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

.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.*
.
May I be a good example by using the gifts and talents You've given me, as well. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
.

To each one of us grace was given

according to the measure of Christ's gift.

- Ephesians 4:7

.

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

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