POUR OUT YOUR HEART LIKE WATER BEORE THE FACE OF THE LORD.  LIFT YOUR HANDS TOWARD HIM FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR YOUNG CHILRDEN~ Lamentations 2:19

I don’t even recall how I found out about her (it may have been through Moms-in-Touch), but MANY years ago I came across Stormie Omartian’s books.  The first one I purchased was The Power of a Praying Wife.   The prayers she has compiled are beautiful, heart-felt, and powerful. 

The impact was real.  So, a couple of years later, I felt led to read The Power of a Praying Parent, also by Stormie Omartian.  And when I say “read” I mean, read, read again, pray the prayers, and then go back to those same prayers again and again.  The pleading words that only a mother can understand poured from her writing into my heart and up to our heavenly Father.

Ms. Omartian writes about the enormous responsibility of parenthood, but that we can have comfort in the fact that we don’t have to assume this role alone.  Thank goodness. Here’s an example of what she shares in her introduction, in the section called God’s Word as Your Weapon: “The battle for our children’s lives is waged on our knees.  When we don’t pray, it’s like sitting on the sidelines watching our children in a war zone getting shot at….When we DO pray, we’re in the battle alongside them, appropriating God’s power on their behalf.  If we also declare the Word of God in our prayers, then we wield a powerful weapon against which no enemy can prevail” (The Power of a Praying Parent, chapter 1).

To give you an idea of the chapters and topics she covers, here are some of the chapter titles:  Releasing My Child into God’s Hands, Securing Protection from Harm, Attracting Godly Friends and Relationships, Developing a Hunger for the Things of God, Staying Attracted to Holiness and Purity, Enjoying Freedom from Fear, Receiving a Sound Mind, and Seeking Wisdom and Discernment.

Chapter Eighteen is titled, Praying Through a Child’s Room. This was a new idea for me, something I had not been exposed to. My dear friend Sara and I did this together, going to each other’s homes and praying over our kids’ rooms.   Okay, yes, we used olive oil to anoint their doorways, but God knew our purpose and…. He created the olives, right?

 Stormie Omartian writes, “This is not a superstitious little ritual.  This is a powerful claiming of your home, your child, and all aspects of his life for God.  It is standing up and proclaiming, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).  It’s saying, ‘My home is sanctified and set apart for God’s glory’ ” (The Power of a Praying Parent, Chapter 18).

We faced some real challenges in our parenting during later years, and I believe with all of my heart that the Lord honored prayers offered throughout the years- and showed great grace upon our family. 

When Gina and I went to Israel, I brought back some holy water from the Jordan River.  I WILL be using that holy water to pray over our new grandbaby and to anoint the room. I’ve already started praying for this little one and the life they will lead.  I feel it’s an honor and a duty to pray for and over our children, and to teach them how to pray as well.

What brought all of this to mind again was that I started following Stormie Omartian on Instagram!  And yes, I just ordered The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children.  My adult children and their spouses still need and deserve my prayers.  In her audio introduction, Ms. Omartian says, “Even Jesus himself had to pray for his own disciplines and their faith.”  She shares that Jesus didn’t say, “I taught you the best I could but you’re on your own now, so good luck”.  No, even He, the Son of God, prayed, “Keep them from the evil one!”

 Ms. Omartian has compiled fervent prayers that reference the greatest book ever written.   Maybe we can “book some time” with ourselves as we battle for our children and fulfill our duty to pray for them.  

Scripture to pray over your children:

Lord, I want my kids to live a pure and good life:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. ~   Philippians 4:8

Lord, I want my kids to live in your will not “of this world”:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. ~  Romans 12:2

SIMPLE PRAYER:

Lord, bless _______________(my baby boy/girl),

Keep them safe and healthy and protected by your angels,

Lead them and guide them in all they say and do,

And fill them with your Holy Spirit.

~Amen~

NMW

THANKS FOR READING! PLEASE CONSIDER SUBSCRIBING FOR A WEEKLY IDEA ON HOW WE CAN “BOOK TIME WITH OUR KIDS!”