June 11, 2026
7 Scriptural Prayers To Pray for Your Kids
LYSA TERKEURST
Lee en español
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 (NIV)
There was something I came to realize pretty early in my journey as a mom that I needed to guard against: Sometimes I wanted to be completely in charge of my kids’ lives … more than even God.
I wanted to write their stories.
I wanted to set the course for their futures.
I wanted to determine what was best for them.
I wanted to prevent them from ever being hurt.
I wanted to be their provider and protector.
Can you relate on any level? I think most moms can. Whether our kids are still in diapers or are grown adults, like mine are now … they are ours to love and lead, entrusted to us by God.
We want to make it all good. But then things happen — things so far beyond our control that we eventually have to face the reality: We aren’t God. And we can’t operate as if we are.
So what do we do with that gap where our mom capabilities end and trusting God begins? How do we deepen our trust in God? How do we make peace with the limits of what we can and cannot protect our children from?
It’s especially hard in seasons of uncertainty, when everything feels scary and every decision feels risky. "Scary" and "risky" are two words we don't want in our kids' lives. What do we do with these worries that can make a mom lose sleep at best — and feel crazed with fear at worst?
Only one thing bridges the space between our limitations and our trust in God: prayer.
I know, I know. That can sound like such a cliché Christian answer. Typical. Too hyperspiritual. Not the answer we want sometimes.
But prayer is the only possibility with real possibility.
That’s why I want to share some specific, scriptural prayers I wrote several years ago to pray over my own children. You can easily switch out the “he” or “she” depending on whether you’re praying for a son or daughter, or you can use their first name.
Here are seven powerful prayers to pray for your child this week:
May he find comfort in Your ability, God, to reach him, hold him, and rescue him (2 Samuel 22:17-18).
Let her find confidence in You, God, even when hard times come and she doesn’t know what to do, by keeping her eyes fixed on You (2 Chronicles 20:12).
Lord, I pray my son will do the right thing in the face of sin (James 4:17). May he be a light to those around him and fight to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
Give her a great desire to accept Your Word, God, and to store up Your commands within her so her ears will turn to Your wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-5).
Lord, lead him to pursue paths of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness throughout each part of his life (1 Timothy 6:11).
God, keep her alert and aware of the enemy’s plans and schemes (1 Peter 5:8-9). Help her stand strong in prayer and under the powerful covering of Your armor (Ephesians 6:10-18).
I’ve prayed these prayers, and I’ve seen the Lord do amazing things in my kids' lives.
I also have days when I fret and worry. My children still make mistakes. But where would we be without the power of the One who answers our prayers? And what might our prayers now be working out for our children’s futures, even if we won’t see it for decades to come?
Moms, even when you’ve prayed for years and you haven’t yet seen God’s answer … remember He often does His best work in the unseen.
Jesus Himself speaks to the importance of praying without losing heart: “Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). He gives us full permission to ask and keep asking. To knock and keep knocking.
Yes, prayer is the only possibility with real possibility. And that brings me to the place where I know I must say … “Hello, my name is Mom. Not God.”
Dear Lord, I’m so thankful for the gift of Your Word. Not only do I find the reminder to pray, but I also find words I can lift up in prayer. I’m trusting You with the hearts and lives of my children as I pray Your Word over them today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What if your family relationships could change for the better? Season 12 of Therapy & Theology, “Fight for Your Family,” is here to help. With episodes from Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, counselors Jim Cress and Rebecca Maxwell, and some special guests, each conversation is full of biblical Truth and practical steps you can apply today. They cover topics like getting to root issues in your marriage, drawing healthy boundaries, fighting for your family in prayer, and so much more. Find all the episodes here, and start listening!
Find everyday encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.
Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (NIV).
What Bible verses do you pray or want to start praying faithfully over your child(ren)? We’d love for you to share with us in the comments.
© 2026 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
