One of the things I treasure the most about my time in school as a child are the prayers of my parents and other family members. They prayed boldly for all of us. They were specific in their prayers and most importantly, they molded this spiritual discipline in such a way that I have been replicating it with my own children. Here are a few tips on how to pray for the precious student in your life:
• Ask them "How can I pray for you?" - The answer to this question reveals what's in their hearts. You can also get updates on their prayer requests.
• Pray in front of them - this is the only way I learned as a child: by example. The prayers were not in King James Version or super eloquent. The prayers my parents and grandparents prayed in my presence came from a heart of love for God and for me. It is so important to develop the habit of praying in the presence of our children because they practice what they see. It might take a while but it bears fruit.
• Pray what's in the Bible - don't feel like you have to come up with something new if you can simply use God's words of life. One prayer I have been praying often can be found in 1 Corinthians 15:33. I simply say "God, your word says that bad company ruins good morals so I pray for good friends for my children and I pray that they will be good friends. In Jesus' name, Amen." I am a firm believer in using God's own words when I talk to Him.
• Pray without Ceasing - because your precious child will continue to grow, develop and be in school for a while. Do not stop praying. The types of requests might change but their need for prayer will not change. Do what it takes to remember to pray and make it a habit. Those prayers of my parents never stopped going to God. Though I was far away from them during my College and Graduate School years, God was still hearing those prayers and He was faithful to answer them. I am a product of parents and grandparents who prayed without ceasing for me and I am thankful.
I want to encourage you not to worry about anything this academic year. Here's a much better encouragement:
"Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel."
Philippians 4:6-7 (CEV)
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