Prayer Topics For Children
May the LORD cause you to flourish, both you and your children. (Psalm 115:14)
FORGIVENESS
Jesus taught his disciples to pray in this way: “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.” (Luke 11:4, NIV). This verse clearly explains that unless we forgive others, God will not forgive us; without extending forgiveness to others, we cannot expect pardon. We all hurt each other, whether knowingly or unknowingly. The Pulpit Commentary states, “Unforgiving is Unforgiven.” Matthew 18:21-35 discusses the parable of the unmerciful servant. The servant who received the Master’s forgiveness was unwilling to extend forgiveness to his fellow brethren.
Jesus paid the debt for our sins with His life. If we confess our sins, Jesus will forgive us (1 John 1:9). Are you willing to forgive those who sin against you? Ask for the grace of God to extend mercy to your neighbor as you seek forgiveness from God.
Let us pray for our children to cultivate a heart of forgiveness.
Patience
The Bible tells the story of Job, whom God Himself testified to be a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil. He was a wealthy man who lost all his possessions in a single day. His faith was tested, yet he never lost his patience. “The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning” (Job 42:12). Job’s patience under his troubles brought him Divine providence. Sometimes, our pain may be inexplicable and unbearable. But if we hold onto faith in times of trial, we will be rewarded in the end. Patience brings success.
“The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8). A patient person is willing to endure hardship and overcome obstacles, whereas a proud person exhibits impatience. A patient individual waits calmly, while a proud person frets over the delay. Pray that your children would cultivate a heart of patience.
Disappointment
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the meaning of disappointment is “let down” or “emotion of being disappointed.” We can easily feel disappointed if we don’t receive what we expect. Sometimes, our disappointment reflects our emotional response to others’ broken promises. Circumstances in life that are beyond our control can lead to disappointment. When our prayers go unanswered, we feel let down by God and may lose our faith. Does God let us down? God assures us, “As He has planned and purposed, it will happen” (Isaiah 14:24). Every good thing God has promised us will come to pass for our good. In the book of John, Chapter 11, we read how Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Jesus did not come immediately when Lazarus was sick, but He performed a miracle by raising Lazarus from the dead. Sometimes, we don’t understand why things happen, but we will not be disappointed if we surrender everything into God’s hands in prayer. Don’t let disappointment rob you of the destiny God has planned for you. God orchestrates all the events in your life for your ultimate good. So, don’t lose hope. Be expectant and receive a miracle from God. Teach your children never to lose hope and pray for them.
Contentment
“Be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b) God will never leave us or let us down. The sustaining strength of God, our Father, can keep us when we fall. The psalmist says that God’s mercy will hold us up when our foot slips (Psalm 94:18). We can rest assured that God will never let go of us. God’s mercy and grace satisfy us daily. You can be happy if you learn to be content, regardless of your circumstances. Even if you lack something, you can still be content. The world and its desires pass away (1 John 2:17). They will not bring us contentment. The emptiness in one’s soul cannot be satisfied with earthly things. As we seek God, He will satisfy us early with His mercy and make us glad. (Psalm 90:14)