A Prayer for Our Children to Follow Jesus

Parenting involves many aspects, but the single most vital thing we can do for our children is to pray for them to follow Jesus. When they love and follow Him, everything else will naturally fall into place.

Praying for our children to follow Jesus is the single most valuable thing we can do for them. The busyness of life and parenting distracts us from this and fools us into believing we don't have to time to pray. Yet, if our children love and follow God, all other things in life will fall into place. Included is a prayer you can use as inspiration.

Following Jesus A Journey to Following Jesus

Years ago, I wrote a post about my oldest son. I thought I’d update it as he’s an adult now. However, I realized this story from his teenage years is relevant now and reinforces the man I now see who still loves the Lord with all his heart.

Seeing Jesus Work in All Things

These last few weeks I have watched God work in great big ways in my son’s life. Last spring he got very sick. It turns out, the mold we discovered in our home had significantly affected him.

Treatment is ongoing and long-term because the mold triggered the crashing of his immunity system which then, in turn, triggered several other illnesses. He was hurting physically, mentally, and emotionally. Thankfully, so much progress has been made, though,  and it has given my mama’s heart such joy to have my cheerful boy back again!

Seeing him once again laugh, engage in ministry, and come home from school each day having enjoyed his time is wonderful! Last week, he even played basketball again and didn’t feel miserable afterward! His smile went from ear to ear!

Homecoming 2016- A sweet date - A Prayer for Our Children to Follow Jesus - Moments of Hope - Lori Schumaker

This weekend was his first Homecoming Dance. I just had to share this sweet picture of Zach and his precious friend, Delaney! How did my baby end up in high school already?

But what a blessing to see his love for Jesus grow. Especially during the difficult season he has faced! Together, these two are incredibly bright lights. It’s in everything they do from their kindness to their hard work, and to their willingness to help others. It’s in how they choose Jesus over everything. And that is why they had so much fun! Because they have their priorities in proper alignment. Drama, false expectations, and unrealistic hopes weren’t a part of the evening.

I wish every young teen could have the opportunity to experience life this way. I wish I could have experienced life this way.

The Most Important Thing Is That They Follow Jesus

Praying for our children to follow Jesus is the single most valuable thing we can do for them. The busyness of life and parenting distracts us from this and fools us into believing we don't have to time to pray. Yet, if our children love and follow God, all other things in life will fall into place. Included is a prayer you can use as inspiration.

As parents, we get wrapped up in worry. The concern for the right school. Good grades. Success in sports, music, or the arts. Or, whether they are well-liked. We worry about whether this rule or that one is fair, if the PTO is doing the right fundraisers, or if our child will finish college in 4 years (or 5 or 6).

It’s not that those things don’t matter. They do. But they certainly don’t matter more than whether or not our children follow Jesus.

You See, When They Follow Jesus, Everything Else Falls Into Place.

When their hearts get broken or they fail a test. Jesus gives them a comma where the hurt threatens to plant a period. He shows them they can learn from their mistakes and strengthen through refinement. He shows them He will take all things and work them together for a good that is better than anything they could have imagined.

A Prayer for Our Children to Follow Jesus

And that is where I want to leave us. With the hope that our children will forever pursue Jesus and that as they do, they shine His light brightly wherever they go. That as the world threatens to distract them from their purpose, they keep their eyes on Him. The One who makes their paths right. The One who goes before them and follows after them. The only One who loves them more than we do.

If following Jesus is what you want for your children, you have to pray for it. If you aren’t sure where to start, I’ve created that starting place for you.

May this scripture prayer of Matthew 5:13-18 bless you today. May it not only be a moment of hope but may it be the prayer of your heart. A prayer that intercedes on behalf of your children and sets them on the path of purpose designed by God. May each of your children, whether they are now young or old, seek to follow Jesus and shine His light brightly in all they do!

Praying for our children to follow Jesus is the single most valuable thing we can do for them. The busyness of life and parenting distracts us from this and fools us into believing we don't have to time to pray. Yet, if our children love and follow God, all other things in life will fall into place. Included is a prayer you can use as inspiration.
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Books That Will Help You Learn to Pray for Your Children

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23 Comments

  1. Lori, thanks for sharing that beautiful prayer. It reminds me of the prayer Amy Carmichael wrote for “her” children. As the founder of an orphanage for the “temple children” in India, Amy became the mother to hundreds (probably thousands) of children even though the desire of her heart for a husband and family was never fulfilled. Here’s a link to her prayer in case you have a minute to check it out: http://www.crossroad.to/Victory/poems/amy_carmichael/children.htm

    1. That is a beautiful prayer, Michele! And her story … oh my heart! Thanks for sharing!

  2. Lori- Yikes on the mold issue. I have read about how it can mess with your system and cause lots of problems. So glad your son is headed in the healing direction.
    The picture of them was adorable.:0)
    I’m trying to teach my older kids about God leading them, and seeking him more and then things will fall into place. I want them to find Jesus a lot sooner than I did.
    The prayer is perfect!
    Julie

    1. Amen, Julie! Me, too! Even though I believed in God all my life, I didn’t know Jesus well. I didn’t understand His love or His desires for me! It gives my heart such joy to see my kids embracing that relationship with Him so early.

      The mold has been awful. It has wreaked such havoc on us. Someday I’m sure it will make it into a more in depth post! Ha!

  3. Lori, this is such a beautiful post encouraging us all to invest into the lives of our children (and grandchildren) that which is most important. So glad your Zach is doing better. What a precious photo of him and his friend. May God continue to keep His hand on his life! Blessings!

    1. Thank you for the kind words and prayer for my sweet boy, Joanne!

  4. What a handsome son you have, Lori! And I agree wholeheartedly about praying for our children. It’s our duty and honor as their parents. Btw, I’d appreciate your prayers. I have a case of shingles and it seems to be getting worse every day, so I’m pretty miserable. 🙁 Thanks so much for the linkup, my friend!

    1. Oh, Beth! Shingles are awful! I am stopping to pray for you right now! Lord, I come before You on behalf of my friend, Beth.

      Lord, You know the pain she is experiencing right now and You know the frustration she is feeling for the time this illness is taking away from her work. Would You fill her soul with peace, God? Take the pressures of the world off her shoulders and give her supernatural peace and rest. May she embrace You during this time, surrendering her stress to You. And would You align the correct treatment and a quick healing? I pray this in You name, Amen.

      Big hugs, my friend!
      Lori

    2. Beth, I am so sorry that you have the shingles. I had them on my face and head. They do get worse for a little while and then once the scabs form, you should notice the pain begins to lesson. May I warn you though that some of us (me included) have sporadic “Postherpetic Neuralgia” which are small flare-ups. I had my dermatologist give me a Rx of one of those meds that help to shorten the Shingles or Herpes, taking it when I feel a flare-up beginning for a week or so. It helps alot.
      I hold you in my prayers, Beth, and pray along with Lori.
      Give your body rest as best you can.
      Caring through Christ, ~ linda

  5. Zach and Delaney are precious. My mother prayed fervently for my siblings and I daily when she was alive. Her prayers will definitely be missed. She had a heart for not only her children but all children.

    “Train up a child in the way he should go….” came to mind as I read this post. Your son is headed in the right direction because of the Godly foundation you lay for him daily. To God be the glory!

    May God continue to richly bless you and your family….

    1. Your mother was a precious woman, Yvonne! I was so touched as I read the posts where you mentioned her. Her prayers were answered as she raised a beautiful Godly woman who not only chases after Jesus, but shares His hope with the world! I am continuing to pray for your comfort and peace as you grieve your mother, my friend. Sending big hugs your way♥

  6. I’m so glad Zach is feeling better and able to get back to do some of the things he loves! The pic of the kids is so cute!! Your prayer is beautiful and your message is so true! Pray more that they will love and follow after Jesus . . . nothing else is as important! Amen!!

    1. Thanks so much, Deb! It brings such joy to my heart to see him happy again! A Mother’s heart … right? ♥♥♥

  7. Adorable! having kids is the Biggest trust developer in the world. God knows that (from experience.) Thanks, Lori.

  8. Lori, this is a beautiful post and one your children may look back upon and know just how much you love and care for them. I have no children yet have taught many, many. The prayers for all children should be fervent, loving, and overarching as you are their umbrella and then you are under your husband’s and he under God.
    What a delightful photo of your son and his sweet friend.

  9. Wonderful prayer and a great way to show us how we can pray using scripture! Thanks, Lori!

  10. What an encouraging post! I love the prayer shared! Thank you so much for featuring the post Chelsea did on my blog- what a joy that was to see! Have a wonderful day!

  11. Lori, thanks for posting about Zach. Loved the sweet picture you posted! I have been praying for him since the “Come With Me” study. I have been wondering how he is doing. Keeping you and your family in prayer!

  12. Lori, I am so happy to know your son is doing better. What a praise report! Love you and yours, praying that everyone’s health continues to strengthen over the upcoming months.

  13. Lori, this is such a HUGE amen story of hope! Yes, we do worry about so many things in our children’s lives, and the most important is showing them the way to the heart of their savior! We had a mold issue in a home we rented for a short time when my oldest was 5, and he already had asthma. It set him back also, but thankfully he recovered with no lasting issues.

    I keep a journal of the many prayers I have prayed for my children with regards to life walking strong with the Lord, and I am in awe of how God answers our prayers above and beyond what we could ever imagine.

    My oldest is being given opportunities to teach of Christ in China of all places, where no westerner can do such a thing. But because he is teaching History to international students, he can, and many are hearing of God for the first time! My second son is now a Worship Pastor, serving with John Maxwell, leading thousands to the feet of the Jesus every week, and I remember praying hard over this little boy when he bucked and complained about guitar lessons and dressing up for church.

    God is so amazingly faithful to answer the prayers our mama hearts fervently release from our souls. He is and will do awesome wonders in your son’s life…I have no doubt friend! Hugs, Crystal

  14. I’m so glad your son is progressing, Lori. My heart aches for him and for your concerned mama’s heart. Does a person have lifelong effects from black mold, or can one eventually get on top of it? What a delight it must be to see him laugh again and to know he and his friend are following Jesus. It is my constant prayer that all my children and grandchildren will follow Jesus and give glory to God in their lives. Sometimes it’s discouraging to see some of them walking in a different way, but I know everything is possible with God. I will keep on praying! Blessings and hugs to you!

  15. What precious children you have, Lori! Love the photo of them. Thank you for prompting us to stand in the gap for our children and to pray for them. Such a beautiful prayer. It’s a joy to come alongside of you as we walk this road of motherhood together. Bless you, friend. Keep up the great work! 🙂