Serving the World through the Study of Scripture!
Proverbs 3: 8-15 and Praying for our Children
Freelance writer/Speaker
“My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, ‘Come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause, let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down to the Pit; we shall find all kinds of precious possessions, we shall fill our houses with spoil; Cast in your lot among us, let us all have one purse’ – My son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path; for their feet run to evil.” Proverbs 1: 8 – 15
Proverbs 1 through 3 have been my prayer for my children since they were babies. Up until the early teen years, we read the bible together and engaged in many Q & A sessions; it was great – and then they came to the place where they had to decide for themselves what they are going to do with the information they have received. As Christian parents, we cannot deceive ourselves into thinking just because we raise our children “Christian” that they are actually a Christian.
As both of my children came to their individual crossroads, my husband and I prayed and believed that God’s word would accomplish its purpose and they would see their need for Jesus. We had open and honest conversations with our children and we did not force them to go to church when they expressed their feelings to us. We made this decision as parents when our children were young because we have witnessed several parents force their teens to attend church and were witness to the devastating effects it had. Being a teacher in high school ministry furthered my convictions in this area. Fortunately, our daughter wrestled for a relatively short time with her quest to find her own faith. Our son, however, is still traveling this road. He is a wonderfully responsible young man and has not rebelled to the extent that he is living a lifestyle contrary to what he was raised to believe, but he is not walking in a relationship with the Lord either.
He left home for college a month ago and is now in an arena outside the walls of a Christian home with biblical ideals. I fully believe this is where the true test will lie. What will he do? No doubt, he has already been tempted to “party” and “let loose”, might have already had a drink or two or three. It’s inevitable – it’s expected. But will it become a lifestyle – only he can decide. It has been a blessing to see the freedom my son feels to be honest with us in his questions of faith. We have amazing conversations and we can see God working. These are the things my husband and I are clinging to as he is away from home, discovering for himself what it means to be a man of integrity.
It is with this in mind I come back to all the times my son and I have read throughout the Bible, but especially from Proverbs 1 – 3, and I am praying and believing God will bring these same memories to his mind so that they will lead him to the arms of the Father.
If you have children who are expressing doubt, do not squelch their thoughts, or raise a frustrated brow. Give them the freedom to be honest with you, don’t force them to “play Christian” just to please you. I have seen these kinds of teens in youth group – the parents boast about how involved their children are and yet I see them half asleep in class with zero participation. We are to be a light, we are to be an example and teach them the truth that will lead them to Christ. Give them the freedom to find their own way and pray they will hear God’s voice calling for them.
Heavenly Father, I pray these words of Proverbs 3 will echo in the hearts of children who are wrestling with faith. I pray the truth they have been taught will not return void and that it will accomplish what you have set forth for it to do. Help all parents to remain faithful and not get discouraged, remembering your promise that if we raise a child in the way they should go, they will not depart when they grow. Help us to remember that you said if we pray in accordance with your will it shall come to pass. We know it is your will that none should perish. Please protect our wayward children as they find their way back to you and I pray they will hear your voice loud and clear. I pray Father that when they return it will be with a passion to share your word and that you would use their experiences to help them bless others who are in a place in which they can relate. I am trusting you for/with my son and believing that your plan for him has only just begun. Bring to his memory the day he invited you into his heart when he was a small boy – it may have just been a seed planted and not salvation at all – cause it to grow, bring strong believers his age into his path. Remind of all the fun times he had in youth group before he walked away. Thank you for the work you are doing, I praise you in advance for answered prayer. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
For more on this subject click here: http://searchwarp.com/swa294430.htm - Entrusting our children to God – a look at 1 Samuel 2:18 – 3:10
© Teresa Ortiz
Article submitted Saturday, September 19, 2009 & read 479 times.
Leave your comments through World Wide Bible Studies:
» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow CO (2 years 140 days ago.)We appreciate your comments!
Very good! Praying with you! Does he read WW? Tough to be a parent in this age but know he has the background and HE has His mighty hand upon the kids! MarijoRespond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (2 years 140 days ago.)
Hi Marijo, thanks! I am not sure, I doubt it, but his girlfriend does sometimes. You are right. God has his hand on him and all children who have been dedicated to him by their parents - all children really :-)
Respond to this comment
