Okay, confession time. I feel totally uncomfortable praying out loud. I always have. If you’re here, that means you’re a lot like me, so let’s figure it out together.
Tips for praying over your child
1. Examine why praying out loud is important
Ask yourself why. Why is praying over my child out loud important?
I believe when we pray over our children, we are doing several things. We are:
– Modeling how to pray.
– Giving them a peek into our own heart.
– Establishing a routine, in hopes they will carry this on throughout their lives.
– Creating a space for the child to ask questions later.
– Growing a closer connection with our child and with God.
2. Incorporate prayer into your bedtime routine
Hopefully, you’re already reading a Bible story or a devotion to your kiddo before bed. If you aren’t already praying over him, this is a good time to start incorporating prayer into your routine.
Praying over your child before sleep will help him to feel more at peace and secure. He will rest soundly knowing that God has heard your prayers for him.
3. Start with scripture
Baby steps. You can read scripture. To me, this feels way more comfortable than actually praying. (But it kinda is praying, all at the same time.)
The Lord’s Prayer is a good place to start. Or, you can pick out certain verses to pray over her.
Example:
Dear God,
Please help (name) to love you with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. And to love her neighbor. Amen. (Based on Luke 10:27)
Easy peasy, right?
4. Keep it short and simple
I have good news for you, mama. Your kiddo won’t mind if your prayer is short. In fact, he probably prefers it that way. 🙂
You don’t have to use fancy “spiritual” words. You can simply 1) Thank God for your child, and 2) make a request.
Example: Thank you, God, for my child, (name). Please calm her fears about her upcoming spelling test.
5. Be consistent
The more you pray, the easier it gets. I promise. Just start somewhere…and keep going. Daily.
Commit to yourself and resolve it in your mind that you will pray, however nervous you feel.
Decide for yourself that you’ll do it and keep doing it.
6. Remember that prayer is a privilege
How amazing is it that we serve a God who loves us in our weakness and cares deeply about what we have to say?!
The creator of the Universe actually wants to hear from us!
Reverand Billy Graham said this, “Remember: Prayer is possible because God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to tear down the barrier that exists between us and God — a barrier caused by our sin. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection for us, the Bible says, ‘we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.'” (Romans 5:2)
7. Ask God to help you.
Still feeling nervous? Ask God to help.
He will give you the words to say. He will give you a sense of calm.
Ask Him to convict you when you desire to skip paying over your child…and to help you feel confident and not so anxious.
Do you feel uncomfortable praying out loud? What has helped you?
READ NEXT: 4 Things to Teach your Toddler About God
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