This has become so evident to me over this past week. I have joined the prayer challenge to pray intentionally for my sons in several areas for 21 days ( all the weekdays in April). This is based on the book Warrior Prayers.
I would like to say that this has been a smooth process... it should be easy to pray for our kids right? There have been mornings that I have not wanted to get out of bed but this type of intentional praying needs time. So many times in the past, I have been satisfied with uttering rushed, hurried and often unfocused prayer before I begin my day. Oh but God desires and deserves so much more from us.
Using God's word to pray for my boys has also highlighted areas in my life that God is still working on. As I prayed through topics like obedience, purity, and pride, I was praying these things for my life as well. The will learn so much by watching my life... I don't want to lead them astray because my actions are not lined up with the things they are learning in God's word.
One verse that stood out to me so significantly over these first 6 days of the challenge is Hebrews 13:17a
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.
keeping watch over your souls
These are the words that jumped off the page at me. I am keeping watch over their precious souls. What a huge responsibility!
What also struck me from this verse is that as parents we should be mindful of who else is leading our children, and to pray for them to also lead lives pleasing to God as they too are keeping watch over my kids' souls.
I look forward to the next 15 days of the challenge and pray that it will continue to transform my prayer life to be more intentional. I pray that I will learn to persevere in prayer even when it is hard work!
See what others are learning through this challenge.
Ohh so true. That is the verse that stood out to me through this, too. We have been having an obedience challenge here, with one of our sons. And this verse I have prayed intentionally over him many days this week. Yes, prayers like this take time. Woo wee!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, prayer is hard work, but so worth it. Thank you for sharing your journey so far. May we become more intentional in praying for our children!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right in that this is truly a challenge! But a good one. That is the verse that stood out to me as well. So amazing to consider our job and responsibility. Thankfully we have the Lord's strength and wisdom on our side.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!
Thanks for this post. I love that thought, keeping watch over their souls. A great reminder. Wonderful to meet you on this journey!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragement on my blog! I really appreciate it, and your post expresses much of how I feel - I've realized that I need these prayers for myself too. And yes, keeping watch over souls is HUGE. Thanks for pointing it out.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I can relate - some mornings it was harder than others, but the intentionality is a huge help! Thanks for sharing! (visiting from 21 days)
ReplyDeleteKeeping watch over their souls...what a great way to put it!
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