our path. Fear has buddies he invites to the party…more lies about who we are and what we can and can’t do.
 
Commentators point out that “do not be afraid” in some form or another is mentioned 365 times in the Bible – one for each day of the year – because fear is something we all struggle with.
 
But fear is not from God. The perfect love of God has the power to cast out fear. Yes, things in life are legitimately scary and our kids will get scared, but they do not have to fear their circumstances or what is to come.
 
It isn’t about mustering up more bravery, but instead having faith in a powerful and loving God – the One who is victorious over everything.  Faith overcomes fear because faith believes God is truthful, trustworthy, powerful and good. We won’t be as scared of obedience and outcomes if we have conviction and assurance about who God is, what He can do, and the future He has prepared for us. When our kids know God and know who they are in Christ Jesus, they can know that He is in control and there is nothing to fear.

God, please cast fear and anxiety out of ___________________. Increase (his/her) faith in You and Your power over fear. When (he/she) is afraid, let (his/her) first reaction be to turn to You. Teach _______________ to have faith that will overcome (his/her) fears.
 
God, expand the faith of ______________________. Help (him/her) believe that You are good and You have (his/her) good in mind. Help (him/her) trust You over the lies of the devil.
 
God, when _______________ is fearful or anxious, draw (him/her) to You. Help (him/her) seek You and something bigger than the frightening things (his/her) eyes want to focus on. Help (him/her) tap into Your power to overcome fearful and anxious thoughts. Protect (his/her) mind. Help (him/her) continually renew (his/her) mind to focus on Your truth.
 
Give _________________ confidence and assurance to choose You; to please You through (his/her) faith. Let Your love cast out all fear, anxiety, negative thoughts, and doubt.
 
When human nature defaults to fear, help _____________________ to seek You and find comfort in You. God, I pray that You will be ___________________’s refuge in times of fear and need.
 
Should _________________ ever be overcome with fear, anxiety, or depression, please provide Godly medical teams to provide care as well as Godly counselors to speak truth and love into (his/her) life.
 
God, bring to mind Scripture and worship when __________________ is fearful. Draw (him/her) to Your Word to fill (his/her) mind with comfort and truth.
 
Continually bring to mind times when You have been faithful and been there before when (he/she) was afraid and facing uncertainty. Help _______________ to remember that You will never leave (him/her) or forsake (him/her). That you constantly pursue (him/her) and welcome (him/her) into Your loving and protective arms.
 
God, help _____________ to quickly realize and call out that fear is not from You; that fear is a liar and thief of joy. Give (him/her) a peace that surpasses understanding when facing scary situations and environments.

Fear is not from God.
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
 
Jesus gives peace.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
 
Find refuge and strength in God.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

God is with us.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
 
God will be with you WHEREVER you go.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
 
God will not leave you or forsake you.
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8
 
God will come for you and save you.
Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Isaiah 35:4
 
God will console you.
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Psalm 94:19

Do not worry about the future.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34
 
You are God’s; He knows you by name.
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

God can deliver you from your fears.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

God is your stronghold.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

You can cast your anxieties on Jesus.
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

God is on your side.
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6

God will not leave you or forget you.
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

When afraid, put your trust in God.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4

God will strengthen you, help you, hold you up.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Perfect love casts out fear.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18

Turn your anxiety into prayer and gratitude.
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Those who trust in the Lord are safe.
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. Proverbs 29:25
 
Blessings come from suffering for righteousness.
But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 1 Peter 3:14
 
The Lord fights for you.
You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you. Deuteronomy 3:22
 
Believe over fear.
But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” Mark 5:36

Our highest calling and purpose is to know God and to make Him known; to become more like Jesus and to make disciples who make disciples. Within this ultimate calling, we are all parts of the Christian body…each part with unique gifts, functions, personalities, and experiences. We are all individually fearfully and wonderfully made. We were all created ON purpose FOR purpose. God has created good works for our kids to WALK into.
 
One of the quickest ways to squash our joy and reaching our God-ordained potential is comparison.  When our kids use other people as the benchmark for what they should be and do, they miss out on all that God has created them to be and do.
 
The devil works hard to get our kids’ minds and heart off of God and one of his favorite weapons is comparison. And comparison results in one of two outcomes…pride when they think they are better than those they are comparing themselves to or shame and discouragement when they think they don’t live up to their idealized version of other people.
 
Technology, though it has some wonderful benefits, is a comparison magnet. The filtered highlight reels of the world are ever-present. However, when our kids are rooted in God’s truth, God’s abundance, their identity in Him, and running their own race, there is less time or energy for comparison. We can pray that our kids thrive in purpose, rather than being sidelined in comparison.

God, please help ___________________ to glorify You in all (he/she) does. Let (his/her) actions be pleasing to You. Let (him/her) know that (he/she) is fearfully and wonderfully made….that (he/she) was created ON purpose FOR purpose. Help __________________ see the beautiful and purposeful gifts You have given (him/her). Help (him/her) know that (his/her) personality, passions, experiences, circumstances, and even quirks and weaknesses can all be used by You for Your kingdom and glory.
 
God, please stir in ________________ early on a love for the good works You created for (him/her) to step in. Provide opportunities for ____________________ to grow in the areas of calling and gifting that You have created in (him/her). Give (him/her) a desire to learn. Open doors to explore these areas and give (him/her) the courage to walk through those doors in boldness, knowing that You are the One who is in control. At the same time, God please close doors that need to be closed.
 
God, help _____________ fan into flame the gifts you have given (him/her).  Help (him/her) see the unique calling you have for (his/her) life. Please be (his/her) provision and give (him/her) a boldness to believe in You for the impossible. Help _____________________ to strive for things far outside of (his/her) abilities to rely on You and to get to see Your hand in all things.
 
God, help __________________ to know that Your path is the one (he/she) needs to be on. To do nothing is to drift. Help _______________ recognize the value of Your perfect path and plans. Help (him/her) be intentional about boundaries and staying on Your path for (his/her) life. And when (he/she) swerves and gets off track, quickly bring (him/her) back to You.
 
 
God, please help _________________ fight the comparison battle that is so destructive. Help (him/her) choose to earnestly celebrate others, rather than envy them. Help __________________ to be so rooted in who You are, who (he/she) is, and gratitude that (he/she) can fight the temptation to compare.
 
God, help __________________ find joy, contentment, and satisfaction on (his/her) journey, rather than anxiety and envy over coveting the journey of others. Help (him/her) know that You are faithful, good, and a God of abundance. Help (him/her) rest in the goodness of Your plans.

God has prepared good works for you to walk in.
 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

God has good plans for you.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
 
God’s plans will stand.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21
 
God will fulfill His purpose for you.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:8
 
God works for your good for His purpose for you.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28.
 
God has chosen you to bear good fruit.
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. John 15:16
 
God is faithful…He will equip you where He calls you.
He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24
 
Press on in your calling.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
 
God is working in you.
for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
 
God desires you to have an abundant life.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10
 
God will help you fulfill your purpose if you seek Him.
I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. Psalm 57:2

Good things take time.
For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3
 
Fan into flame the gifts of God in you.
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:6-7
 
Do not neglect the gifts God has given you. Practice them. Immerse yourself in them.
Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 1 Timothy 4:14-15
 
God’s purposes won’t be thwarted.
I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2
 
You are who you are and where you are for a God-ordained purpose.
For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

Examine YOUR OWN work and actions.
But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. Galatians 6:4-5
 
Comparison often leads to jealously, which leads to disorder.
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:16

Diligently do the work given to YOU.
and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 1 Thessalonians 4:11
 
Envy rots at the core.
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. Proverbs 14:30

Jealously is a sign of a life not lived for God, but for the world.
For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 1 Corinthians 3:2
 
Jealousy is a sign of a love for the world and things of the world.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15
 
Look to God – not others – for what is good, acceptable, and perfect.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
 
Celebrate others instead of comparing.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

Seek God’s approval, not the approval of others.
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10
 
Trust God for direction, not what others are doing or saying you should do.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Rather than looking to others, look within to test your faith.
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. 2 Corinthians 13:5

A hard truth in this life where sin is still present is that our kids will face trials and suffering. They will get hurt and they will hurt others. People and circumstances will disappoint them. Things won’t always go their way. God’s timing will not always be in sync with their timing.
 
As parents, we can pray for our kids as they face – and will face – trials and hurts in life. We can pray and teach them to forgive when they are hurt, and humbly ask for forgiveness and when they hurt others. We can pray for them to persevere in times of waiting and disappointment. 
 
When our kids are in the thick of hard times and seek God, He is there. God is good. God is in control more than we can even fathom. Revelation and deeper relationship spout from suffering more than from abundance. The pain isn’t always caused by God, but it can always be used by God. We can pray that our kids see hurt and disappointments as a way to learn and grow, rather than rebel and retreat.  

God, please protect ________________ from unnecessary harm and suffering. If there is ever any other way to accomplish Your will, let trials escape (him/her).  Please be a shield of protection around (him/her). Protect (him/her) physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Protect (him/her) from illness and injury.
 
When hard times and trials come (his/her) way, God, please be so very near to _________________. Let (him/her) feel Your presence when (he/she) feels hurt, alone, scared, confused, and impatient over circumstances in (his/her) life.  Guide (him/her) to Godly Christian counseling and support.
 
God, help ___________________ to grasp what You mean when You say that (he/she) can rejoice in trials. In the thick of difficult times throughout (his/her) life, help ___________________ see You. Help (him/her) believe that You are growing (his/her) character; growing (him/her) in ways that You will use mightily in places (he/she) can’t yet see.
 
God, draw _______________ to Your wings of refuge when (his/her) heart is broken and path feels unclear. Please help ________________ know You more deeply in these times.
 
God, help ____________________ to be patient in times of waiting. In those times when things aren’t happening the way (he/she) is praying they will or in the timeframe (he/she) is expecting, let (him/her) rest in the assured belief that Your timing is perfect and that You are in control. Give ___________________ confidence that You see…You know…and You are making a way that is for (his/her) good and Your glory.
 
God, teach ______________________ that Your plan and presence are far greater than temporary ease or comfort. Do not let one ounce of pain and suffering go to waste, but instead help _______________________ use it for Your good and Your glory.
 
God, help _________________ assume the mindset of a warrior on Your team, rather than a helpless victim. Remind __________________ to put on the full armor of God and know when to be still and let You fight for (him/her). Remind ____________________ of the power of Your name and the power available to (him/her) in talking – praying – to You. Remind _______________ that You offer a peace that surpasses all understanding, even when – especially when – things seem impossible and out of control. The impossible is Your wheelhouse. This is where You shine brightest.
 
God, please help _____________________ forgive and accept forgiveness. Be (his/her) strength when hurts are deep and forgiveness is hard. Help (him/her) to know that forgiveness isn’t just for the other person; it is for (him/her) too. There is freedom in forgiveness.
 
Let (him/her) acknowledge the profound forgiveness You have given and to do likewise. And when _________________ is the one who has messed up, help (him/her) ask for and humbly receive forgiveness from others and from You. Help (him/her) be quick to repent and ask for forgiveness. Help (him/her) know that the blood of Jesus washes everything clean and there is no condemnation for those how have put their faith in Jesus.

Jesus has overcome any trial the world throws at us.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
 
Better days are coming.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
 
We can get through hard times with Christ.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
 
Trials can have a valuable purpose.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
 
Trials help us learn to rely on God’s strength.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
 
Trials can give us empathy to help others.
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Trials can help refine us.
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7
 
Our trials can be used by God for good.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
 
Trials and suffering have a purpose.
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
 
Believe that God can help you through your trials.
And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23
 
God is near to you in your trials and suffering.
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18

Trust God to guide you in your trials.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Trials give us a clearer vision of God.
I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; Job 42:5

Find rest in God in your trials.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
 
There is a reward for enduring trials.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

After suffering comes restoration and strength.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10
 
Grow in love and faith during difficult times.
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
 
Forgive one another
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
 
God forgives us when we confess
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Forgiveness
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15
 
Forgive those who repent
So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” Luke 17:3-4
 
Be kind, compassionate, forgiving of one another
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32
 
Don’t delay forgiveness
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25
 
Wait on the Lord
“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.” Psalm 130:5-6
 
Strength will come to those who wait on the Lord
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

​Community matters a lot. The essence of God is community as God is three persons – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We were created in God’s image and likeness. We were made for community. We need each other!
 
One of the weapons of the enemy is isolation. He wants to get us alone and more vulnerable to his attacks. Our kids are growing up in a crazy time where technology can make them feel like they are connected, but the reality is, the more technology connections expand, the less connected we really feel. Kids today are more anxious, depressed, and lonely.
 
We can pray for our kids to have a pack of good friends, family, and mentors surrounding them throughout their life and looking out for each other.
 
Motivational speaker Jim Rohn says, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” True or not, the point is valid that the people our kids hang out with rub off on them. They will often pick up their habits and mannerisms, and even their values. We want to encourage and pray for our kids to choose wisely!
 
It is important as parents to pray for our kids…for their friendships, for family relationships, for a solid Christian community, for great mentors, and for healthy, Godly relationships with the opposite sex.

God, please surround _________________ with great friends throughout (his/her) life. Bring friends who love You and love (him/her). Surround (him/her) with friendships where they encourage one another, support one another, lift one another up, hold one another accountable, and keep one another on Your path that leads to life.
 
Bring deep, close friendships that share interests and passions, laughter and tears. Friendships that root one another on and help one another achieve their dreams, always giving glory to You. Friends who will be safe and healthy places to hash out life.
 
Please let ________________ be a friend who loves others well. Help (him/her) to be a positive influence on (his/her) friends. Help ________________ to value strong and healthy friendships.
 
Help ___________________ foster relationships that bring out the best in each other and sharpen edges when they need it.
 
A hard truth in all life stages is that friends will sometimes disappoint. God, when envy, fear, selfishness, or pride get in the way and begin to splinter or even destroy friendships, please help ________________ quickly see it for what it is and turn back to your design for friendship.
 
Help _______________ remember that You are faithful even when friends are not. Help (him/her) to be quick to not make assumptions, to give the benefit of the doubt, to show grace, and forgive easily…but also to have discernment to know when to walk away from a toxic relationship with love and grace.
 
God, with the prevalence of technology and social media platforms, I pray that _______________ always values in-person relationships and community over virtual “relationships.”
 
God, I pray for strong mentors to pour into _________________’s life at different stages of (his/her) life. I pray for _________________ to be a mentor to those coming behind (him/her).
 
When it comes to dating and relationships with the opposite sex, help ______________ to choose wisely. Help (him/her) to never sacrifice (his/her) values to cling to an unhealthy relationship. Give (him/her) discernment about who (he/she) decides to date and marry. I pray in advance for the person that ________________ will marry. I pray they love You and love _________________.  I pray it is a relationship of mutual friendship, love, grace, respect, encouragement, forgiveness, and support. I pray it is a relationship anchored in You.
 
God, please bring strong Christian communities around _____________ throughout (his/her) life. Help (him/her) find a God-honoring, Truth-teaching, and supportive church home through all (his/her) life stages. I pray ________________ values being a part of Christian community and seeks it out, even when it is hard and countercultural.
 
God, I pray for our family. Please help our family bond and relationships always be strong through life stages, hormones, and changes. Help us to love, encourage, communicate, and enjoy each other. Through life’s ups and downs and ever-present transitions, help our family be a steady source of love and support for one another.

Love in community and friendships looks like this…
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;  it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
 
Strong friendships help each other withstand attacks.
And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
 
Friends bear each other’s burdens.
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  Galatians 6:2
 
Believers should spend time with each other, encouraging their passions and callings.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25
 
Friendship among believers is good and pleasant!
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Psalm 133:1

When believers are together, God is there.
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Matthew 18:20

Christian community is made up of many unique members with unique roles.
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.  Romans 12:4-5
 
Friends support one another, forgive one another and love one another.
 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14

Bad company rubs off on you.
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
 
Friends influence one another for good or bad.
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20
 
Friends sharpen each other and hold each other accountable.
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Be the friend you want to have.
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31
 
Good friends stick with you.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
 
Friends encourage and build each other up.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
 
Find a mentor; be a mentor.
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1
 
Be wise about who your friends are.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. Psalm 1:1
 
Outdo friends in love and honor.
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10
 
Know when a friendship is toxic.
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. Proverbs 20:19
 
Carefully choose your community and friends.
I do not sit with men of falsehood, nor do I consort with hypocrites. I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked. Psalm 26:4-5
 
Friends tell the truth to your face, even when it hurts.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs 27:6

A friend celebrates the good times and cries with you during the hard times.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15
 
Strong Christian community ignites revival!
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47

Seek Godly advice where you feel stuck in your calling.
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14
 
Seek Godly mentors; become a Godly mentor.
The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also 2 Timothy 2:2
 
Look for the good.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

​Our words and our attitude matter a lot to God. Our words reveal what is in our hearts. They can lift up or tear down. It is important to pray our kids understand the impact and power of their words.
 
In our culture of instant gratification and countless comparison opportunities, our kids can fall into a pit of grumbling and dissatisfaction when things don’t go their way or seem as picture-perfect as they think they should be. We live in a media culture that screams, “you need this…your life would be better if you had this; if you looked like this; if you did this thing or had this thing…”  However, God tells us we should be grateful in ALL THINGS.  
 
Gratitude is one of the best ways to get us back on our God-ordained path and off the path of dissatisfaction and unproductive pity parties. Did you know that Jesus gave thanks BEFORE the miracles? Gratitude shifts our focus and changes our perspective. Gratitude is a game-changer for our kids and their attitude!

​God, please help _________________ to understand the power and impact of (his/her) words. Help (him/her) to use (his/her) words in edifying instead of destructive ways. Help (his/her) words build up, and not tear down. Help (him/her) speak words of love, truth, and grace.
 
Please keep _________________’s words free from complaints, hurtful criticism, profanity and gossip. Instead let (his/her) words be full of love, compassion, and encouragement.
 
Help ____________________ avoid the temptation to gossip and slander. Let (him/her) be a friend who is trustworthy. A friend that others know can be confided in.
 
Please help _________________ to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. May (he/she) have discernment about when to speak and when to be silent.
 
Let (his/her) words, attitude, and actions glorify You in all (he/she) does.
 
Help ______________________to always be able to see the good in things and people. To not be quick to unfairly judge.
 
God, help ____________________ to understand that while (he/she) can’t always control their circumstances or other people, (he/she) can control how (he/she) responds. Help (him/her) respond to adversity in Your power, with dignity, grace, compassion, empaty, and love.
 
Please help ________________ choose thanksgiving and hope over grumbling and despair. Let (him/her) see the good in people and recognize that we are all carrying burdens and heartaches. Give (him/her) a heart of compassion and understanding. Give (him/her) vision to see beyond immediate circumstances. Help (him/her) see people and situations as You do, with a lens of hope, purpose, and final victory.
 
Help _________________ to remember that You are a God of abundance not scarcity. That in Your kingdom, there is enough – more than enough – to go around. Enough love, grace, forgiveness, purpose, joy and opportunity.
 
Help ________________________ to pray without ceasing, to rejoice always, and to have a heart of gratitude, even when things are difficult. Help (him/her) to give thanks in ALL things. 

We will be held in account for our words
But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you. Matthew 12:36-37
 
Words matter
-It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth. Matthew 15:11

What you speak reveals your heart
But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. Matthew 15:18
 
Let your words be wholesome and build others up
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
 
Be quick to listen, slow to speak
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, James 1:19

Control your tongue
If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:26

Words have powerful impact – for good or for bad
The tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. James 3:3-6

Blessing and cursing should not come from the same mouth
And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! James 3:10

Speak truth
If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 1 Peter 3:10
 
Wise words bring healing
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18
 
Think carefully about your words
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking. Proverbs 15:28
 
Speak gracious words
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24
 
Do not grumble
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; Philippians 2:14
 
Do not complain about one another
Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. James 5:9
 
Words have power
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
 
Give thanks in ALL circumstances.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 
 
We give thanks because God is good.
Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-2 
 
Give thanks in your prayers to God.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
 
Give thanks for victory in Jesus.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
 
Paul gives thanks for growing faith.
We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3
 
Gives thanks for the goodness and love of God.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34
 
Give thanks for all that God is in your life.
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Romans 11:36
Give thanks for the wonderful deeds God has done in your life. I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1
 
Give thanks in all you do.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
 
Be thankful.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
 
Be thankful in prayer.
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2
 
Give thanks for a new day.
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it Psalm 118:24
 
Give thanks for friends and fellow believers.
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, Ephesians 1:16

Give thanks for all good things which come from God.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17
 
Give thanks for eternity in heaven that awaits us.
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28
 
Give thanks always and for everything.
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 5:20
 
Gratitude glorifies God.
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God! Psalm 50:23
 
Jesus gives thanks before raising Lazarus from the dead.
So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. John 11:41

​Beginning with the first man and woman walking on earth, the devil has been prowling around seeking to trip us up and get our eyes off of God. Tempting is different than testing. Testing is something God often does with the goal of teaching us more about ourselves and Him. The goal of testing is for us to succeed and draw nearer to Him. Tempting, on the other hand, has the goal of getting us to fail. The objective is to get our eyes off of God and on to ourselves, what pleases us, and how we can elevate ourselves. Tempting encourages us to create idols – false gods – that we worship over the One true God.
 
The devil is consistent in his toolbox of temptations, luring us to chase what looks good, feels good, and makes us feel more powerful when these things are actually opposed to God’s will and commandments. It is an ongoing battle we can pray for our kids to overcome with God’s help.
 
In this me-centered world, the culture around us encourages us to worship ourselves and to be led by our emotions and feelings. Self-help and self-care have become big buzzwords. It is easy for our kids to slip into a mindset of unproductivity in the name of self-care and self-glorification. But self-care looked very different to Jesus and the apostles. It looked like getting away to spend focused, quality, quiet time with God the Father. It looked like renewing their mind…to empty it of worldly things and fill it with God’s truth. It looked like stepping away from work and resting; getting re-centered with God and worshiping Him. It looked like guarding their hearts and loving each other well. We are wise to pray the same for our kids.

God, I pray as you taught us to pray that  _______________________ not be led into temptation. Please deliver (him/her) from all evil. God, give (him/her) Your power and strength to resist temptation when it rears its ugly head. You promise to always provide a way out when (he/she) is tempted. Please help ___________________ to always find and walk into that way out that You provide.
 
Help ____________________ to consistently choose to do the right thing and the thing that pleases You. Give (him/her) a love for Your Word and Your law. Surround (him/her) with community and friendships that encourage each other in the battle with temptation, that hold each other accountable, and pursue righteousness together.
 
When (he/she) wanders from Your truth, bring (him/her) quickly back to you. Help (him/her) deeply desire to get back on track. Give (him/her) wisdom and discernment in all things.
 
Rather than succumbing to temptation, give __________________a desire for whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy in Your eyes.
 
God, I pray for favor for _________________________ as (he/she) steps into the gifts and opportunities you have given (him/her). Please help (him/her) not turn them into idols that (he/she) worships over You, the giver of all good gifts. Help (him/her) have a pure heart that seeks You above all. Protect (him/her) from creating idols of achievement, accomplishment, other opinions, possessions, wealth, relationships, status, and all other things the devil dangles in front of (him/her) as something to be worshipped and sought after over You. Help (him/her) to see that anything (he/she) values over You is an idol and if not put in its proper place will destroy (him/her).
 
Help ____________________ know when to say no to things. Help (him/her) recognize when good things are getting in the way of better things.  Help (him/her) know that it is ok to slow down and not get caught up in the cultural rat race of excessive busyness.
 
Help ___________________ learn that just because (he/she) can do something, doesn’t mean (he/she) should. Help (him/her) to choose the great over the good when both are presented.
 
Help ________________ avoid destructive pursuits and addictions to provide the care for (his/her) soul, mind, and heart. Bring people into (his/her) life who will point (him/her) to You over “quick fixes” the world readily promotes. Keep (him/her) free from strongholds that threaten (his/her) wholeness and relationship with You.
 
Help ___________________ seek out healthy living, getting enough sleep, favoring food, drink, and nutrition that fuels (his/her) body, and exercising for mental and physical health.
 
God, please help ____________________ develop habits of Sabbath rest and healthy self-care. Help (him/her) to seek You for rest and restoration over the things the world readily offers. Help (him/her) always choose You.

 We can pray to God against temptation and evil.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Matthew 6:13
 
The devil wants us to question God’s goodness and commands.
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1

Temptation is stirred in us when we desire things that aren’t of God.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:13-15

Pray to not enter into temptation
And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Luke 22:40

The devil looks for our weakness and weak moments to tempt us.
And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13

God will provide a way out of temptation
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
 
Flee from idolatry
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 1 Corinthians 10:14

Idolatry is in the 10 Commandments
“You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. Exodus 20:3-6

Jesus encourages His apostles to get away and rest after the work they had done.
The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Mark 6:30-32

Just because something is permissible doesn’t mean it is helpful.
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12

Flee from sexual immorality. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Glorify God in your body.
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Renew your mind to discern God’s will and what is acceptable.
 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Jesus took time to stop what He was doing to get alone with God and pray.
But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Luke 5:15-16

Jesus takes time to be alone with His Father
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35

Sabbath rest is for all of us who are people of God.
So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Hebrews 4:9-10

Sabbath rest is for our benefit and restoration.
And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:27

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