Sometimes we are looking for what to pray for our kids or, for some of you, grandkids. Whether I have a long time to pray for my daughter or can just launch a short prayer to heaven, this structure has helped me so much. I picked this up from one of my mentors, Dick Eastman, the head of Every Home for Christ. I have used it often over the years, whether I am praying for Samantha as she is going to bed or in my own time with God. This idea comes from the verse: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). From this, we can easily see the four areas to pray for our children or grandchildren.
1. Pray for their minds.
In this area, you pray that they would grow in wisdom. You may be led to pray for their school or the specific thing they are learning at the moment. You can also pray for the wisdom that you need to teach them as you get opportunity.
2. Pray for them physically.
Jesus grew in stature. If they are younger, you can pray for their development. Even if they are older, you can pray for their protection and for health to be maintained. If they are sick, this is a time to pray for their healing. You can pray for the provision they may need.
3. Pray for their relationship with God.
I pray that my daughter would learn God’s voice at an early age. I pray for her friendship with Jesus. I pray that she would be a blessing spiritually. Pray that your children and grandchildren have a deep love for God’s Word.
4. Pray for their relationship with others.
This is where I pray for my daughters’ friends. I am praying for the kids in her class at school and church. I pray for her teachers she has and will have. Pray that they will have good relationship with the people they meet and will grow in this area.
This is just a system; there is nothing magical about it, but it gives me a framework that is helpful to my prayer life. Along with praying for the current situation in each of these areas, you can also pray each of them into the future.
For thoughts on praying into the future and prayer watch this video:
Kevin Senapatiratne is head spiritual pyromaniac for Christ Connection. Kevin speaks around the United States, helping Christians find the fun of prayer. He is the author of Enjoying Prayer. You can learn more about his ministry at enjoyingprayer.com.
This article originally appeared at christconnection.cc.
Ron Allen 
Eddie Hyatt 
Michael L. Brown 
