Being a parent is hard. It’s easy to get focus on the daily struggles and frustrations and forget that each day is an opportunity to teach, guide and grow my children into the unique people God created them to be.
I often come up with goals for how to relate and react to me kids, but goals only go so far. I usually end up ditching them before one day passes. Instead, I’ve discovered the best action for becoming a better parent is sinking to my knees.
Below are five simple prayers that I’ve prayed, inviting God to change me so that I can change how I see my kids and how I handle each day.
1. Lord, give me new eyes. Help me see each challenge as an opportunity to train my children toward right thinking and right living. Proverbs 1:8 says, “My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction” (NLT). Lord, this is a reminder that it is my job to instruct. I shouldn’t expect my children to understand right and wrong. Lord, help me not to let opportunities for training slip by because I don’t want to take the time to teach my children what is right and good. Help me to remember that the small things I teach my children now will be the foundation for all to come in their lives.
2. Lord, give me a new attitude. Remind me that any moment of the day can be a “start over” moment and a chance for an attitude adjustment. My bad attitude comes when I want my way or when I feel others are intruding in my comfort or peace. As Ephesians 4:2 says, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love,” (NLT). I know, Lord, that it’s impossible to be humble, gentle, patient and loving and have a bad attitude at the same time. Change me on the inside, Lord, so I can change my mind and actions.
Click over to For the Family to read three more prayers, inviting God to change you!
Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.
Leave a Reply