As parents, prayer is such a powerful tool in parenting and shepherding little ones.Praying over your children is more than a daily routine, it’s a way to invite God’s protection, guidance, and blessings into every area of their lives. It is never too early to start praying over your children. Whether your children are infants, toddlers, or teenagers, prayer is a spiritual lifeline that establishes a foundation of faith, love, and security. It is a way to speak God’s truth over them, affirm their value in His eyes, and ask Him to guide their hearts and minds.
Prayers over your children can take many forms. You can pray for their health and safety, for wisdom as they make decisions, for courage in difficult situations, and for a heart that seeks God above all else. These prayers are also a way to nurture their spiritual growth, asking God to cultivate traits like kindness, patience, and humility. Beyond daily requests, praying over your children is a reminder to trust God with their future, surrendering your worries and fears while claiming His promises for their lives.
One of the beautiful things about praying over your children is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. It can be quiet moments before bedtime, prayers out loud during car rides, or intentional prayers as part of your family devotion time. Each prayer is an act of love, faith, and spiritual protection. Over time, these prayers not only impact your children but also strengthen your own faith as you watch God work in their lives.
In this blog post, you’ll find 15 of the best prayers you can pray over your children, covering everything from protection and guidance to joy, faith, and character development in God’s love and truth.
1. A Prayer for Protection
“Lord, surround my child with Your protection today. Keep them safe from harm, fear, and anything that’s not from You. Be their shield and their covering.”
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
2. A Prayer for Peace
“Dear Jesus, fill (child’s name) heart and mind with Your perfect peace. Calm their worries and give them restful sleep tonight.”
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
3. A Prayer for Kindness
“Dear Heavenly Father, help my child grow in kindness. Teach them to be gentle with others and to see people the way You see them.”
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10
4. A Prayer for Wisdom
“Dear God, pour out Your wisdom into my child as they grow. Help them to make good choices and to know right from wrong.”
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17
5. A Prayer for Joy
“Lord, let Your joy overflow (child’s name) life. Fill their days with laughter, wonder, and a heart that sees goodness all around them.”
And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
6. A Prayer for Confidence
“God, remind my child that they are wonderfully made. Help them walk in confidence, knowing their identity comes from You.”
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
7. A Prayer for Obedience & Sweet Character
“Lord, help my child have a soft and teachable heart. Give them the desire to listen, obey, and walk in truth and love.”
But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’ Jeremiah 7:23
8. A Prayer for Health
“Father, keep my child healthy and strong. Strengthen their body, mind, and immune system, and help them grow exactly how they are meant to.”
But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord… Jeremiah 30:17
9. A Prayer for a Tender Heart
“God, draw my child close to You. Let them know Your heart, Your love, and Your presence from a young age.”
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9
10. A Prayer for Good Friendships
“Lord, send godly, encouraging friends into my child’s life. Protect them from harmful influences and surround them with people who lift them up.”
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17
11. A Prayer for Courage
“Heavenly Father, make my child brave. Help them face challenges with boldness and trust that You are always with them.”
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
12. A Prayer for Gratitude
“God, give my child a thankful heart. Help them see blessings in everyday moments and appreciate what they have.”
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1
13. A Prayer for Rest & Sleep
“Jesus, watch over my child tonight. Give them deep, peaceful sleep and let them wake up refreshed and cheerful.”
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
14. A Prayer for Their Future
“Lord, guide my child’s steps. Prepare their future, their calling, their friendships, and every opportunity that awaits them.”
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
15. A Prayer of Blessing
“Dear Jesus, I pray that you would bless and keep (child’s name) in Your care. I pray that (child’s name) would sense Your presence and feel Your loving countenance upon (him/her).”
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. Numbers 6: 24-26
I pray these prayers strengthen you to proclaim God’s blessings over your children, with the Holy Spirit directing your steps every day.
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