Day 31: Wrap It Up

Thanks to all who've been praying along with me this month. We've now made it all the way through The Power of a Praying Parent, by Stormie Omartian. The book has 30 chapters, so today we'll review.

1. Lord, I begin the journey of prayer for my child by praying for myself. Show me how to pray for David and Elizabeth. Give me wisdom & insight into what they need. Give me patience with them and help me to be a godly example before them.
2. I cast all my cares upon You, Lord, and my children are the biggest care I have. I release them to you and trust in You to keep them safe.
3. Hide them in the shadow of Your wings and keep them safe from those who want to harm them.
4. Help us, their parents, to show them Your love and may they feel love and acceptance all around them.
5. I pray that my children will come to know you at a young age and will continue to trust in You all of their lives.
6. Help me to successfully teach them to respect parents, elders, and anyone who is in authority over them. I bind rebellion from their lives in Jesus' name.
7. May they continue to have strong and loving family relationships within our immediate family and the larger extended family.
8. Draw them to godly friends & relationships, and help them to be one also. Supply endless godly role models throughout their lives.
9. Put deep within them a hunger for Your Word and the things of You. Help me to do all that is in my power to lead them to You.
10. Reveal their gifts and talents at a young age so that we can encourage and nurture them to be all that You created them to be.
11. Develop a hunger for the truth deep within them and let them be repulsed by lies.
12. Give them a long and healthy life, but let them also see Your role as Healer.
13. Help me to teach them to take care of their bodies so that they will stay healthy.
14. Let them enjoy learning about everything around them and about You. Give them lots of opportunities to improve themselves through learning.
15. Help us and them to identify the gifts and talents that You've given them at an early age so that we can nurture them and they can begin walking in them.
16. May they speak only words of life that edify others and not tear them down.
17. Draw them to the things that are right, holy, and pure.
18. Show me how and remind me to periodically pray through my children's rooms so that we can remove any hindrance that may have crept in unaware.
19. May they have enough trust in You, and in us, that they walk through life free from fear.
20. Give them the mind of Christ, a sound and strong mind, ready to learn.
21. Let them experience the joy of the Lord and hunger for it to be a part of their daily lives.
22. Break any stronghold that has been passed down through our families. Let them be free.
23. May they always have strong convictions about and stay free from alcohol, drugs, pornography, and other addictions. If they have a tendency toward addiction, let it be an addiction to You.
24. Protect them from the temptation of sexual immorality. Protect their purity.
25. Lead them to the perfect mate that You have for them in the right time. I pray that my future in-laws are also praying for their child right now and that we would be able to have a good relationship with them.
26. Help my children to see forgiveness and be able to forgive freely.
27. May they be able to repent when they do wrong and ask for forgiveness as well.
28. If any stronghold ever gets a hold of their lives, I pray that it would be broken quickly.
29. Fill them with wisdom and discernment and help them to hunger for those things.
30. May they grow in their faith in You and never question that You are God, that You saved them, that Jesus is their Lord.

Then little children were brought to Jesus

for him to place his hands on them and pray for them.

But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me,

and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

- Matthew 19:13-14

Tomorrow I will start praying for my husband, following the pattern in another of Stormie's books, The Power of a Praying Wife. I will also include a reminder of which prayer to include for your children on that day.

Today is the last day to WIN IT! One lucky winner of this book will be announced tomorrow, when I start going through The Power of a Praying Wife. Make sure to leave a way to contact you through your blog or email address, and while not required for entry, invite your friends to pray with us every day! You are welcome to use the button I've created in the sidebar. Thanks for reading and I hope you and your children have been blessed this month by our prayers.

Day 30: Growing in Faith

The apostles said to the Lord,

"Increase our faith!"
- Luke 17:5

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Lord, You have said in Your Word that You have "dealt to each one a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3). I pray that You would take the faith You have planted in David and Elizabeth and multiply it. May the truth of Your Word be firmly established in their hearts so that faith will grow daily and navigate their lives. Help them to trust You at all times as they look to You for truth, guidance, and transformation into Your likeness. I know that trusting in You is a choice we make. Enable them to make that choice. I pray that they will look to You for everything, knowing that they are never without hope. May their faith be the "substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). I pray they will have faith strong enough to lift them above their circumstances and limitations and instill in them the confidence of knowing that everything will work together for good (Romans 8:28).
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I pray that they will be so strong in faith that their relationship to You supersedes all else in their lives - even my influence as a parent. In other words, may they have a relationship with You, Lord, that is truly their own - not an extension of mine of anyone else's. I want the comfort of knowing that when I'm no longer on this earth, their faith will be strong enough to keep them "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" (I Corinthians 15:58).
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As they walk in faith, may they have Your heart of love that overflows to others, a heart that is willing to give of self and possessions according to Your leading. May they see that giving out of love is actually giving back to You in faith and that they will never lose anything by doing so. I pray that they will take the "shield of faith" in order to "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" (Ephesians 6:16), and thereby be able to stand strong in faith and say, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful" (I Timothy 1:12). In Jesus' name I pray all of these things, Amen.*
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If you have faith as a mustard seed,

you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there,"

and it will move;

nothing will be impossible for you.

- Matthew 17:20

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information is at the bottom of this page.

Day 29: Seeking Wisdom and Discernment

If any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God,
who gives to all liberally and without reproach,
and it will be given to him.
- James 1:5
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Lord, I pray that You would give the gifts of wisdom, discernment and revelation to David and Elizabeth. Help them to trust You with all their hearts, not depending on their own understanding, but acknowledging You in all their ways so that they may hear Your clear direction as to which path to take (Proverbs 3:5). Help them to discern good from evil and be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit saying, "This is the way, walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21). I know that much of their happiness in life depends on gaining wisdom and discernment, which You Word says brings long life, wealth, recognition, protection, enjoyment, contentment, and happiness. I want all those things for them, but I want them to come as blessings from You.
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Your Word says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). May a healthy fear and knowledge of You be the foundation upon which wisdom and discernment are established in them. May they turn to You for all decisions so that they don't make poor choices. Help them to see that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in You and that You give them freely when we ask for them. As they seek wisdom and discernment from You, Lord, pour it liberally upon them so that all their paths will be peace and life.* In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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Wisdom is the principle thing;
therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
Exalt her, and she will promote you;
she will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
- Proverbs 4:7-8
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Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
and the man who gains understanding;
for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
and her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies,
and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Length of days is in her right hand,
in her left hand riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
and happy are all who retain her.
- Proverbs 3:13-18
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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information is at the bottom of this page.
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You can WIN IT this week by leaving a comment on any post published Sunday, 8/26, through Friday, 8/31. One winner of this book will be announced on September 1, 2007, when I start going through another of Stormie Omartian's books, The Power of a Praying Wife. Make sure to leave a way to contact you through your blog or email address, and while not required for entry, invite your friends to pray with us every day! You are welcome to use the button I've created in the sidebar. Thanks for reading and I hope you and your children have been blessed this month by our prayers.

Day 28: Breaking Down Ungoldy Stongholds

You know my folly, O God;

my guilt is not hidden from you.

- Psalm 69:5

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Be sober, be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil

walks about like a roaring lion,

seeking whom he may devour.

- I Peter 5:8

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Lord, Thank You that You have promised in Your Word to deliver us when we cry out to You. I come to You on behalf of David and Elizabeth and ask that You would deliver them from any ungodliness that may be threatening to become a stronghold in their lives. Even though I don't know what they need to be set free from, You do. I pray in the name of Jesus that You will work deliverance in their lives wherever it is needed. I know that although "we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God" (II Corinthians 10:3-5).
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Give me wisdom and revelation regarding them. I know there are areas of enemy operation which I cannot see, so I depend on You, Lord, to reveal these to me as I need to know them. Speak to my heart. Show me how to pray when there is something deep in my spirit that is unsettled, disturbed, or troubled about them. Show me anything that I am not seeing, and let all that is hidden come to light. If there is any action I need to take, I depend on You to show me. Thank You that You help me parent these children.
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Lord, I put David and Elizabeth in Your hands this day. Guide, protect and convict them when sin is trying to take root. Strengthen them in battle when Satan attempts to gain a foothold in their hearts. Make them sensitive to enemy encroachment, and may they run to You to be their stronghold and refuge in times of trouble. May the cry of their heart be, "Cleanse me from secret fault" (Psalm 19:12). According to Your Word, I say that the Lord will deliver them from every evil work and preserve them for His heavenly kingdom (II Timothy 4:18).* In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven,

and whatever you bind on earth

will be bound in heaven,

and whatever you loose on earth

will be loosed in heaven.

- Matthew 16:19

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Call to Me, and I will answer you,

and show you great and mighty things,

which you do not know.

- Jeremiah 33:3

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information is at the bottom of this page.

Day 27: Walking in Repentance

They looked to Him

and were radiant

and their faces were not ashamed.

- Psalm 34:5

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Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed,

and get a new heart and a new spirit.

- Ezekiel 18:31

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Lord, I pray that You would give David and Elizabeth a heart that is quick to confess their mistakes. May they be truly repentant of them so that they can be forgiven and cleansed. Help them to understand that Your laws are for their benefit and that the confession and repentance You require must become a way of life. Give them the desire to live in truth before You, and may they say as David in the Bible did, "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit in me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation" (Psalm 51:2, 10-12).
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Lord, bring to light any hidden sins so they can be confessed, repented of, and forgiven. Your Word says, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered" (Psalm 32:11). I pray that my son and daughter will never be able to contain sin within them, but rather let there be a longing to confess fully and say, "See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:24). May they not live in guilt and condemnation, but rather dwell with a clear conscience in the full understanding of their forgiveness in Christ. I pray that they will always look to You and wear a radiant countenance. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.*

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He who covers his sins will not prosper,

but whoever confesses and forsakes them

will have mercy.

- Proverbs 28:13

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Repent therefore and be converted,

that your sins may be blotted out,

so that times of refreshing may come

from the presence of the Lord.

- Acts 3:19

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information is at the bottom of this page.

Day 26: Living Free of Unforgiveness

One thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind

and reach forward to those things which are ahead,

I press toward the goal for the prize

of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 3:13-14

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Lord, I pray that You would enable David and Elizabeth to live in ongoing forgiveness. Teach them the depth of Your forgiveness toward them so that they can be freely forgiving toward others. Help them to make the decision to forgive based on what You've asked us to do and not on what feels good at the moment. May they understand that forgiveness doesn't justify the other person's actions; instead, it makes themselves free. Help them to understand that only You know the whole story about any of us, and that's why they don't have the right to judge.
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Lord, Your Word says, "He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes" (I John 2:10-11). Show me places where I walk in the darkness of unforgiveness. I don't want that in my life. I want to see clearly and know where I'm going. And I pray that for my children as well. May they always walk in the light of love and forgiveness. Enable them to forgive family members, friends, and all others as well. Teach them to release the past to You so that they can move into all that You have for them. Don't allow them to harbor resentment, bitterness, and anger, but rather help them to turn these feelings over to You immediately whenever they creep in.
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I pray that they will forgive themselves for times of failure, and may they never blame You, Lord, for things that happen on this earth and in their lives. According to Your Word I pray that they will love their enemies, bless those who curse them, do good to those who hate them, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute them, so that they may enjoy all Your blessings (Matthew 5:44-45). In Jesus' name, I pray that they will live in the fullness of Your forgiveness for them and walk in the freedom of forgiveness in their own hearts.* Amen.
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Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor,

and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted,

forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

- Ephesians 4:31-32

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The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger,

and it is to his glory to overlook a transgression.

- Proverbs 19:11

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information is at the bottom of this page.

Day 25: Finding the Perfect Mate

He who finds a wife finds a good thing,

and obtains favor from the Lord.

- Proverbs 18:22

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Lord, I pray that unless Your plan is for David or Elizabeth to remain single, You will send the perfect marriage partner for each of them. Send the right wife and husband, respectively, at the perfect time and give them a clear leading from You as to who it is. I pray that my children will be submissive enough to hear Your voice when it comes time to make a marriage decision, that that they will make that decision based on what You are saying and not just fleshly desire. I pray that they will trust You with all their hearts and lean not on their own understanding; that they will acknowledge You in all their ways so that You will direct their paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
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Prepare that person who will make the perfect spouse for each of my children. Help them to know the difference between simply falling in love and knowing for certain this is the person with whom God wants them to spend the rest of their lives. If they become attracted to someone they shouldn't marry, I pray that You, Lord, would cut off the relationship. Help them to realize that unless You are at the center of the marriage, it will never stand. Unless You bless it, it won't be blessed. For Your Word says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it" (Psalm 127:1). I pray that You would build the marriage around which their house is established.
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When they do find the right one to marry, I pray that person will be a godly and devoted servant of Yours, who loves You and lives Your way, and will be like a son or daughter to me and a blessing to all other family members. Once they are married, let there be no divorce in their futures. May there never be mental, emotional or physical abuse of any kind, but rather mental, emotional and physical unity that is never touched by division. I pray for their deliverance from any spirit of divorce, separation, or disunity that would attempt to drive a wedge into their relationship. Give them each a strong desire to live in fidelity, and remove any temptation to infidelity.
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May they have one mate for life, who is also their closest friend. May they be mutually loyal, compassionate, considerate, sensitive, respectful, affectionate, forgiving, supportive, caring and loving toward one another all the days of their lives.* In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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From the beginning of the creation,

God made them male and female.

For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother

and be joined to his wife,

and the two shall become one flesh;

so then they are no longer two, but one flesh.

Therefore what God has joined together,

let man not separate.

- Mark 10:6-9
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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information at the bottom of the page. Stay tuned next week for your chance to win a copy of this book!

Day 24: Rejecting Sexual Immorality

Abstain from fleshly lusts

which war against the soul.

- I Peter 2:11

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He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,

but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

- Proverbs 28:26

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Lord, I pray that You will keep David and Elizabeth sexually pure all of their lives. Give them hearts that want to do what's right in this area, and let purity take root in their personalities and guide their actions. Help them to always lay down godly rules for relationships and resist anything that is not Your best. Open their eyes to the truth of Your Word, and help them to see that sex outside of marriage will never be the committed, lasting, unconditional love that they need. Let their personality not be scarred nor their emotions damaged by the fragmentation of the soul that happens as a result of sexual immorality.
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I pray that they will have no premarital sex and no sex with anyone other than their marriage partner. I pray that homosexuality will never take root in them or even have an opportunity to express itself toward them. Keep them away from the presence of anyone with evil intentions, or take that person out of their lives. Protect them from any sexual molestation or rape. Turn their eyes away from the sexual immorality that saturates the world and enable them to understand that whoever "wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God" (James 4:4). May they long for Your approval, Lord, and not allow sexual sin in their lives at any time. Deliver them from any spirit of lust bringing temptation to fail in this area. Put a Holy Spirit alarm in them that goes off like a loud, flashing siren whenever they step over the line of what is right in Your sight.
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Your Word says, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12). Speak loudly to them whenever there is temptation to do something they shouldn't, and make them strong enough in You to stand for what's right and say "no" to sexual immorality. May Your grace enable them to be committed to staying pure so that they will receive Your crown of life.* In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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Flee sexual immorality.

Every sin that a man does is outside the body,

but he who commits sexual immorality

sins against his own body.

- I Corinthians 6:18

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information at the bottom of the page. Stay tuned next week for your chance to win a copy of this book!

Day 23: Avoiding Alcohol, Drugs, and Other Addictions

Therefore, whether you eat or drink,

or whatever you do,

do all to the glory of God.

- I Corinthians 10:31

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Lord, I pray that you would keep David and Elizabeth free from any addiction - especially to alcohol or drugs. Make them strong in You, draw them close and enable them to put You in control of their lives. Speak to their hearts, show them the path they should walk, and help them see that protecting their bodies from things that destroy is part of their service to You.
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I pray that You, Lord, would thwart any plan Satan has to destroy their lives through alcohol and drugs, and take away anything in their personality that would be drawn to those substances. Your Word says, "There is a way that seems right to to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 16:25). Give them discernment and strength to be able to say "no" to things that bring death and "yes" to the things of God that bring life. May they clearly see the truth wherever tempted and be delivered from the evil one whenever trapped. Enable them to choose life in whatever they do, and may their only addiction be to the things of God.
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In Jesus' name I pray that everything they do with their bodies be done for Your glory. Amen.*
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I have set before you life and death,

blessing and cursing;

therefore choose life,

that both you and your descendants may live.

- Deuteronomy 30:19

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Therefore if the Son makes you free,

you shall be free indeed.

- John 8:36

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** Would you like to win a copy of this book? Watch for a contest next week to win your own copy of The Power of a Praying Parent! **
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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information at the bottom of the page.

Day 22: Destroying an Inheritance of Family Bondage

If anyone is in Christ,

he is a new creation;

old things have passed away:

behold, all things have become new.

- II Corinthians 5:17

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Lord, You have said in Your Word that a good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children (Proverbs 13:22). I pray that the inheritance I leave to my children will be the rewards of a godly life and a clean heart before You. To make sure that happens, I ask that wherever there is a sinful trait in me that I have acquired from my family, deliver me from it now in the name of Jesus. I confess my sins to You. I ask for forgiveness and restoration, knowing Your Word says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9). I know that cleansing from sin through confession lessens the possibility of passing the habit of sin on to my child.
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Jesus said, "I give you the authority... over all the powers of the enemy" (Luke 10:19). If there is any work of the enemy in my past that seeks to encroach upon the lives of my children, I break it now by the power and authority given me in Jesus Christ. I pray specifically for the lack of desire to attend church (name something you see in yourself or your family that you don't want passed to your child). Whatever is not Your will for our lives, I reject as sin.
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Thank You, Jesus, that You came to set us free from the past. We refuse to live bound by it. Thank You, Father, that You have "qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light" (Colossians 1:12). I pray that my son and daughter will not inherit any sin trait from their earthly family, but will "inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34). Thank You, Jesus, that in You the old has passed away and all things are new. In Jesus' name, Amen.*
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Stand fast therefore in the liberty
by which Christ has made us free,
and do not be entangled again
with a yoke of bondage.
- Galatians 5:1

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** Please pray for the Fry family today. At 2pm they will be having the funeral for their 22 year old son who died in a motorcycle accident on Sunday. Mr. Fry is a pastor in my home town. Aaron was a senior at Abilene Christian University and left behind Mom, Dad and one sister, Brittany (who attended the birth of my first child). **
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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information is at the bottom of the page.

Day 21: Inviting the Joy of the Lord

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.

- Isaiah 61:1-3

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He brought forth His people with joy.

- Psalm 105:43

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Lord, I pray that David and Elizabeth be given the gift of joy. (I think I need this prayer today, too.) Let the spirit of joy rise up in our hearts this day and may we know the fullness of joy that is found only in Your presence. Help us to understand that true happiness and joy are found only in You.
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Whenever my children or myself are overtaken by negative emotions, surround us with Your love. Teach us to say, "This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). Deliver us from despair, depression, loneliness, discouragement, anger or rejection. May these negative attitudes have no place in David, Elizabeth or their Mom. Nor shall they be a lasting part of our lives. May we decide in our hearts, "My soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation" (Psalm 35:9).
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I know, Lord, that any negative emotions my children feel are lies, as are any that I feel, and are contrary to the truth of Your Word. Plant Your Word firmly in our hearts and increase our faith daily. Enable us to abide in Your love and derive strength from the joy of the Lord, this day and forever.*
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You will show me the path of life;

in Your presence is fullness of joy;

at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

- Psalm 16:11

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Now may the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

that you may abound in hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

- Romans 15:13

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information is at the bottom of the page.

Day 20: Receiving a Sound Mind

Let this mind be in you

which was also in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 2:5

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God is not the author of confusion

but of peace.

- I Corinthians 14:33

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Lord, thank you for promising us a sound mind. I lay claim to that promise for David and Elizabeth. I pray that their minds be clear, alert, bright, intelligent, stable, peaceful and uncluttered. I pray there be no confusion, no dullness, and no unbalanced, scattered, unorganized or negative thinking. I pray that their minds will not be filled with complex or confusing thoughts. Rather, give them clarity of mind so that they are able to think straight at all times. Give them the ability to make clear decisions, to understand all they need to know, and to be able to focus on what they need to do. Where there is now any mental instability, impairment or dysfunction, I seek healing in Jesus' name. May they be renewed in the spirit of their minds (Ephesians 4:23) and have the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16).
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I pray that they will so love the Lord with all their heart, soul and mind that there will be no room in their hearts for the lies of the enemy or the clamoring of the world. May the Word of God take root in their hearts and fill their minds with things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Give them understanding that what goes into their minds becomes a part of them, so that they will weigh carefully what they see and hear.
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You have said, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3). I pray that their faith in You and Your Word will grow daily so that they will live forever in peace and soundness of mind.* In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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Do not be conformed to this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that you may prove what is the good and acceptable

and perfect will of God.

- Romans 12:2

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This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord,

that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk,

in the futility of their mind,

having their understanding darkened,

being alienated from the life of God,

because of the ignorance that is in them,

because of the blindness of their heart.

- Ephesians 4:17-18

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information at the bottom of the page.
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** NOTE ** I would like to encourage my readers (if I have any!) to leave a comment if you'd like to discuss any topic of prayer we discuss, or if you have any special prayer requests.

Day 19: Enjoying Freedom from Fear

Fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

- Isaiah 41:10

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Lord, Your Word says, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4). I seek You this day, believing that You hear me, and I pray that You will deliver David and Elizabeth from any fear that threatens to overtake them. You said You have "not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (II Timothy 1:7). Flood them with Your love and wash away all fear and doubt. Give them a sense of Your loving presence that far outweighs any fear that would threaten to overtake them. Help them to rely on Your power in such a manner that it establishes strong confidence and faith in You. Give them a mind so sound that they can recognize any false evidence the devil presents to them and identify it as having no basis in reality.
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Wherever there is real danger or good reason to fear, given David and Elizabeth wisdom, protect them, and draw them close to you. Help them not to deny their fears, but take them to You in prayer and seek deliverance from those fears. I pray that as they draw close to You, Your love will penetrate their lives and crowd out all fear. Plant Your Word in their hearts. Let faith take rot in their minds and souls as they grow in Your Word.
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Thank you, Lord, for Your promise to deliver us from all our fears. In Jesus' name I pray for freedom from fear on behalf of my child this day. * Amen.
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He shall cover you with His feathers,

and under His wings you shall take refuge;

His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,

not of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

- Psalm 91:4-6

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The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?

- Psalm 27:1

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information at the bottom of this page.

Day 18: Praying Through a Child's Room

You shall take the anointing oil,

and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it;

and you shall hallow it and all its utensils,

and it shall be holy.

- Exodus40:9

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Lord, I invite Your Holy Spirit to dwell in this room, which belongs to David and Elizabeth. You are Lord over heaven and earth, and I proclaim that You are Lord over this room as well. Flood it with Your light and life. Crowd out any darkness which seeks to impose itself here, and let no spirits of fear, depression, anger, doubt, anxiety, rebelliousness, or hatred find any place here. I pray that nothing will come into this room that is not brought by You, Lord. If there is anything here that should not be, show me so it can be taken out.
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Put Your complete protection over this room so that evil cannot enter here by any means. Fill this room with Your love, peace and joy. I pray that my child will say, as David in the Bible did, "I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set nothing wicked before my eyes" (Psalm 101:2-3. I pray that You, Lord, will make this room a holy place, sanctified for Your glory.*
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*Make this prayer your own! From the book The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information at the bottom of the page.

Day 17: Staying Attracted to Holiness and Purity

Even a child is known by his deeds,

whether what he does is pure and right.

- Proverbs 20:11

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Let no one despise your youth,

but be an example to the believers

in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit,

in faith, in purity.

- I Timothy 4:12

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Lord, I pray that You would fill David and Elizabeth with a love for You that surpasses their love for anything or anyone else. Help them to respect and revere Your laws and understand that those laws are there for their benefit. May they clearly see that when Your laws are disobeyed, life doesn't work. Hide Your Word in their hearts so that there is no attraction to sin. I pray they will run from evil, from impurity, from ungodly thoughts, words, and deeds, and that they will be drawn toward whatever is pure and holy. Let Christ be formed in them cause them to seek the power of Your Holy Spirit to enable them to do what is right.
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You have said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). May a desire for holiness that comes from a pure heart be reflected in all that they do. Let it be manifested in their appearance as well. I pray that the clothes they wear and the way they style their hair and choose to adorn their bodies and faces will reflect a reverence and a desire to glorify You, Lord.
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Where they have strayed from the path of holiness, bring them to repentance and work Your cleansing power in their hearts and lives. Give them understanding that to live in purity brings wholeness and blessing, and that the greatest reward for it is seeing You.* In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent, by Stormie Omartian. Ordering information at the bottom of the page.

Elizabeth is about back to normal now. Thank you for the prayers. David got sick during the night, but appears to be fine today. Hopefully we're over this and no one else in the house will get sick! Thank you, Lord, for our health and healing!!!

Day 16: Learning to Speak Life

He who guards his mouth preserves his life,

but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.

- Proverbs 13:3

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For out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaks.

- Matthew 12:34

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Lord, I pray that David and Elizabeth will choose to use speech that glorifies You. Fill their hearts with Your Spirit and Your truth so that what overflows from their mouths will be words of life and not death. Put a monitor over their mouths so that every temptation to use profane, negative, cruel, hurtful, uncaring, unloving, or compassionless language would pierce their spirits and make them feel uncomfortable. I pray that obscene or foul language be so foreign to them that if words like that ever do find their way through their lips, they will be like gravel in their mouth and they will be repulsed by them. Help them to hear themselves so that words don't come out carelessly or thoughtlessly.
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Keep them from being snared by the words of their mouths. You've promised that "whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles" (Proverbs 21:23). Help them to put a guard over their mouths and keep far away from adversity. Your Word says that "death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21). May they speak life and not death. May they be quick to listen and slow to speak so that their speech will always be seasoned with grace. Equip them to know how, what, and when to speak to anyone in any situation. Enable them to always speak words of hope, health, encouragement, and life, and to resolve that their mouths will not sin.*
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May I be an example of a pure mouth to my children and all I come in contact with. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Let the words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord,

my strength and my redeemer.

- Psalm 19:14

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But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak,

they will give account of it in the day of judgement.

For by your words you will be justified,

and by your words you will be condemned.

- Matthew 12:36-37

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information at the bottom of this page.

Day 15: Identifying God-Given Gifts and Talents

Each one has his own gift from God,

one in this manner and another in that.

- I Corinthians 7:7

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Lord, thank You for the gifts and talents You have placed in David and Elizabeth. I pray that You would develop in these gifts in them and use their gifts for Your glory. Make their gifts apparent to me, their dad, and to both of them, and show me specifically if there is any special nurturing, training, learning experience or opportunity I should provide for my children. May their gifts and talents be developed in Your way and in Your time.
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Your Word says, "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them" (Romans 12:6). As they recognize the talents and abilities You've given them, I pray that no feelings of inadequacy, fear, or uncertainty will keep them from using their gifts according to Your will. May they hear the call You have on their lives so that they don't spend a lifetime trying to figure out what it is or miss it altogether. Let their talent never be wasted, watered down by mediocrity or used to glorify anything or anyone other than You, Lord.
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I pray that You would reveal to them what their life work is to be and help them excel in it. Bless the work of their hands, and may they be able to ear a good living doing the work they love and do best.
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Your Word says that, "A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men" (Proverbs 18:16). May whatever they do find favor with others and be well received and respected. But most of all, I pray the gifts and talents You placed in them be released to find their fullest expression in glorifying You.*
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May I be a good example by using the gifts and talents You've given me, as well. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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To each one of us grace was given

according to the measure of Christ's gift.

- Ephesians 4:7

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As each one has received a gift,

minister it to one another,

as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

- I Peter 4:10

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information is at the bottom of the page.

If anyone reading this has been praying for Elizabeth's health, thank you! She has kept her fluids down for almost 24 hours. She still lacks energy, but I believe she is on the mend. Please keep her in your prayers today...

Day Fourteen: Instilling the Desire to Learn

A wise man will hear and increase learning,

and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.

- Proverbs 1:5

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Lord, I pray that David and Elizabeth will have a deep reverence for You and Your ways. May they hide Your Word in their hearts like a treasure, and seek after understanding like silver or gold. Give them each a good mind, a teachable spirit, and an ability to learn. Instill in them a desire to attain knowledge and skill, and may they have joy in the process. Above all, I pray that they will be taught by You, for Your Word says that when our children are taught by You they are guaranteed peace. You have also said, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). May they never be a fool and turn away from learning, but rather may they turn to You for the knowledge they need.
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I pray that they will respect the wisdom of their parents and be willing to be taught by us. My they also have the desire to be taught by the teachers You bring into their lives. Handpick each one, Lord, and may they be godly people from whom they can easily learn. Take out of their lives any teacher who would be an ungodly influence or create a bad learning experience. Let them find favor with their teachers and have good communication with them. Help them to excel in school and do well in any classes they may take. Make the pathways of learning smooth and not something with which they must strain and struggle. Connect everything in their brain the way it is supposed to be so that they have clarity of thought, organization, good memory and strong learning ability.
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I say to them according to Your Word, "Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge" (Proverbs 23:12). "May the Lord give you understanding in all things" (II Timothy 2:7). Lord, enable them to experience the joy of learning more about You and Your world.* In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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All your children shall be taught by the Lord,

and great shall be the peace of your children.

- Isaiah 54:13

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Take firm hold of instruction, do not let it go;

keep her, for she is your life.

- Proverbs 4:13

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent, by Stormie Omartian Ordering information can be found at the bottom of this page.

Elizabeth finally took 6 oz of pedialite and nursed just a little this morning. Held it down for about an hour before throwing up twice in a row. The doctor can't see us until 2:15.

Day Thirteen: Having the Motivation for Proper Body Care

Lord, I lift up my children to You and ask that You would place in them a desire to eat healthy food. I pray this especially for David right now, who is in the picky toddler stage. I know that throughout their lives they will be tempted to make poor food choices and eat that which brings death instead of life. Help them to understand what's good for them and what isn't, and give them a desire for food that is healthful. Let them be repulsed or dissatisfied with food that is harmful.
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I pray that they be spared from all eating disorders in any form. By the authority given me in Jesus Christ (Luke 10:19), on my son's and daughter's behalf, I say "no to anorexia," "no to bulimia," "no to food addiction," "no to overeating," "no to starvation diets," "no to any kind of unbalanced eating habits."
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Lord, Your Word says, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). Help them to see the truth about the way they are to live, so that they may be set free from unhealthful habits. I pray that along with the desire to eat properly, You would give them the motivation to exercise regularly, to drink plenty of pure water, and to control and manage areas of stress in their lives by living according to Your Word. Whenever they struggle in any of those areas may they turn to You and say, "Teach me Your way, O Lord" (Psalm 27:11). Give them a vision of their bodies as the temple of Your Holy Spirit.
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I pray that they will value the body You've given them and desire to take proper care of it. May they not be critical of it, not examine themselves through the microscope of public opinion and acceptance. I pray that they will not be bound by the lure of fashion magazines, television, or movies which try to influence them with an image of what they should look like. Enable them to say, "Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things" (Psalm 119:37). Help them to see that what makes a person truly attractive is Your Holy Spirit living in them and radiating outward. May they come to an understanding that true attractiveness begins in the heart of one who loves God.
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Establish Your vision of health and attractiveness in their hearts this day, and permanently instill in them the desire to take proper care of their bodies because it is the temple of Your Holy Spirit.*
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Do the same work in me that I may be a good example to David and especially Elizabeth, since I am her mother. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God,

that you present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy, acceptable to God,

which is your reasonable service.

- Romans 12:1

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Therefore, whether you eat or drink,

or whatever you do,

do all to the glory of God.

- I Corinthians 10:31

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information at the bottom of the page.

Please Pray...

Ironically, shortly after I posted this morning about healing, I discovered Elizabeth had just thrown up in her bassinet. She wasn't keeping anything down all day, not nursing, not even pedialite or water. I just finally got about half a juice glass of pedialite to stay down for about an hour. This may affect the time of tomorrow's post... if this continues, we'll be trying to get an appointment with the doctor. Please pray for Elizabeth's healing.

Lord, I claim today's prayer for Elizabeth. You are our Rapha and I place her in your hands.

Day Twelve: Enjoying a Life of Health and Healing

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all His benefits:

who forgives all your iniquities,

who heals all your diseases.

- Psalm 103:2-3

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Lord, because You have instructed us in Your Word that we are to pray for one another so that we may be healed, I pray healing and wholeness for David and Elizabeth. I pray that sickness and infirmity will have no place or power in their lives. I pray for protection against any disease coming into their bodies. Your Word says, "He sent His Word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions" (Psalm 107:20). Wherever there is disease, illness or infirmity in their bodies, I pray that You, Lord, would touch them with Your healing power and restore them to total health.
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Deliver them from any destruction or injury that would come upon them. Specifically I ask you to heal (name a specific problem here - Thank You, Lord, that my children have no specific problems right now). If we are to see a doctor, I pray that You would show us who that should be. Give that doctor wisdom and full knowledge of the best way to proceed.
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Thank You, Lord, that You suffered and died for us so that we might be healed. I lay claim to that heritage of healing which You have promised in Your Word and provided for those who believe. I look to You for a life of health, healing and wholeness for my children. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. *
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He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

the chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

and by His stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

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But to you who fear My Name

the Son of Righteousness shall arise

with healing in His wings.

Malachi 4:2

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information is at the bottom of this page.

Day Eleven: Following Truth, Rejecting Lies

I have no greater joy than to hear

that my children walk in the truth.

- III John 1:4

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Lord, I pray that You will fill David and Elizabeth with Your Spirit of truth. Give them hearts that love truth and follow after it, rejecting all lies as a manifestation of the enemy. Flush out anything in them that would entertain a lying spirit and cleanse them from any death that has crept in as a result of lies they may have spoken or thought. Help them to understand that every lie gives the devil a piece of their heart, and into the hole that's left comes confusion, death, and separation from Your presence. Deliver them from any lying spirit. I pray that they not be blinded or deceived, but always be able to clearly understand Your truth.
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I pray that David and Elizabeth will never be able to get away with lying - that all lies will come into light and be exposed. If they lie, may they be so miserable that confession and its consequences will seem like relief. Help me to teach them what it means to lie, and effectively discipline them when they test that principle. Your Word says that "when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). I pray that Your Spirit of truth will guide them into all truth. May they never be a person who gives place to lies, but rather a person of integrity who follows hard after the Spirit of truth.*
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May their Dad and I always be examples of truth to them. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,

but those who deal truthfully

are His delight.

- Proverbs 12:22

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If you love Me, keep My commandments.

And I will pray to the Father,

and He will give you another Helper,

that He may abide with you forever -

the Spirit of truth,

whom the world cannot receive,

because it neither sees Him nor knows Him;

but you know Him,

for He dwells with you and will be in you.

- John 14:15-17

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information can be found at the bottom of this page.

Day Ten: Being the Person God Created

For You created my inmost being;

You knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise You because I am fearfully

and wonderfully made;

Your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from You

when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together

in the depths of the earth,

Your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written

in Your book before one of them came to be.

- Psalm 139:13-16

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They will spring up among the grass
like willows by the watercourses.

One will say, "I am the Lord's;"

another will write with his hand, "The Lord's."

- Isaiah 44:4-5

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Lord, I pray that You would pour out Your Spirit upon David and Elizabeth this day and anoint them for all that You've called them to be and do. Lord, You have said, "Let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called" (I Corinthians 7:24). May it be for these children according to Your Word, that they never stray from what You have called them to be and do, or try to be something they are not.
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Deliver them from any evil plan of the devil to rob them of life, to steal away their uniqueness and giftedness, to compromise the path You've called them to walk, or to destroy the person You created them to be. May they not be a follower of anyone but You, but may they be leaders of people into Your kingdom. Help them to grow into a complete understanding of their authority in Jesus, while retaining a submissive and humble spirit. May the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control grow in them daily (Galatians 5:22). May they find their identity in You, view themselves as Your instruments, and know that they are complete in You. Give them vision for their lives when setting goals for the future and a sense of purpose about what You've called them to do. Help them to see themselves as You do - from their future and not from their pasts. May the be convicted that Your thoughts toward them are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give them a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
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Teach them to look to You as their hope for the future. May they understand it is You "who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began" (II Timothy 1:9). May their commitment to being who You created them to be enable them to grow daily in confidence and Holy Spirit boldness. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.*
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We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

- Romans 8:28-30

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information is at the bottom of this page.

Day Nine: Developing a Hunger for the Things of God

The fear of the Lord prolongs days,

but the years of the wicked will be shortened.

- Proverbs 10:27

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Lord, I pray for David and Elizabeth to have an increasing hunger for more of You. May they long for Your presence - long to spend time with You in prayer, praise and worship. Give them a desire for the truth of Your Word and a love for Your laws and Your ways. Teach them to live by faith and me led by the Holy Spirit, having an availability to do what You tell them to do. May they be so aware of the fullness of Your Holy Spirit in them that when they are depleted in any way they will immediately run to You to be renewed and refreshed.
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I pray that their hearts will not have any allegiances or diversions away from You, but rather that they would be repulsed by ungodliness and all that is in opposition to You. May a deep reverence and love for You and Your ways color everything they do and every choice they make. Help them to understand the consequences of their actions and know that a life controlled by the flesh will only reap death. May they not be wise in their own eyes, but rather "fear the Lord and depart from evil" (Proverbs 3:7).
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I pray that they will be reliable, dependable, compassionate, sensitive, loving and giving to others. Deliver them from any pride, laziness, slothfulness, selfishness, or lust of the flesh. I pray that they will have a teachable and submissive spirit that says "Yes" to the things of God and "No" to the things of the flesh. Strengthen them to stand strong in their convictions.
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I pray that David and Elizabeth will always desire to be an active member of a Christian church that is alive to the truth of Your Word and the power of the Holy Spirit-led worship, prayer and teaching. As they learn to read Your Word, write Your law in their minds and on their hearts so that they always walk with a confident assurance of the righteousness of Your commands. As they learn to pray, may they also learn to listen for Your voice. I pray that their relationship with you will never become lukewarm, indifferent or shallow. May there always be a Holy Spirit fire in their hearts and an unwavering desire for the things of God.*
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In Jesus' name, I ask these things for my children, for my husband, and for myself.
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Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they shall be filled.

- Matthew 5:6

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Teach me Your way, O Lord;

I will walk in Your truth;

unite my heart to fear Your name.

I will praise You, O Lord my God,

with all my heart,

and I will glorify Your name forevermore.

- Psalm 86:11-12

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I have been crucified with Christ;

it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by faith in the Son of God,

who loved me and gave Himself for me.

- Galatians 2:20

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information can be found at the bottom of the page.

Day Eight: Attracting Godly Friends and Role Models

The righteous should choose his friends carefully,

for the way of the wicked leads them astray.

- Proverbs 12:26

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Lord, I lift up David and Elizabeth to You and ask that You would bring godly friends and role models into their lives. Give them the wisdom they need to choose friends who are godly and help them to never compromise their walk with You in order to gain acceptance. Give me Holy Spirit-inspired discernment in how I guide or influence them in the selection of friends. I pray that You would take anyone who is not a godly influence out of their lives or else transform that person into Your likeness.
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Your Word says, "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed" (Proverbs 13:20). Don't let my child be a companion of fools. Enable them to walk with wise friends and not have to experience the destruction that can happen by walking with foolish people. Deliver them from anyone with an ungodly character so they will not learn that person's ways and set a snare for their own soul.
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Whenever there if grief over a lost friendship, comfort David and Elizabeth and send new friends with whom they can connect, share and be the person You created them to be. Take away any loneliness or low self-esteem that would cause them to seek out less than God-glorifying relationships.
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In Jesus' name I pray that You would teach them the meaning of true friendship. Teach them how to be a good friend and make strong, close, lasting relationships. May each of their friendships always glorify You.*
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I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother,

who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater,

or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner -

not even to eat with such a person.

- I Corinthians 5:11

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Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor stands in the path of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of the scornful.

- Psalm 1:1

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information is at the bottom of this page.

Day Seven: Maintaining Good Family Relationships

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they shall be called the sons of God.

- Matthew 5:9

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Let us pursue the things which make for peace

and the things by which one may edify another.

- Romans 14:19

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Lord, I pray for David & Elizabeth and their relationships with all family members. Protect and preserve them from any unresolved or permanent breach. Fill them with Your love and give them an abundance of compassion and forgiveness that will overflow to each member of the family. Specifically, I pray for a close, happy, loving and fulfilling relationship between David and Elizabeth for all the days of their lives. May there always be good communication between them and may unforgiveness have no root in their hearts. Help them to love, value, appreciate, and respect one another so that the God-ordained tie between them cannot be broken. I pray according to Your Word, that they "be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another" (Romans 12:10).

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Teach my children to resolve misunderstandings according to Your Word. And if any division has already begun, if any relationship is strained or severed, Lord, I pray that You will drive out the wedge of division and bring healing. I pray that there be no strain, breach, misunderstanding, arguing, fighting or separating of ties. Give them a heart for forgiveness and reconciliation.

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Your Word instructs us to "be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous" (I Peter 3:8). Help them to live accordingly, "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). In Jesus' name I pray that You will instill a love and compassion in them for all family members that is strong and unending, like a cord that cannot be broken. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.*

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Now may the God of patience and comfort

grant you to be like-minded toward one another,

according to Christ Jesus,

that you may with one mind and one mouth

glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

- Romans 15:5-6

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information is at the bottom of this page.

Day Six: Honoring Parents and Resisting Rebellion

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Honor your father and mother,

which is the first commandment with promise:

that it may be well with you and

you may live long on this earth.

- Ephesians 6:1-3

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Woe to the rebellious children who take counsel, but not of Me,

and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit,

that they may add sin to sin.

- Isaiah 30:1

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Lord, I pray that You would give David and Elizabeth hearts that desire to obey You. Put into them a longing to spend time with You, in Your Word and in prayer, listening to Your voice. Shine Your light upon any secret or unseen rebellion that is taking root in their hearts, so that it can be identified and destroyed. Lord, I pray that they will not give themselves over to pride, selfishness and rebellion, but that they will be delivered from it.

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By the authority You've given me in Jesus' name, I "stand against the wiles of the devil" and I resist idolatry, rebellion, stubbornness and disrespect; they will have no part in my son's & daughter's lives, nor will my child walk in a path of destruction and death because of them.

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Your Word instructs, "Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord" (Colossians 3:20). I pray that You would turn the heart of these children toward their parents and enable them to honor and obey father and mother so that their lives will be long and good. Turn their hearts toward You so that all they do is pleasing in Your sight. May they learn to identify and confront pride and rebellion in themselves and be willing to confess and repent it. Make them uncomfortable with sin. Help them to know the beauty and simplicity of walking with a sweet and humble spirit in obedience and submission to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.*

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information is found at the bottom of this page.

Day Five: Establishing an Eternal Future

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

- John 3:3

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For this reason, since the day we heard about you,

we have not stopped praying for you

and asking God to fill you with the knowledge

of His will through all spiritual wisdom

and understanding.

And we pray this in order that you may live a life

worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way:

bearing fruit in every good work,

growing in the knowledge of God,

being strengthened with all power

according to His glorious might so that you may

have great endurance and patience,

and joyfully giving thanks to the Father,

who has qualified you to share in the inheritance

of the saints in the kingdom of light.

- Colossians 1:9-12

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Lord, I bring David and Elizabeth before You and ask that You would help them grow into a deep understanding of who You are. Open their hearts and bring them to a full knowledge of the truth about You. Lord, You have said in Your Word, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). I pray for that kind of faith in my children. May they call You their Savior, be filled with Your Holy Spirit, acknowledge You in every area of their lives, and choose always to follow You and Your ways.

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Help David and Elizabeth to fully believe that Jesus laid down His life for them so that they might have life eternally and abundantly now. Help them to comprehend the fullness of Your forgiveness so that they will not live in guilt and condemnation.

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I pray that David and Elizabeth will life a fruitful life, ever increasing in knowledge of You. May they always know Your will, have spiritual understanding, and walk in a manner that is pleasing in Your sight. You have said in You Word that You will pour out Your Spirit on my offspring (Isaiah 44:3). I pray that You would pour out Your Spirit upon David and Elizabeth this day.

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Thank You, Lord, that You care about my children's eternal future even more than I do and that it is secure in You. In Jesus' name I pray that they will not doubt or stray from the path You have for them all the days of their lives. Amen.*

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This is the will of Him who sent Me,

that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him

may have everlasting life;

and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:40

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*Make this prayer your own! To order your own copy of The Power of the Praying Parent, click on the link at the bottom of this page.