Covering their lives with God’s truth

As mothers, we are often driven to our knees in prayer for our children. From the moment we learn we’re expecting until long after they’ve grown and left our homes, our hearts are perpetually whispering prayers for their protection, growth and future.

Welcome to week two of our prayer journey! Last week, we focused on praying for our marriages. This week, we’re turning our attention to one of the most powerful gifts we can give our children: consistent, intentional prayer.

Proverbs 22:6 says:

Prayer is an essential part of this training—not just the prayers we pray with our children, but also the prayers we pray for them when they aren’t listening.

This post is part of the “Praying Through the Busy” free Bible study. Find all the details:

Scroll to the bottom of the post for the link to download the free study guide, reflection questions, reading plan, prayer prompts and more for the week.

The Biblical foundation for praying for your children

Throughout Scripture, we see parents who understood the power of prayer in their children’s lives.

Hannah prayed fervently for a son and then dedicated Samuel to the Lord’s service. (1 Samuel 1:10-11, 27-28)

Job offered sacrifices for his children regularly, just in case they had sinned. (Job 1:4-5)

Abraham prayed God would bless and protect his son Ishmael. (Genesis 17:18-20)

David prayed Solomon would have wisdom, success and devotion to God. (1 Chronicles 22:11-13; Psalm 72)

Mary treasured the prophecies about Jesus and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

And even though Jesus wasn’t a parent, he prayed for believers—including future generations. (John 17:20-21)

So praying for our children is Biblically sound and an important part of parenting.

Why our prayers matter

You might wonder, “If God loves my children even more than I do, why do my prayers for them matter?” The answer is multifaceted.

Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purposes for our children. When we pray, we begin to see our children as God sees them—not just as our babies, but as individuals created for His purposes.

Prayer invites God’s protection over our children in a world full of danger and negative influences.

Prayer gives us peace when we’re worried about our children. As Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us:

Finally, prayer has generational impact. 2 Timothy 1:5 shows us how faith can be passed down through generations, from grandmother to mother to child.

Praying with purpose: How to cover your children in prayer

Rather than just praying generally for our children to be “blessed” or “happy,” Scripture guides us to pray specifically and purposefully. Here are seven key areas to cover when praying for your children:

1. Pray for their salvation and relationship with God

While we cannot force our children to believe, we can pray persistently for their hearts to be drawn to the Lord.

Prayer example:

Lord, I pray that you would draw [child’s name] to yourself. Open their eyes to see your truth and their heart to receive your love. May they come to know you not just as God, but as their personal Savior and friend. I pray that faith would take deep root in their heart according to your promise in Proverbs 22:6. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

2. Pray for their protection

God promises protect us and our children. Try this Scripture-based prayer for your children’s protection:

Prayer example:

Father, according to Your Word in Psalm 91, I ask that You would command Your angels concerning [child’s name]. Guard them physically, emotionally and spiritually. Protect them from harm, from negative influences and from the schemes of the enemy. Keep them safe in all their ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

3. Pray for their character development

Pray that your children would grow in Godly character—developing the fruit of the Spirit in their lives.

Prayer example:

Holy Spirit, work in [child’s name]’s heart to develop Godly character. May they grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Like a tree planted by streams of water, may their life produce fruit that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

4. Pray for their future

God knows the plans He has for your children. Try this powerful prayer for God’s guidance in their life decisions.

Prayer example:

Lord, You know the plans You have for [child’s name]—plans to prosper them and not to harm them, plans to give them hope and a future. Guide their steps according to Your perfect will. Help them discover the gifts You’ve placed within them and use those gifts for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

5. Pray for their relationships

From friendships to future spouses, our children’s relationships will significantly impact their lives. Pray for God’s hand in these connections.

Prayer example:

Father, I pray that you would bring Godly friends into [child’s name]’s life who will encourage them in faith and character. Protect them from harmful relationships. If marriage is in their future, I pray even now for their future spouse—that they would be growing in you and being prepared for a Godly marriage. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

6. Pray for their minds and education

Pray for your children’s intellectual development and for protection over their minds.

Prayer example:

God, I pray that you would give [child’s name] a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you. Bless their education, help them develop a love for learning and guard their mind against deception or confusion. May they take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

7. Pray for their purpose and calling

God has created each of our children with a unique purpose. Pray that they would discover and fulfill their God-given calling.

Prayer example:

Lord, you formed [child’s name] with purpose and called them by name. Help them discover the specific plans you have for their life. Give them courage to follow your leading, even when it might be difficult or different from what others expect. May their life bring glory to your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Praying through different seasons of childhood

Each stage of childhood brings unique challenges and opportunities for prayer. Here’s how to focus your prayers during different seasons:

Praying for babies and toddlers

During these formative years, focus on:

• Physical health and development
• Formation of secure attachment
• Early spiritual impressions
• Protection as they explore their world

Prayer point: Lord, as [child’s name] is developing and growing, I pray that you would form healthy neural pathways and strong physical development. May they feel secure in our love as a reflection of your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Praying for elementary-aged children

As your children enter school and expand their social circles, pray for:

• Educational foundation
• Formation of friendships
• Development of character
• Protection from negative influences
• Spiritual curiosity and growth

Prayer point: Father, as [child’s name] spends more time under the influence of teachers and friends, I pray that your truth would be louder than any other voice in their life. Give them discernment beyond their years. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Praying for tweens and teens

The adolescent years bring significant change and challenge. Pray for:

• Identity rooted in Christ
• Wisdom in decision-making
• Purity in thought and action
• Courage to stand against peer pressure
• Genuine faith that becomes their own

Prayer point: Holy Spirit, as [child’s name] is forming their identity, help them find it in Christ, not in achievements, appearance or acceptance. Guard their heart and mind during these years of change. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Praying for adult children

Our prayers don’t stop when our children grow up. For adult children, pray for:

• Continued spiritual growth
• Wisdom in major life decisions
• God’s guidance in career and calling
• Strong Christian marriages if they marry
• Grace in parenting if they have children

Prayer point: Lord, even as [child’s name] is now making their own decisions, I pray that they would seek your wisdom and follow your guidance. May their adulthood be marked by growing closeness to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Making child-focused prayer a daily habit

Finding time to pray intentionally for our children can be challenging in the busy seasons of motherhood. Here are some practical ways to incorporate meaningful prayer into your daily routine:

Create or print prayer cards

Write each child’s name on an index card along with specific Scriptures and prayer points. Keep these cards in places you’ll see throughout the day—your Bible, bathroom mirror, car dashboard or kitchen window.

These 14 prayers to pray for your children also work well.

Pray during routine moments

Morning wake-up: As you wake each child or see them for the first time in the morning, silently pray Numbers 6:24-26 over them.

School drop-off: As your children exit the car or walk to the bus, pray for God’s protection over their day.

Meal preparation: While preparing food, pray that your children would hunger for God’s Word as in Psalm 1.

Bedtime: As you tuck them in, pray Psalm 91 protection over their sleep.

Establish daily prayer focuses

Assign a different focus area to each day of the week:

• Monday: Character development
• Tuesday: Education and mind
• Wednesday: Friendships and relationships
• Thursday: Protection and health
• Friday: Future and purpose
• Saturday: Specific challenges they’re facing
• Sunday: Spiritual growth and relationship with God

Join with other moms in prayer

Consider starting or joining a moms’ prayer group where you can pray together for your children. There’s special power in agreeing together in prayer (Matthew 18:19-20).

Also, join the free private Facebook group, Christian Moms with Grace, to not only go deeper in this study but share prayers and praises with other moms.

Create a prayer journal for each child

Document your prayers, Scripture verses and how God answers over time. This becomes a powerful legacy you can give your children when they’re older.

When prayer feels unanswered

Sometimes our most fervent prayers for our children seem to go unanswered.

A child struggles with learning difficulties despite prayers for academic success.

A teenager walks away from faith despite years of spiritual nurturing.

A young adult makes decisions that bring pain and heartache.

In these difficult seasons, remember:

God’s timeline is different from ours. What seems like an unanswered prayer may still be in process. God is working even when we cannot see it.

Free will matters. God doesn’t override our children’s choices, but He continually works to draw them to Himself.

God’s ways are higher than ours. As Isaiah reminds us:

Keep praying. The parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18 encourages us to pray and not give up.

A prayer for your children today

Let’s conclude with a prayer you can pray right now for your children:

Heavenly Father, I come before you today as [names of children]’s mother, acknowledging that these precious ones ultimately belong to you. Thank you for entrusting them to my care for this season.
Lord, according to Psalm 91, I ask that you would command your angels to guard my children in all their ways. Protect them physically, emotionally and spiritually from any harm or danger.
Father, I pray Proverbs 22:6 over their lives—help me to train them in the way they should go, according to Your purposes and their unique design. When they are old, may they not depart from it.
Jesus, I echo your prayer in John 17 for my children—that they would be one with you as you are one with the Father. Draw them into such close relationship with you that nothing in this world could pull them away.
According to Ephesians 1:17-19, I ask that you give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they may know you better. May the eyes of their hearts be enlightened so that they may know the hope to which you have called them.
Lord, just as faith dwelled in Timothy’s family for generations, I pray that a sincere faith would take root in my children’s hearts and grow ever stronger.
May they be like trees planted by streams of water as described in Psalm 1, yielding fruit in season, prospering in all they do for your kingdom.
And Father, I pray the blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 over them: Lord, bless my children and keep them. Make your face shine upon them and be gracious to them. Turn your face toward them and give them peace.
I surrender them to your perfect care and loving plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Find more tips and Scripture prayers in the free “Praying Through the Busy” Bible study:

Transform your relationship through the power of prayer

Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

In marriage, those three strands represent you, your husband and God—woven together to create something stronger than any of you could be alone.

Yet as moms, we know the reality: between the chaos of raising children, managing households and balancing work and family responsibilities, our marriages often receive whatever energy we have left at the end of the day—which sometimes isn’t much at all.

This week, as we begin our prayer journey together, we’re focusing on one of the most important relationships in your life: your marriage. Praying for your marriage has the power to transform your relationship with your spouse in ways you might never have imagined.

Scroll to the bottom of the post for the link to download the free study guide, reflection questions, reading plan, prayer prompts and more for the week.

Why pray for your marriage?

Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why. Maintaining a healthy marriage is a struggle in modern culture, and Christian marriages are not immune. The stresses of parenting, financial pressures and simply navigating life together can strain even the strongest relationships.

Prayer creates a spiritual foundation to help us weather these storms together. When we pray for our marriages, we’re inviting God—the very creator of marriage—to be active in our relationship.

Scripture-based prayers for marriage are a great place to start, like this verse in Philippians:

Isn’t that exactly what we want in our marriages? Love that continues to grow deeper and richer through the years?

Starting with your heart

The most powerful prayers for your marriage often begin not with requests about your husband, but with an honest look at your own heart. In Psalm 19:14, David prays:

Before we can effectively pray for our marriages, we need to examine our own attitudes, expectations and areas where we might need growth. Here are some heart-centered prayers to consider:

Prayer for a gentle spirit

Lord, help my words be gentle and life-giving in our home. When I’m tired or frustrated, remind me that a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Give me the strength to respond rather than react, especially when tensions are high. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer for forgiveness

Father, show me areas where I’m holding onto resentment or keeping score in my marriage. Help me embrace the truth that love covers over a multitude of sins. Give me a heart that is quick to forgive and slow to harbor bitterness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer for patience

God, in moments of frustration, help me remember that love is patient. Give me the grace to extend to my husband the same patience you so generously give to me every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Praying for your husband

Once we’ve examined our own hearts, we can turn our prayers toward our husbands. Not with a critical spirit of “fix him, Lord,” but with genuine love and desire for God’s best in his life.

Ephesians 5:25 reminds us that husbands are called to “love [their] wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This is an incredibly high standard—one that requires God’s help to fulfill. Here are some specific ways to pray for your husband:

Prayer for his relationship with God

Lord, draw my husband’s heart closer to you. May he hunger for your Word and seek your presence daily. Help him find his identity and worth in you rather than in his work or achievements. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer for his leadership

Father, give my husband wisdom as he leads our family. Help him make decisions that honor you. When he feels inadequate or overwhelmed, remind him that your strength is made perfect in weakness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer for his work

God, bless the work of my husband’s hands. Give him favor in his workplace and integrity in all his dealings. Help him find the right balance between providing for our family and being present with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer for his protection

Lord, protect my husband physically, spiritually and emotionally. Guard his mind from temptation and his heart from discouragement. Surround him with Godly influences that will strengthen his faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Praying together: The ultimate marriage prayer

Praying together as a couple takes wisdom and practice. Though it may feel awkward at first, praying together is a great tool for building a God-centered marriage.

Couples who pray together report greater intimacy, better communication and stronger overall relationships.

Here are some practical ways to begin praying together, even if you’ve never done it before:

Start small

Begin with just 1-2 minutes of prayer together before bed. Keep it simple—thank God for one blessing from the day and ask for His help with one concern.

Hold hands

Physical touch during prayer creates both physical and spiritual connection.

Use written prayers

If praying aloud feels uncomfortable, try reading a Psalm together or using the Biblical prayers for a healthy marriage below as a starting point.

Pray specifically

Rather than general prayers like “bless our marriage,” pray about specific situations: an upcoming decision, a challenging parenting issue or a work stress.

Be patient

Remember that developing a prayer habit takes time. If your husband is reluctant, don’t pressure him—simply invite him occasionally and pray that God would make it a natural part of your relationship over time.

When marriage is hard: Prayers for difficult seasons

Genesis 2:18 reminds us that God created marriage because “it is not good for the man to be alone.” Yet even with this divine design, every marriage goes through difficult seasons. During these times, prayer becomes not just important but essential.

If you’re going through a challenging period in your marriage, here are some specific prayers that can help:

Prayer for communication

God, when words fail or hurt, help us find better ways to communicate. Bring understanding where there is confusion and patience where there is frustration. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer for healing

Lord, you are the great Healer. Where there are wounds in our relationship, bring your healing touch. Help us extend grace to each other as you have extended grace to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer for unity

Father, in areas where we disagree, help us remember that we are on the same team. As Colossians 3:14 reminds us, help us “put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer for perspective

God, when problems feel overwhelming, help us see them through your eyes. Remind us that this is just one season, and that you are working even when we cannot see it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Practical ways to praying for your marriage a habit

Like any spiritual discipline, praying for your marriage is most effective when it becomes a consistent habit. Here are some practical ways to incorporate marriage prayer into your busy mom life:

Create prayer triggers

Designate certain daily activities as reminders to pray for your marriage. For example, pray for your husband every time you wash dishes or fold his laundry.

Use visual reminders

Keep a small photo of the two of you in your Bible or on your nightstand as a prayer prompt.

Set aside sacred time

Even five minutes of focused prayer for your marriage each day can make a difference. Consider setting an alarm on your phone to remind you.

Keep a marriage prayer journal

Write down specific prayers for your marriage and date them. Leave space to record how God answers these prayers over time.

Pray Scripture

Choose one verse about love or marriage each week (like those in our reading plan) and pray that specific verse over your relationship daily.

Remember: Prayer changes you first

As you embark on this journey of praying for your marriage, remember that often the first person God changes through prayer is you. You may begin praying for changes in your husband or relationship, but don’t be surprised when God begins to transform your own heart, expectations and attitudes.

As you pray, God shapes not just your words but the very meditations of your heart.

A prayer for your marriage today

Let’s end with a prayer you can pray right now for your marriage:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of marriage and for my husband. Thank you for bringing us together and for your presence in our relationship. Lord, I lift my marriage to you today. Strengthen our bond, deepen our love and help us to reflect your love to each other and our children. Show me how to love and respect my husband in ways that honor you. Where there are hurts, bring healing. Where there is distance, bring closeness. Where there is misunderstanding, bring clarity. Help us to be quick to forgive and slow to anger. Remind us daily that our marriage is not just about our happiness but about our holiness—about becoming more like you through the journey of loving each other. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Find all the related posts, videos and resources for the “Praying Through the Busy” Bible study by clicking the image below:

Praying through the busy: Simple steps for moms to deepen faith and family bonds

Have you ever found yourself whispering desperate prayers while hiding in the bathroom for just three minutes of peace?

Or perhaps you’ve offered silent pleas for patience while your toddler has their third meltdown of the morning?

As moms, our prayer lives often look different than we imagined they would. Between the endless laundry, school projects and bedtime routines, finding uninterrupted time with God can seem impossible.

But what if I told you that prayer doesn’t have to be another item on your to-do list? What if connecting with God could become the very foundation that helps you navigate the beautiful chaos of motherhood?

Introducing our FREE study: Praying Through the Busy

“Praying Through the Busy” – a free 31-day prayer Bible study and reading plan designed specifically for busy mamas like you.

Prayer isn’t just something we do; it’s a lifeline that connects us to the source of all strength, wisdom and peace. And as mothers, we need that connection more than ever.

Throughout this month-long journey, we’ll explore what Scripture teaches about prayer and discover practical ways to incorporate meaningful prayer into our daily lives – even in the midst of sippy cups, soccer practice and sleepless nights.

What to Expect Each Week

Our study is divided into four powerful focus areas:

Week 1: Praying for Your Marriage

Discover how prayer can transform your relationship with your spouse and create a foundation of spiritual intimacy in your home.

Week 2: Praying for Your Children

Learn to cover your children in powerful, Scripture-based prayers that will impact their lives today and for generations to come.

Week 3: Teaching Your Children to Pray

Explore practical ways to nurture a love for prayer in your children’s hearts and establish meaningful family prayer routines.

Week 4: Praying for Yourself

Embrace the truth that caring for your own spiritual health isn’t selfish – it’s essential for being the mom God has called you to be.

Each day includes a Scripture reading, a brief prayer prompt and a simple action step to help you apply what you’re learning. Our weekly reflection questions will deepen your understanding and help you grow in your prayer journey.

Finding time to pray in the midst of motherhood

I know. You’re probably asking yourself how you’re going to find time to pray when you don’t even have time to complete a full thought.

Let me be the first to assure you: God understands your season of life. He created motherhood, and He knows exactly what your days look like.

Prayer doesn’t require an hour of uninterrupted silence (though wouldn’t that be nice sometimes?). Instead, it can be woven into the fabric of your everyday moments:

• Morning Moments: Keep your Bible or a prayer journal by your bed and spend just five minutes reading and praying before your feet (or theirs!) hit the floor.
• Kitchen Prayers: Turn meal prep into prayer time by praying for specific family members while you cook.
• Laundry Liturgies: Use folding laundry as a prompt to pray for the person whose clothes you’re folding.
• Car Line Conversations: Use school pickup lines or sports practice waits to have quiet conversations with God.
• Nighttime Whispers: End your day with a simple prayer of gratitude, even if it’s as you’re falling asleep.
• Make Hygiene Habits: When you’re in the shower or brushing your teeth, these can be great times to remember to pray because you aren’t as likely to be interrupted.

God hears every prayer, whether it’s a day-long conversation or a desperate “Help me, Lord” in the grocery store when your toddler is having a meltdown and your teenager just texted asking for a last-minute project supply.

The power of praying Scripture

One of the most transformative prayer practices we’ll explore this month is praying God’s Word back to Him. When we use Scripture as the foundation for our prayers, several amazing things happen:

1. We align our hearts with God’s will. When we pray Scripture, we’re praying God’s perfect will back to Him.

2. We find words when we have none. On those days when you’re too exhausted or overwhelmed to form your own prayers, Scripture provides the words.

3. We build our faith. Praying God’s promises reminds us of His faithfulness and builds our confidence in His character.

4. We teach our children the power of God’s Word. When they hear us praying Scripture, they learn that the Bible is living and active.

Throughout our study, I’ll share simple ways to incorporate Scripture into your prayers for your marriage, your children and yourself.

You don’t have to be a prayer warrior to join

Can I let you in on a secret? I haven’t always had a consistent prayer life.

There have been seasons when my prayers were little more than desperate “Help me, God” moments scattered throughout the day.

But God has shown me that He meets us exactly where we are. He doesn’t expect perfect prayers or flowery language. He simply wants our hearts.

This study isn’t about becoming a “super-spiritual mom” who prays for hours daily. It’s about connecting with the God who loves you and learning to include Him in every aspect of your life.

Join this life-changing journey

Let’s embark on this prayer journey together. Each week will include for free:

• A Bible reading plan with one to three verses per day tailored to busy moms
• Weekly mini challenges to apply what you’re learning
• Short, daily prayer prompts to keep you connected to God
• Engaging blog posts and weekly videos to explore each week’s theme in greater depth

With this study, I’m also offering a premium version that includes everything in the free version plus:

• Everything in the free version—available in one convenient downloadable format
• Longer devotions offering deeper insights and reflections
• Detailed prayer prompts tailored to strengthen your marriage, nurture your children and support your personal growth
• Printable journal pages for personal reflection and gratitude
• Inspiring Scripture and prayer cards to carry with you or share with loved ones
• Practical weekly life application guides to help you integrate prayer into your daily routines

This enhanced edition is perfect for moms looking to deepen their connection with God and explore powerful, Scripture-based prayers for themselves and their families.

Make sure to visit this page to find the links to everything. I can’t wait to go on this journey together!

Join our private Facebook group

And to get even more from the study, make sure you check out and join the private Facebook group, Christian Moms with Grace.

Throughout the month of May 2025, we’ll be having discussions related to this study and a Zoom call to bring it all together.

Find all of our free Bible studies for moms here!