Seven prayers a day for seven days

I feel as if I sometimes need reminders to be praying for and over my girls. I read about this idea- praying over our children- earlier in the week and think it's wonderful. I believe it is so important that our children not only know we pray but also hear us pray (sorry honey, one day!). I have to admit it is very hard for me to pray in front of people- anyone really. Don't get me wrong, I love to pray. God and I have long conversations sometimes- sometimes I feel like I talk so much that I don't blame Him if He's had to move on to the next prayer request!!

Now, not that I'm putting it off, but our oldest will be going out of town in less than a week and I want to make sure I get a full week in. So, as soon as she gets back, I will begin. It will be easier for me (and yes, I know prayer shouldn't be easier for me but I have to schedule things in my life, okay?!!! That's just the reality of it all!) if I begin with all the kiddos at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I will begin praying over them first thing tomorrow morning. But these specific prayers I will wait to use when she gets back. I will write the verses on notecards to keep handy and begin praying.

Here are the events (times of day) and verses I will pray:
1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)
2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)
3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)
4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)
5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)
6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)


I feel like God has been reminding me more and more lately that I need to live my life in prayer. For my children, husband, family, friends, country, orphans, etc., etc. If you care to join me, just copy these verses onto index cards. Let me know if you decide to pray along with me- I'd love to know how your week of prayer changes you or if anything happens during your week.

May God bless you always!
In Him,

E