Praying Over Your Children and StepchildrenSample

Character

Good character can be defined by what we do when nobody is looking. Our children and bonus children have not yet developed their character, and nothing demonstrates this better than when they go to church. While there, they show respect toward adults, take turns, share their pencils, and say please and thank you. But before going to church, they had purposely aggravated their siblings, refused to share the milk, hogged the bathroom, and grumbled about taking the dog out. Their character is still forming.

As parents, we play a critical role in helping our children and bonus children develop godly character by what we say and do. Do we gossip, lie, or slander others in their presence—including phone calls? Are we kind to the person driving too slowly in the fast lane? Do we plan service activities that they can participate in? Unfortunately, many of us send mixed signals because our behavior is incongruent with what Scripture teaches. If we want our children and stepchildren to develop godly character, we need to get in the Lord’s presence and allow Him to shape ours.

Prayer

Perfect and Holy God, I know I am imperfect and that my words and actions do not always reflect Your character. I pray that You will work in me through Your Holy Spirit to become more like You. I pray that my children and bonus children will develop integrity, honesty, humility, and compassion for others. Form strong, godly character in them, and allow other people to see at work in their lives. May their words and actions draw people to You. Amen.