At the end of each school year I make big plans for how I expect the summer to go. I plan pool days, vacation, day trips & other fun activities.
The summer doesn’t always go as planned but I have found the change in plans can very well be a God thing. And when He leads me to do something I must follow Him.
I pray for my kids daily (sometimes many times a day). My heart’s desire is for them to grow into a Godly man and woman and adults who are responsible and productive.
Helping them grow into a Godly man and woman and responsible adults not only takes an active prayer life over them but it also takes active instruction.
After lots of conversation and prayer Jeff and I decided this summer would not just be fun and games but it would also be a summer where the kids began to take personal responsibility for household chores.
Both of them have a list of morning chores and evening chores that they are responsible for each day. Along with that they are given jobs they can do to earn money. We sensed it was time they learned the value of a dollar and what it took to earn money.
This new way of doing summer hasn’t been met without whining and complaining but, when the kids call us “unfair and mean” we stay focused on the ultimate goal of raising Godly, responsible adults.
And before you start to think we don’t let them have any fun…believe me there have still be days at the pool, beach and camp but those days come after the chores are done.
While actively teaching my kids to be responsible adults I have also been focused on actively praying for my kids. This summer I am focusing on 5 areas of prayer.
When I pray God’s Word I have found it takes on a whole new meaning in my life and I become aware of God’s active work in my life.
The 5 verses I am praying over my kids this summer are:
o Prayer to Love God
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” Deuteronomy 6:5,6
o Prayer for Obedience
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother – which is the first commandment with a promise – that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3
o Prayer for Walking in God’s Truth
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31,32
o Prayer in their Choice of Friends
“He who walks with the wise grow wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20
o Prayer for their Honesty with God
“And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9
Are you actively praying for your kids? Are you actively teaching them how to grow into responsible adults? I’d love to hear how you are praying for and teaching your kids.
In His Calm,
