Leah and I had a great date night on Thursday. We went out for some whole wheat pasta (thanks to the Daniel's fast) and I surprised her with a game I made up that I creatively call "12 Questions for Date Night." The questions were designed to get to know her better. Here's one that prompted some great conversation.
How should we be praying for our little girl?
It was a great question to think through, and here's some of what I've got so far:
- I'm praying for her healthy development in the womb.
- I'm praying that she will be born without complications.
- I'm praying that she will develop quickly (crawling, thinking, walking, talking, etc).
- I'm praying that she will decide to follow Jesus very early in her life.
- I'm praying that she will have her mother's amazing personality.
- I'm praying that she will always know that she is beautiful.
- I'm praying that she will be a leader (by having a vision for life that will inspire and initiate growth from people around her).
- I'm praying that she will love and serve the local church.
- I'm praying that she will quickly discover her identity in Christ.
- I'm praying that she will love to play basketball.
- I'm praying for her future husband (God help him).
How else can I be praying?
I would change "develop quickly" to "develop appropriately" - my oldest is almost four and the development has happened too quickly!!!
Seriously, I have seen God at work in every stage of her life and it is amazing. God has shown me that we will always be "developing." There is no arrival, but that God, our Heavenly Father, cherishes every moment of it.
Here is what I try to pray every single day:
"God help me to show my children your love. Help me to represent you well to them. May my words, my actions, my life be an example, however flawed, of your indescribable and unconditional love for them. May I faithfully utilize my role as their earthly father to lead them to their Heavenly Father. Amen"
Posted by: Paul Stewart | February 02, 2009 at 07:13 PM
Pray that she is a Steeler fan and a Tigers fan. Steelers because they're dominate (and from Pittsburgh) and Tigers (because the Pirates just stink).
Posted by: Nick Poole | February 02, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Here are a few we pray over our kids:
1. That we remember to take time everyday to connect with/enjoy them and thank God for them--not be caught up in life's responsibilities.
2. That our lifestyle, moral examples, and instructional words all align to give them a good example of Jesus.
3. That the lines of communication always stay open with us and between them as siblings.
4. That God gives them wisdom.
5. That God gives them good friends & helps them to be influential witnesses to their friends who don't know Him.
I could go on; it's fun to pray for your kids!
Posted by: Ritt | February 05, 2009 at 06:01 AM