When I pray, I know God is by my side. He is there, not passively listening, but hearing me, responding, and sending comfort, help, peace, solutions, and love.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. —Philippians 4:6
As a child to a parent, I pray to a loving, protective, attentive God who is always near. Sometimes I'm asking for help, other times I'm marveling at the hilarity and beauty of parenting, and other times I'm just thanking Him for the many ways He's shown me signs of His provision and love.
Pray without ceasing. —1 Thessalonians 5:17
I have a new habit. When I wake up, before the chaos begins, I resist grabbing my phone and instead close my eyes and pray. I thank God for waking us up and keeping us safe in the night, and ask for help, protection, and direction for this day.
Before bed, we pray as a family, again thanking God for being with us during the day—and whatever else we'd like to tell Him.
But the times I pray the most… well, all day — as I'm driving, making my way through traffic, standing at the kitchen sink with rubber-gloved hands in soapy water, or making dinner. Sometimes my prayers are three-word pleas — "Help me, God" — and other times, I just talk to Him.
We don't have to raise our children alone. In fact, we never will. God has reminded me so many times, especially when I'm afraid or worried, that before they were mine, these children were His. He loves them with a love we can't even imagine.
I hope that in reading the very real prayers that I prayed as a parent, recorded in Help Me, God, I'm a Parent, you are inspired to approach the throne of God with your own prayers for little or big ones.
Praying for our children is a powerful act of love. Prayer changes situations. He's listening. He loves you and the little hearts in your care.
Adapted from Help Me, God, I'm a Parent: Honest Prayers for Hectic Days and Endless Nights by Bunmi Laditan.
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