The end was near.
My daily devotions have been leading me through the book of John the past several weeks. This week, I read the prayer of Jesus while in the Garden of Gethsemane the night of His betrayal (John 17).Jesus was so aware of the end of His life and the persecution awaiting Him, He sweat drops of blood (Luke 22:44). In the midst of His pain, He prayed a beautiful prayer for His disciples.
As I read this prayer, I was struck how it read like someone praying for their children. Jesus had invested so much of His time and energy into these men, they felt closer than just friends or co-workers. They were like His children.
3 prayer points for your kids.
These are 3 prayer points I took note of as I read this passage. I am praying these over my children on a regular basis. I encourage you to pray these for your children as well.
1. Guard them.
Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold. -John 17:11-12
Jesus asked His Father to protect the disciples as He had guarded them during Jesus’ time on earth (John 17:11-12). Later he asks God to keep them safe from Satan (John 17:15). I can only be with my kids so much of the time. They attend school, take part in sports, dance and other activities, visit friends and go online.
Ask God to guard your child’s heart as you have worked to guard their hearts. Pray that God would keep them from the evil one, that the world would not take them.
2. Filled with Joy.
Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. -John 17:13
Jesus poured into the disciples lives, so they would be filled with joy (John 17:13). I want my children to be full of joy. I believe we send the world around us a clear message by our joy. If we have joy in the midst of pain, we clearly show the world we are different.
Ask God to fill your children with joy through the words and example you share with them.
3. Holy with the Word.
Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. -John 17:17
Jesus asked His Father to teach the disciples the Word (the truth) in order to make them holy (John 17:17). I want my kids to be set apart…chosen by God. This happens when they learn His word of truth.
As you read the Bible with your kids, do devotions at home and bring them to church, pray that God would teach them His Word to make them holy.
What a gift!
Our children are a precious gift. Let’s work together to lift this gift up to our Father. Ask that He will guard them, fill them with joy and make them holy through His Word.
What are you praying for your child?
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